Most bass players feel confident when a chart says “swing” or “blues” – but when it says “Latin”, things get uncertain fast. This two‑part live workshop is designed to fix that, using real Latin jazz standards as the classroom.

Across two sessions (20 and 27 August, 3pm) we’ll look at what the bass actually plays on classic Latin‑flavoured standards and Latin jazz tunes such as Blue Bossa, Song for My Father, Afro Blue and Spain. You’ll learn how to build bossa/2‑feel lines, tumbao‑style patterns, Latin vamps and light 4‑feel bass lines that sit comfortably with the rhythm section and work straight away on real tunes.

Instead of another heavy theory class, we’ll focus on:

• Clear, repeatable bass patterns for ii–V–I and minor ii–V–I in a Latin feel.

• How to handle Latin vamps and ostinatos without overcomplicating the notes.

• When to use bossa/2‑feel, tumbao‑ish patterns or light walking on Latin charts.

• A small “toolbox” of Latin jazz bass lines you can reuse any time the chart says “Latin.”

This workshop is ideal for high‑beginner to intermediate bass players who are comfortable with basic chords and simple walking or blues grooves, and who want Latin jazz to stop feeling like guesswork. All examples are shown on the neck, counted out clearly, and played slowly before we speed them up. Notation/tab and replays are included so you can review at your own pace after the live sessions.

Dates & format

• Live online sessions: 20 August and 27 August at 3pm

• Approx. 90 minutes per session, with time for questions

• Recordings, examples, and materials available afterwards

If you want to know exactly what to play when the chart says “Latin”, this workshop will give you practical bass lines on real standards – and a Latin jazz skillset that stands out from the rest of the GBS Theory Workshop series.