Beatrice Lang
Carol Kaye is a legendary jazz and pop electric bassist, widely recognised as the #1 studio bassist during the golden age of recorded music. She has played and taught guitar professionally since 1949 and has authored over 30 books and courses on the electric bass, an instrument she is credited with naming in her first book, How To Play The Electric Bass, published in 1969. The book, which has launched the careers of many famous bassists, including Sting, is a great resource for learning how to play the electric bass and has play-along CDs available for sale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Carol Kaye |
| Format | Book and CD set |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Soul, Motown, Gospel, Jazz |
| Contents | Transcriptions of famous bass lines, fingering help, chordal rhythms |
| Notable Reviews | "Some nice bass lines. Kind of thin, no tab." |
| Other Books by Carol Kaye | Bass Grooves: 127 Essential Grooves from Easy to Advanced, Bass Technique Finger Gym |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Transcriptions of famous bass lines
Carol Kaye is one of the most prolific recorded bass guitarists in rock and pop music, with an estimated 10,000 recordings over a career spanning more than 65 years. She is known for her work with The Beach Boys, playing on classics like "Good Vibrations", "California Girls", and "Wouldn't It Be Nice".
Kaye's bass lines are often described as "punchy" and "driving", providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band. Her technique of using a pick (or plectrum) instead of her fingers gave her a distinctive sound.
- "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys: This bass line is not technically difficult, but it is incredibly inventive and has a great groove. It involves a basic descent through the chords Eb minor, Db Major, B Major (aka Cb Major), and Bb Major.
- "California Girls" by The Beach Boys: This song is another example of Kaye's driving and punchy style, providing a solid foundation for the band.
- "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys: This bass line showcases Kaye's ability to create a memorable and catchy groove.
- "River Deep, Mountain High" by Spector: Kaye's solo bass line in this song was a key part of the "Wall of Sound" production, and it is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees: This bass line is considered one of the greatest of all time. While it is credited to Russ Savakus, some believe it was actually played by Kaye.
- "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell: Kaye came up with the introduction to this song, which has become one of the most famous bass lines.
- "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny and Cher: Kaye's bass line turned this song into a super hit.
- "Mission: Impossible" theme song: This instantly recognizable riff is one of Kaye's most famous contributions.
- "Boots" by Nancy Sinatra: Kaye played electric bass on this track, while Chuck Berghofer played double bass.
- "You Made Me So Very Happy": This bass line demonstrates Kaye's versatility and feel for different genres.
Customizing Your Electric Fence Team Builder: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tips for fingering and creating your own lines
Carol Kaye, the #1 Call bassist in Hollywood during the 1960s and 70s, has authored over 30 books and courses on the electric bass, including "How to Play the Electric Bass" and its accompanying series, "Electric Bass Lines". These books are considered the finest in bass lines and are endorsed by renowned musicians such as Professor Joel Leach and Plas Johnson.
The books offer a wealth of knowledge for bassists of all levels, with fun groove lines that include fingering indications to help you create your own lines in various styles. Here are some tips for fingering and creating your own lines:
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you play, the better your technique will become. Carol Kaye's books often come with play-along CDs in slow and medium tempos, providing the perfect opportunity to practice your fingering and build muscle memory.
- Study the Greats: Learning from famous bass lines is essential. Carol Kaye's books include transcriptions of her hit lines from popular songs, such as Ray Charles' "I Don't Need No Doctor" and Nancy Wilson's "Peace of Mind." Studying these will help you understand the fingering techniques employed by masters of the craft.
- Explore Different Styles: Don't limit yourself to one genre. Carol Kaye's books cover a range of styles, including rock, pop, soul, motown, gospel, and even jazz. By exposing yourself to different styles, you can expand your fingering techniques and develop a more versatile approach to creating your own lines.
- Build a Solid Foundation: Before venturing into complex lines, ensure you have the basics down. Carol Kaye's "Bass Technique Finger Gym" helps build stamina, coordination, dexterity, and speed with essential bass exercises. A strong foundation will make it easier to tackle more advanced fingering techniques and create more intricate lines.
- Experiment and Find Your Voice: While learning from the greats is important, finding your unique style is essential. Carol Kaye encourages musicians to create their own lines by providing a solid foundation and then allowing them to experiment. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new fingering patterns to develop a signature sound.
- Seek Additional Resources: In addition to her books, Carol Kaye has authored numerous self-help courses and tutors with CDs, providing supplementary material for aspiring bassists. These resources can offer further insights and exercises to refine your fingering technique and line creation skills.
By following these tips and studying Carol Kaye's comprehensive teachings, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of fingering and creating dynamic and expressive bass lines of your own.
Pairing Your Remote: Electric Skateboard 101
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to play in a variety of styles
Carol Kaye is a renowned musician, having worked as a #1 call studio recording artist in Hollywood in the 1960s and 70s. She has also taught music for over 45 years and has authored over 30 books and courses for the electric bass. Her first book, "How to Play the Electric Bass", was published in 1969 and is considered a classic in the world of bass playing.
The book provides an overview of various styles, including rock, pop, soul, motown, gospel, and jazz. It includes transcriptions of some of Carol Kaye's most famous bass lines from popular songs such as Ray Charles' "I Don't Need No Doctor" and OC Smith's "Little Green Apples". The book also covers different techniques and includes fingering indications to help learners create their own lines in different styles.
While the book does not include tabs, it offers sheet music with bass lines in standard notation. This may be a drawback for some learners who are unable to read music, but for those who can, it provides a great opportunity to learn from one of the best jazz and pop electric bassists.
In addition to the book, Carol Kaye also offers play-along CDs with bass lines at slow and medium tempos, as well as a Guitar CD with chordal rhythm backgrounds, which can be purchased separately. These supplementary materials can be extremely useful for beginners looking to improve their skills and gain a better understanding of the different styles presented in the book.
Overall, "How to Play the Electric Bass" by Carol Kaye is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning the electric bass and exploring a variety of musical styles. With its combination of written instruction, famous bass lines, and supplementary audio materials, it offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Repairing Your Bella Electric Kettle: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The history of the electric bass
The electric bass has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of popular music, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. At the heart of this musical revolution was Carol Kaye, a virtuoso guitarist who inadvertently became a trailblazer on the electric bass.
Kaye's journey to becoming a bass legend began in 1957 when she started doing session work. By the early 1960s, she had already established herself as a talented guitarist, playing with jazz bands in Los Angeles. However, it was in 1963 that her career would take an unexpected turn. During a recording session, the scheduled bassist failed to show up, and Kaye, with her array of guitars always at the ready, was asked to fill in. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of Kaye's transition to the electric bass, an instrument that would become her signature.
Kaye's prowess on the bass was immediately evident, and she quickly became one of the most in-demand session bassists in Los Angeles. Her melodic bass lines and inventive playing style added a new dimension to the backing tracks of countless hit records. Kaye's talent and versatility meant that she was sought after by some of the biggest names in music at the time, including Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, and The Beach Boys. She was also a member of The Wrecking Crew, a group of studio musicians who played on numerous hit records in the 1960s.
Beyond her extraordinary playing ability, Kaye also made significant contributions to music education. Recognizing the need for instructional resources on the electric bass, she authored groundbreaking books such as "How to Play the Electric Bass" and "Electric Bass Lines No. 1." These publications have become essential reading for aspiring bassists worldwide, ensuring that Kaye's techniques and influence continue to shape generations of musicians.
Carol Kaye's impact on the electric bass cannot be overstated. Her innovative approach elevated the role of the bass in popular music, inspiring countless musicians and laying the foundation for the instrument's continued prominence. Kaye's story serves as a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in music, forever etching her name in the history of the electric bass.
Switching Electric Providers: A Guide to Changing Your Supplier
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to build stamina, coordination, dexterity and speed
Playing the electric bass requires dexterity, coordination, stamina, and speed, all of which can be developed with practice. Here are some tips to help you improve these skills:
Stamina
To build stamina, it is important to start slowly and focus on relaxing your arms, forearms, and hands. Take 5-10 minute breaks between playing to avoid tensing up and causing strain. Gradually increase the complexity of your exercises and speed over time. It is also beneficial to find a teacher or another musician to check if you are tensing up and correct your technique.
Coordination and Dexterity
To improve coordination and dexterity, ensure there is space between the fingers of your fretting hand when playing. This will help you develop strength in the correct tendons and muscles of the hand. Start with simple drills and exercises, such as gripping all notes at once with your left hand and gradually building speed with a metronome. You can also play a simple four-note pattern and then shift and play it an octave higher, gradually shifting up the neck of the bass.
Speed
Speed will come with time and accuracy. It is important to start slowly and focus on playing accurately and relaxed before increasing the speed. You can use a metronome to help you build speed gradually and consistently.
Remember to always stretch before playing and stop if you feel any pain or strain.
Electric vs Regular Toothbrushes: Which Cleans Better?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The book includes great transcriptions of bass lines from Ray Charles' "I Don't Need No Doctor", OC Smith's "Little Green Apples", and Nancy Wilson's "Peace Of Mind", among others. It also includes blues, funk, and wild lines, as well as fingerings and a CD with slow and medium tempos of all the bass lines.
The book covers a range of music styles including rock, pop, soul, motown, and jazz.
The book is available as a physical copy, as well as an eBook that can be downloaded from Amazon.
Carol Kaye is a renowned jazz and pop electric bassist who has played on thousands of hit records. She is also a respected music teacher, having taught for over 45 years and authored over 30 books and courses.
