Notes to Self (and Bassists) Dear Reader

I once saw Jimmy Heath give a clinic in Florida, maybe University of South Florida or University of Miami.
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What I do remember clearly is this:

He took his sax and soloed using one single note.
That’s right- one note.
And he managed to make it super interesting, even thrilling. Super musical.

How?

Well, for one, as a saxophonist, one has breath.

A saxophone can bend, swell, squeak, whisper, scream.

As bass players, we don’t have air, but we have touch. And, it's interesting to think about how we can conjure up those same expressions just using our intention, fingers and strings.

We have:

• Finger attack and release
• Slides, vibrato, ghost notes
• Bending strings, using effects
• Dynamics, muting, rakes, harmonics
• Rhythmic variety and articulation
• Tap it, slap it, thumb it, pop it
• Playing with various octaves of said note

You can think of these as part of our vocal range. Can you think of others? These are ways, how we can shape a single note into a story.

And there’s more:
If you pick one note and just hang out on it while the chords change underneath, cool things happen because while that single pitch is, well, not very varied, the changes put it into different contexts, which creates variation!

🎯 That one note shifts in function and flavor as the chords change.
🎯 It can sound consonant, dissonant, suspenseful, resolved.
🎯 It may feel “wrong” for a second, only to sound like you intended it again on the next chord. So it feels like the chords are catching up to you.

So here’s a challenge:
Take one note. Just one. Tip: The dominant of the key tends to work well. So if the chord changes are mostly diatonic to C, choose G.
And make that G hip, interesting, fun playful.

Try:

• Changing up the rhythm
• Playing with space
• Exploring different octaves, and playing techniques to produce that note
• Try slides, vibratos, trills
• FX pedals!
• Dynamics
• Thinking an emotion, like: a grumpy G. Or a gloomy G. How about a gleeful G? Or is it guarded? Or groovy?

You might be surprised how fun that is. It's super freeing because there is no worry about "what note to play". It gives you space to think about all these other things you can do to make a solo interesting.

Later, when you fly in notes, keep that same attitude, and your solos will likely have more depth!

And you can always do the "one note" concept for a bar or two (or a chorus or two!). If you build up into it it can even sound like a peak, or you can slowly build your solo by starting with just one note and building from there. So many cool possibilities!

We are doing Soloing September in our membership right now. If you'd like to join, you still can. I am teaching from Austria where I am visiting my Mom. No fancy three camera setup but from the heart of the alps.

With groove,
​Ari 🎸

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This Month at ArisBassBlog (Pick yours and join us!):

🌞 S​oloing September - Think soloing isn’t for you? Think again. In this series, you’ll learn simple, musical ways to break out of the box and start improvising with confidence.

No overthinking, no flash required – just clear fretboard moves, smart theory tips, and a chance to explore your creative side in a supportive space.

Let’s turn “I can’t solo” into “Wait… that actually sounded good!”
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👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.
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📖 Reading System - Get the full course for self study.

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🪘 The Rhythm Matrix - Our Fall Cohort is in full swing and closed to new students. But you can take the self study course at any time.

Coming in October:

🌟 T​he Inner Groove Challenge​
Sharpen your timing, strengthen your pocket, and groove from the inside out. A playful groove-boosting series that stands on its own and pairs perfectly with Rhythm Matrix. Whether you’re new to rhythmic training or want extra reps to go deeper, this challenge is your groove workout.
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👂EarTraining Mondays - Most Mondays, Bass in hand! Hear better to play better.
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🎸 Open Pattern Practice - Train your musical mind using our Pattern System Tools
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When you're ready, here’s how I can help you play the way you've always wanted to:

1️⃣ Take a course​
Build your foundation in rhythm, theory, reading, or fretboard fluency.
​Click here for COURSES​

2️⃣ Join a cohort​
Do any of our courses with a group of peers, accountability coaches, regular homework and check-ins with me.
​Check the SCHEDULE for upcoming COHORTS

3️⃣ Practice Live with us​
(Our Live Practice Membership is currently at capacity, but we offer select mini-series a la carte on our schedule)
​Check the SCHEDULE for a la carte SERIES

4️⃣ Not sure where to start?​
Take the Starting Point Quiz and find the best fit for you right now

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