Motown Bass Lessons: Learn Soul Basslines from the Legends

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6-week course · Starts May 23


Enrollment closes May 17 $160 total

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About the Course

Learn to create soul basslines in the style of Motown by studying how legendary players build their lines and applying those ideas to your own playing.

In this 6-week course, you’ll work with focused excerpts from James Jamerson and Bob Babbitt—analyzing how their lines lock with the groove, outline harmony, and create movement.

Each idea is immediately applied through a structured practice system, so you’re not just learning lines—you’re learning how to create them.

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Built around classic Motown grooves, this course allows you to focus deeply on time, feel, and note choice within a consistent musical context.

By the end, you’ll be able to build basslines that feel grounded, musical, and stylistically authentic—and understand a system for bassline construction that can be applied across soul and groove-based styles.

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What You’ll Cover

  • How great Motown basslines lock into the groove

  • Understanding how lines support the song and create movement

  • Developing time feel, pocket, and consistency

  • Building lines in short phrases and expanding them

  • Applying one concept at a time within a groove

  • A repeatable system for creating basslines in soul and groove-based music

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Included

  • 6 weekly small-group sessions

  • Course portal access

  • Weekly materials released in advance for preparation

  • Downloadable transcription excerpts and full transcriptions

  • Practice tracks for each week

  • Guided assignments using a structured practice system

  • 1 month free membership to The Bass Shed Academy

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Schedule

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Saturdays — 12:00 PM
Starts May 23
Enrollment closes May 17 — No walk-ins

6 weekly sessions in a small group setting.

Pricing & Enrollment

$160 — Full 6-Week Course

Less Than $27 per session

Make sure your groove is informed by the legends.

Create soul basslines that lock in

Enroll in Motown Basslines
Enroll in Motown Basslines

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Conversations, insights, and stories from world-class bassists, educators, and artists designed to inspire your growth as a musician.

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FAQ

  • Your instrument (bass guitar), cable, tuner, and something for notes.
    Amplification is provided.

  • Suitable for players who may be newer to soul or groove-based music but are not new to the instrument. You should have a basic understanding of your bass, scales, and rhythm.

  • Reading music is helpful, but not required. The focus is on playing, listening, and applying concepts.

  • Yes. Weekly materials are released in advance so you can prepare and develop your jazz improvisation skills between sessions.

  • Gated parking is available. On Sundays, access from Washington due to the Grand View farmers market.

  • Enrollment closes May 17. No walk-ins.
    All sales are final.

  • All enrollments are final. Due to limited class size, refunds are not available once your spot is reserved.

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All Workshops