Tim R. So

I began playing electric bass in 1999 at age 19.  Attended the Patrick R. Brown School of Music in hometown of Franklin, LA, from 2000-20003. Played in a variety of performing/recording bands including pop, rock, jazz, improvisational, country, funk, blues, and reggae. Influences have grown over time, including Sting, Stevie Wonder, Geddy Lee, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Scott LaFaro, Bootsy Collins, James Brown, Noel Redding, Tommy Shannon and many others.  

Beginning students learn the importance of tuning by ear, fretboard basics, and intervals.  Chromatic scales and other exercises are used to develop strength in hands.  Root notes, fourths and fifths are introduced, indicating their usefulness in both major and minor keys and how the bass should always serve the mood of the music. Focus on triads demonstrates differences between major and minor keys and study of chord construction begins.  Pentatonic scales are introduced as a way of navigating through major and minor keys, and application of these scales when jamming with other musicians or constructing blues progressions is discussed at length.  

Intermediate players are shown how major and minor pentatonic scales are the building blocks of the modes.  Modal playing is a focus in my teaching because I feel it provides a solid framework for constructing ones own basslines under given chord progressions and also gives the player a "landing pad" when getting back into the flow of the song following sections of improvisation. Intermediate students are also shown different right/left hand techniques, how finger placement influences sound, and are encouraged to ask for guidance with techniques or styles they are interested in.