GBS Theory Workshop No.8
Latin Bass & The Clave
Workshop Details
Session Dates:
- Wednesday 24 June, 3:00-4:00pm BST
- Thursday 2 July, 3:00-4:00pm BST
In GBS Theory Workshop No.8 – Latin Bass & the Clave, we’ll demystify the rhythm at the heart of so much Latin and Latin‑flavoured music: the clave. Rather than treating it as abstract theory, we’ll look at how bass players actually feel and support the clave in real grooves.
Across two one‑hour sessions, you’ll learn the four essential patterns – son clave and rumba clave, each in 3‑2 and 2‑3 – and how to clap, count and recognise them. From there, we’ll build simple, musical bass lines that lock in with the clave without getting too technical. You’ll also see how these ideas connect back to the Latin blues and Bo Diddley grooves from the previous workshop, and how to apply them to vamps, I–IV–V progressions and simple ii–V–I movement.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to:
- Clap and count 3‑2 and 2‑3 son clave and rumba clave, and hear which side is which.
- Play a bass pattern that works with both 3‑2 and 2‑3 son clave.
- Shape a bass line so it “answers” the 3‑side and leaves space on the 2‑side.
- Use a rhumba‑blues‑style bass groove that sits comfortably with rumba clave.
- Move these patterns between I, IV and V and simple ii–V–I progressions without losing the feel.
Level and format
This workshop is aimed at high‑beginner to intermediate bassists. You should be able to play basic grooves and simple 12‑bar progressions, but you don’t need to read music fluently or have any prior Latin theory. We’ll work by ear, with shapes on the neck and spoken counting, plus notation/tab for those who want it.
The workshop is live on Zoom, and full replays and downloadable resources (charts, examples and practice suggestions) are included, so you can revisit the material or still get a lot from it if you can’t attend both sessions live.
Pricing
Same price as previous GBS Theory Workshops, with an early‑bird offer available until Sunday 21 June at midnight.
Price: $70 / £55
Early Bird Price $55 / £40
Replays available after each session so you can catch up or re-watch the workshop in your own time
What players say about GBS Theory 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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What players say about GBS Theory Workshops
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!"
