Bass Around the World #1: Irresistible Baiao Grooves
In this first episode of our brand new Bass Around the World series, we will show you three practical examples of baiao bass grooves—basic, advanced, and slap bass variations. You'll also learn about the rhythm's interesting origins in the northeastern Brazilian state of Paraiba, and the secret to why "Shape of You" sounds so catchy.
What are you going to play?
FOUR root notes: C#, F#, A, and B.
THREE tone materials:
- C# minor pentatonic
- C# aeolian scale
- Passing notes—some cool sounding “out of the box” notes which make the four root notes blend together nicely
Think of scales, pentatonics, and chromatic notes as your basic cooking ingredients. Then, we add rhythmical variations—that's our spices, right?
Want more expression? Add different techniques, vibrato, slides, and/or dynamics in a way that makes you feel good about what you are playing.
However, don’t forget the basics. Emotional expression will come after you master your groove essentials: playing the right notes and being tight with drums or metronome.
Let’s look at a few examples of baiao rhythms: basic, advanced, and slap variation.
Have fun & groove around the world!
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