Beginner/Intermediate Bass
Get Yer Bass On! We will delve into tips and techniques to help you be The One people call to play bass in their roots-music ensembles. We will break down the key fundamentals of bluegrass bass focusing on establishing a rock-solid rhythm, simple systems to play by ear, and the ever important what-NOT-to-do. We will also focus on proper technique, a little bit of basic theory, and essential repertoire, gaining the confidence to play with others. For the intermediate players, let’s look at fun techniques such as walking bass lines, grooving beyond the I-V, and maximizing volume and tone. Let’s have fun in this hands-on class and get you functioning in a bluegrass or old-time jam by the end of the week!
Suzanne Adkins
Suzanne has been a rock-solid bassist and vocalist in many Northwest roots-music groups over the years. Currently, Suzanne plays in several well-known NW bluegrass and old-time groups including Midnight45, Old Time Machine, and occasionally Skillethead. She has previously held down the beat for Kristen Grainger & True North and the Knott Bros, among others. She is a gifted vocalist and harmony singer in any configuration she joins. Suzanne is the Artistic Director for the Wheeler County Bluegrass Festival held annually in Fossil, Oregon, and works alongside Dale Adkins as a record producer and engineer for Big Owl Studios in Sisters, OR, providing her own stamp to many bluegrass and acoustic recordings. Her other musical pursuits include serving on the current Board of Directors of Acoustic Sound (Wintergrass) and in the past on the Oregon Bluegrass Association Board.