Theory Workshop No.7
Latin Blues Bass Grooves
Workshop Details
Session Dates:
- Thursday 14 May, 3:00–4:00pm BST
- Wednesday 20 May, 3:00–4:00pm BST
In this two‑part online workshop, we’ll take the 12‑bar blues you already know and give it a Latin twist. Using clear, bass‑friendly examples, you’ll learn three distinct grooves – Latin/surf, Latin/rhumba and Bo Diddley‑style – and how to lay them onto a standard blues progression without changing the harmony.
We’ll break each line down into simple shapes built from roots, 5ths, 6ths and flat 7ths, then focus on the rhythmic ingredients that make them feel “Latin”: chromatic pushes, syncopation on the “ands” and strong, repeating patterns. You’ll get plenty of guided play‑along time so you can really feel the difference between the grooves and learn to keep them solid at performance tempos.
By the end of the workshop you’ll be able to:
- Play a steady Latin/surf groove over a 12‑bar using roots, flat 7s and chromatic approaches.
- Lock in a Latin/rhumba bass line with simple syncopation over I–IV–V.
- Use a Bo Diddley‑inspired pattern to add rhythmic excitement with minimal harmonic complexity.
- Move each groove between I, IV and V chords confidently in a few keys.
- Swap between straight shuffle and Latin feels over the same tune.
Level and format
This workshop is designed for high‑beginner to intermediate hobby bass players. You should be comfortable with a basic 12‑bar blues and simple grooves, but you don’t need to read music fluently or know detailed Latin theory. We’ll work by ear, shapes and clear counting, with notation/tab provided for those who want it.
Live on Zoom, plus full replays and downloadable resources (charts, examples, practice suggestions) included so you can revisit the material or take part even if you can’t attend both sessions live.
Dates and times
- Thursday 14 May, 3:00–4:00pm BST
- Wednesday 20 May, 3:00–4:00pm BS
Pricing
Same price as previous GBS Theory Workshops, with an early‑bird offer available for a limited time.
Price: $70 / £55
Early Bird Price $55 / £40
Replays available after each session so you can catch up or re-watch workshops
Norman Nimmo-Smith
"By the end of Workshop No.2 I had the confidence to create my own riffs and fills using the pentatonic and blues scales - a rewarding personal achievement"
Martin Carman
"I took part in your Walking Workshop and loved it! Your explanation of why All My Loving works has given me the knowledge and confidence to stray away from the chord tones in other songs. Thanks!"
Ken Suski
"Greg comes through for the working bassist with applying scales and modes to developing bass lines and some great ideas for solos or bass features within a song"
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Lee Fowble
"Thank you Greg for putting together your theory workshop. Beginning bassists should find it to be a perfect foundation upon which they can build upon"
Barry Eisenberg
"I thoroughly enjoyed the GBS 2-part Theory Workshop on chords and chord structures. A great mix of new information and insights combined with a helpful review of some previous materials. Totally worth the time and effort, and am now looking forward to Part 3!"
Laurel Latimer
"With an infectious enthusiasm for bass and a gift for teaching it, Greg's engaging and systematic approach make the Bass Shed an enriching hub for learning and playing!"
