The bass is the most important instrument in the band. Playing the bass is an exercise in minimalism.

For beginners we are very song based and focus on simple grooves. We will learn several easy songs. If there is a song you want to learn, please tell me and I'll write a lead sheet and print it for you by the next lesson. Otherwise, I have a repertoire of simple songs we can learn together.

For intermediate students we will focus on metal and funk songs of the 20th century. We will spend time learning simple playing and jamming techniques. We will focus on tone. We will spend time on music theory to lay the foundations for more advanced work.

For advanced bass students, I specialize in a few areas. I can teach you Rock and Roll, I can teach you Metal, I can teach you Punk, and I can teach you Jazz. Most of the focus of the bass is to make the song sound good as a whole. We focus on getting the most punch for the fewest notes. We will spend time jamming and writing good bass lines. While I can teach you other people's music at the advanced level, I specialize in getting you to find your voice on bass and inspiring you to play your own music from your heart.

I also offer stage performance, music business, and band management lessons.

Here are examples I played on a recent record of a bass part which evolves the feel of the song, and a bass part which acts as a counterpoint to the guitar.

I have a space at Music City Rehearsals at 1353 Bush st in San Francisco. I can also make house visits in East Bay and San Francisco.

I generally charge $70/hr per lesson.

I am available

Monday: 12-8 PM
Tuesday: 12-8 PM
Wednesday: 12-8 PM
Thursday: 12-8 PM
Friday: 12-5 PM
Saturday: 12-5 PM
Sunday: No lessons

In order to fully meet your needs, we will talk on the telephone and have a full assessment of your abilities and goals before the first lesson.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly

paul@bayarealessons.com