Tulsa Time - Bass Note Picking

Lesson Goals:

♦ Reading TAB with chords and bass notes
♦ Learn alternate bass note picking combined with strumming
♦ Learn to play smoothly and in tempo

In this lesson we will expand on the song “Tulsa Time” by incorporating the use of some bass notes to accompany the chords.

This will bring us a new challenge as it incorporates the use of single note picking and strumming at the same time.

Take a look at the diagram below.

Let’s look at the first measure where it says “Bass Notes for E”.  Reading from left to right it tells us that we play the (single note) 6th string open once, and then strum the E chord.

We then play the single note on the 2nd fret of the 5th string, and then strum the E chord again.

This style gives the effect of adding a bass guitar to the mix. Think of it in terms of playing:
“bass note / strum / bass note / strum / bass note / strum / etc…”.

When we reach the B7 chord (fourth measure) we play the first bass note on the 2nd fret of the 5th string, then strum the chord, then play the bass note on the 2nd fret of the 6th string, then strum the chord, and so on.

Practice this very slowly to begin with then gradually pick up speed.