Cracking The Detroit Code
Q: DO YOUR BASSLINES ROCK THE HOUSE? OR DO THEY CLEAR THE FLOOR?
Most of us took up the bass with the dream of being up on stage playing our asses off in front of an audience that's digging what's going on.
But that dream is not reflected in the majority of the education material that's out there in Bass Land. There are plenty of books and courses out there that can teach you how to get real good at scales.
And there are lots of transcription books too - so you can work out how to play through some of your favourite tunes.
But there's nothing out there that will teach you how to create a bass line that will rock the house from a blank chord chart. But there was a guy who literally wrote 'the book' on creating kick ass bass lines from chord charts - his name was James Jamerson.
James Jamerson was the bass player with Motown's House Band - the legendary Funk Brothers. And though there's several books of transcriptions of James's work that you can buy, there's never been a detailed look at understanding his style. And more importantly, there's never been a systematic study of how you can apply the elements of that style to create your own bass lines.
Until now.
INTRODUCING CRACKING THE DETROIT CODE - A UNIQUE, 11 LESSON COURSE CONTAINING A DETAILED ANALYSIS OFTHE STYLISTIC DEVICES PIONEERED BY JAMES JAMERSON.
Cracking The Detroit Code analyzes the bass lines created in the confines of the infamous Snakepit - Motown's legendary Studio A. These bass lines have been deconstructed and during this course you'll learn how to create bass lines from the ground up in this style in a highly detailed and thorough step-by-step system.
The Snakepit was where Modern Bass Playing was invented and then refined over thousands of recording sessions. Whether you like Motown style music or loathe it is irrelevant - the approach to bass lines that was developed in Studio A is just as applicable to other genres like rock, pop, neo-soul, country, 'smooth' jazz, jazz fusion, reggae and more.
THIS COURSE ISN'T JUST ABOUT CLASSIC 'R&B.'
Although the bulk of the Course Material will be taught in the context of classic R&B and the Motown sound, what 's important is learning the principles that were used 40 years to create such classic bass lines as I Was Made To Love Her, Bernadette, For Once In My Life, What's Going On, Reach Out I'll Be There, It's A Shame, This Old Heart Of Mine, Keep Me Hanging On, and many, many more.
Once you've mastered these principles in their original context, you will then be able to apply these principles to other genres. The principal tool that we're going to look at in order to apply these principles is something I've called Deliberate Composition.
DELIBERATE COMPOSITION
Legend has it that the majority of these bass lines were improvised. Back in the day when I studied jazz improvisation I read someone define 'improvisation' as 'composition speeded up.'
And in the course of studying Deliberate Practice - and teaching my previous course, Basslines 101 - I literally stumbled across a technique I've named Deliberate Compostion. This is a deliberate snail's pace composition of lines using the principles we'll be studying - and it's a great way of not only applying these principles, but also of improving your ability level at the same time.
In the early lessons of the course there will be detailed instruction on how YOU can use Deliberate Composition. And there will be several bass-less backing tracks in MP3 format with each lesson so that you can not only create some lines with Deliberate Composition, but then play them in real time with authentic sounding backing tracks. Plus there will be Case Studies where I create lines using Deliberate Composition, and walk you through the creation process so you'll be able to completely understand it by seeing it applied on a bar-by-bar basis.
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| "Cracking The Detroit Code Is One Of The Best Programs Of Learning Bass....Ever. | |
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"I have been playing bass professionally for over 40 years. Having attended Berklee School of Music in Boston (as it was known then), Mannes College of Music in NYC and Jersey City State College and renowned teachers I have worked through countless bass method books, cds and instructional videos. Cracking The Detroit Code is one of the best programs of learning bass ever. |
Paul Wolfe breaks down the style of perhaps the most universally admired and influential bassists of all time, James Jamerson. Paul's step by step approach takes you through the most basic fundamentals to the most intricate elements that Jamerson used to create his ground breaking style. CTDC is not a boring collection of exercises. The student is encouraged from the first step to be creative and compose their own bass lines. This is what Wolfe refers to as "deliberate composition", a great way to develop any style of improvisation. Along the way are numerous examples and play-a-longs so the student can gradually incorporate each element into his or her playing. Each lesson includes exercises written in tab and traditional notation, and the companion videos show you precisely how to execute all of the various elements. The presentation is clear, straightforward and organized so even the beginner can easily digest the material. Any bass player or musician can benefit from studying this material. Thanks Paul." - Sandy Winnerman, New Jersey, USA. |
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What Does Each Lesson Of Cracking The Detroit Code Contain?
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The Cracking The Detroit Code Video Presentations The Cracking The Detroit Code Video Lessons are in '.m4v' format and can be watched on your computer with Quicktime or iTunes (both of which are free for Macs and PCs) - or they can be transferred to your iPhone or iPod. The video presentations are a combination of narrated screen presentations and 'live action' footage of me playing through example |
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The Cracking The Detroit Code PDFs The majority of each lesson will be covered by the video presentations. But every lesson will be fully transcribed in PDF format as well - with all musical examples written out in music notation AND bass tab. |
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The Cracking The Detroit Code Action Plans Each lesson concludes with an Action Plan. Each Action Plan details exercises that you need to perform in order to begin mastering the topics from each lesson. The Action Plan will be both goal oriented and highly specific - so you will know what you need to practice and just as important, WHY you are practicing it.
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The Cracking The Detroit Code Audio Files The main method I recommend for YOU to learn to apply the bass line principles that I'm teaching is by using Deliberate Composition. To give you something to test your 'deliberate compositions' against I'll be creating Motown style backing tracks using a program called Band In A Box.
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THE COURSE SCHEDULE.
Each lesson will be delivered at weekly intervals. .
Here's the detailed course schedule:
Lesson 1: Week 1 - Taking the 5th And Early Chromaticism. Lesson 1 starts out looking at the different uses of the 5th. Even in this early period though there were signs of what was to come - you'll start exploring chromatic approach notes. This lesson will focus on early 60s style shuffle bass lines.
Lesson 2: Week 2 - Injecting Left Hand Rhythm. In Lesson 2 you're going to look at some busier shuffle style lines. And you'll look at injecting some rhythmic intensity through the use of rakes, pull offs and open strings. Although the shuffle lines you're going to look at are still relatively basic these techniques are crucial to master in preparation for the rhythmically complex lines you'll be looking at later on in the course.
Lesson 3: Week 3 - Melodic Building Blocks. In Lesson 3 you'll be adding some melodic building blocks to your toolbox. You'll be looking at patterns using the Root, 5th, 6th and minor 7th. Plus you'll be throwing in some octaves. And some chordal connection patterns. And the rhythmic pulse for this lesson will be the mid 60s uptempo 8th note style bass line.
Lesson 4: Week 4 - Expanding the Toolbox. In Lesson 4 you'll still be working in an 8th note rhythmic pulse, but the lines you are looking at are getting more complex. You're adding in chromatic connectors, chord anticipations and 3rd Drops.
Lesson 5: Week 5 - 8th Notes to 16th Notes. In Lesson 5 of the Course you're starting the transition from 8th note based lines to 16th note based lines. And looking at how to do that. This lesson looks at rhythmic displacement and the the root-5th-octave bounce.
Lesson 6: Week 6 - The 'Lazy' Open String. In Lesson 6 you're going to be focusing on how using the 'lazy' open string approach allows you to really move your rhythmic intensity up a notch. Plus you'll be looking at 'raking' and pull-offs in a 16th note context.
Lesson 7: Week 7 - Stop And Go/Up And Down. In Lesson 7 you're going to look at two techniques to add dramatic interest to your bass lines. You'll look at them individually - and then you'll combine them for greater effect.
Lesson 8: Week 8 - Developing Rhythmic Vocabulary/Bringing It All Together. In Lesson 8 you'll look at how to develop rhythmic vocabulary and then move onto bringing it all together and creating complex yet emotionally satisfying bass lines.
Lesson 9: Week 9 - Applying the Detroit Code To Other Genres Part 1 In Lesson 9 you'll take the Detroit Code and apply it to 8th note based rock (both swing and shuffle). And to simple 8th note based reggae.
Lesson 10: Week 10 - Applying the Detroit Code To Other Genres Part 2 . In Lesson 10 you'll take the Detroit Code and apply it to 16th note based rock - and especially the funk/rock hybrid pioneered by Flea!
Lesson 11:Week 11 - Applying the Detroit Code to Other Genres Part 3 . In the final lesson of Cracking The Detroit Code you'll be looking at applying the Detroit Code to neo-soul, smooth jazz, and some funky-fusion type tracks.
FEATURES OF THE COURSE
1.PDF and Video Learning
When learning new musical concepts, the combination of PDF version of the lesson with video presentations gives you a fuller understanding than either medium on its own. The PDF version allows you to zero in on particular points and read and re-read them - and the Video Presentation allows you to hear the musical examples in context to complete your theoretical understanding.
2. All Musical Examples Played On The Video Presentations
When you see musical examples notated out you can't always imagine how they're going to sound. That's why every piece of musical notation in the CTDC lessons is played on the video presentation portion of the lesson.
3. Teaches A Complex Musical Style In Easily Absorbable, Simple Units
If you've ever listened to some of Jamersons's later virtuosic bass lines you might be concerned that this level of playing is simply light years beyond YOUR current level. In CTDC, the elements of Jamerson's style are taken apart and presented in easy to absorb, and easy to learn sections. Complex bass lines are created by combining and layering these distinct elements.
4. Action Plans For Each Lesson
Taking the learning from each lesson and implementing it is vital for a full understanding. Detailed Action Plans systemize the implementing of the lesson material in step by step fashion.
5. Unique Compositional Exercises
How can I play bass lines that rock the house is a question I get asked a lot.
The spontaneous creation of complex and emotionally satisfying bass lines is the goal of most bass players. In CTDC we use a unique compositional exercise called Deliberate Composition which will not only help you assimilate the different devices taught in the lessons, but can be viewed as 'Spontaneous Composition In Slow Motion.' Over time it will lead to the development of interesting spontaneous bass lines.
6. Clear Teaching Progression From Simple To Complex
Some of Jamerson's later bass lines are almost unplayable feats of virtuosity - but he didn't start out producing lines of this level of complexity. The lessons of CTDC track his Motown career closely - his early Motown lines are relatively simple. As Jamerson grew more confident he developed and used more devices in his lines - until he reached the virtuosic heights of lines like Home Cooking, Darling Dear and For Once In my Life. CTDC tracks and mimics that structure.
7. Musical Examples Presented In Notation And Tab
If you don't read music you might think that you won't have full access to the learning of CTDC. All musical examples are provided with both standard notation, and tab - so that non-readers can follow along and benefit too.
8. The 'Musical Language' Applies To Other Musical Genres.
What if you don't want to play in an old skool R&B style? Although these devices were developed in this context, they can be applied to just about every genre of music. In the later lessons of the course we'll look at how these devices work in rock, funk, country and even hip hop.
9. Bass-less songs cover EVERY key centre
There are 50 'bass-less' songs to accompany the course. Each of these songs is notated out and presented in score form so you can print out these blank scores and write down your own compositions. And then when you've created a composition there is a bass less MP3 for you to play along with.
10. Adding Left Hard And Right Hand Articulations
Jamerson's complex lines were facilitated by his use of left and right hand articulations so that he could get play complex passages at fast tempos. We'll incorporate techniques such as the rake and the open-string pull-off to create faster passages without stretching your current technique level.
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| "Have I mentioned that this course is the best value for money I have come across? I did? Good. Cos it is! " | |
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1. What was the biggest obstacle in your mind that would have prevented you from buying Cracking the Detroit Code? I remember thinking “oh, that’s quite steep” when I read how much the course cost. Now, many months after starting (and I’m not through yet), I think “I’d be prepare to pay twice as much”. Tons of material. But of course quantity isn’t everything, and I have no problems saying “tons of high-quality material”. |
2. What specific feature do you like most about Cracking the Detroit Code? - Paul Hopkins, Schwetzingen, Germany |
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So, Who Shouldn't Join Cracking The Detroit Code? - If you're happy creating root note oriented bass lines in a steady 8th note rhythm then you shouldn't join the Cracking The Detroit Code course.
Who SHOULD Join Cracking The Detroit Code? - But if you want to play interesting and cool bass lines you should join Cracking The Detroit Code. The bottom line is that most of us started playing the bass with the goal of playing in a live band. Playing the bass in a band in front of a wild audience is the most fun you can have without breaking the law. To do this effectively you need the ability to come up with great bass lines. Back in Detroit coming up with great bass lines was just 'business as usual.' Cracking The Detroit Code will show you in step-by-step fashion how to create bass lines using these principles. If you want to play bass in a live band, you should join Cracking The Detroit Code.
How Much Time Will I Need To Practice On The Materials In The Course? There's no right or wrong answer to this question. As a generalization, the maxim that the more time you spend implementing something the better you'll get at it applies here. The more time you spend creating lines with Deliberate Composition the sooner that learning will start appearing in your spontaneous playing.
What Level Of Player Should Take Cracking The Detroit Code? - Cracking The Detroit Code is deliberately designed to be accessible to players who have been playing for a relatively short length of time. Some basic theory knowledge is required - you'll need to know about scale degrees (e.g. 5ths, 3rds, 6ths etc). And it will help if you know some basic chord theory. But that's about it - the beauty of the Course is that it's been designed so that even if you can't play 16th note lines at medium tempos and beyond - YOU can still create 8th note based lines that you CAN play.
Interactivity - Cracking The Detroit Code is not designed as an Interactive Course in the way that say my Protege Bass Program is. But you can always email me questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
"1. I don't read music...I'm worried that I won't be able to access the information"
. All the music examples are presented in notation AND tab, so non readers can access the infomation. Additionally all the examples are played in the video portion of each lesson so you can HEAR how it sounds too.
"2. I want to play a different genre of music - so I'm concerned that the material taught won't be relevant to me."
The material is relevant to just about every genre of music. James Jamerson was the first guy to take the principles of jazz bass line creation and adapt them for a pop context - and all these principles work (and are used) for Blues, Rock, Country, Reggae, Pop and any other genre you can think of. Except maybe Death Metal. If you're into Death Metal....this course is not for you.
"3. I'm still a relative beginner and James Jamerson played some virtuoso lines - I don't think I'm up to that...."
The Course is taught in a linear, simple to complex fashion. Even if some of the later lessons are beyond your current technique levels - you can actually start working on them as a way to develop your technique further. (And the information available in the first five lessons of the course will be accessible to just about everyone and will revolutionize the way you think about creating bass lines).
"4. I'm a busy guy (or girl)...I'm not sure I have the time for a detailed tuition program."
Although the Lessons are delivered at weekly intervals you can take the course at your own pace. Indeed, to apply the Action Plans for each lesson at the depth I suggest will take most players longer than a week. I have a student from the beta run of the course (Nov 2010) who is still working on Week 5. And doesn't anticipate 'completing' the course until some time in 2012.
There's no imperative to study at the publication schedule.
"5. I know this is a non-interactive course...what if I have questions about the course material?"
I'm always around to answer questions. All you need to do is drop me an email or hit me up on Facebook.
"6. My internet connection isn't the fastest...I'm concerned about being able to stream the video portions of the course?"
The best way to use the video portions of the lesson isn't to stream them, it's to download them and then watch/study with them without regard for the Internet. If your connection is slow you can set the video portion of a lesson downloading overnight whilst you sleep...
"7. I don't know a great deal about music theory - I'm concerned this will limit the effectiveness of what's being taught?"
There is a minimum level of music theory required to successfully understand the course. But it's very basic. If you know what a major third is, or a minor third, or a sixth, and understand how to find them on your bass then your level of theory is probably good enough to take the course. (If what I just said is meaningless jargon, then you need to study some basic theory first).
Technical Details For Cracking The Detroit Code
Format: The videos are in M4V format - so they'll play in the majority of media players. My recommendation is that you play them in either Quicktime or iTunes - both programs are available on Mac and PCs. Because the videos are in M4V format you can also transfer them to video compatible iPods or iPhones. The PDF files can be read (and printed out) in whatever PDF Reader you use - if you don't have one, Adobe has a free downloadable reader available. The MP3 files can be loaded onto any MP3 player - or burnt to CD.
Delivery: All the course components are downloadable. You will receive an email with links to the different files in each lesson by autoresponder. Lesson 1 will automatically start within 5 to 10 minutes of you entering your email on the Thank You Page and then confirming your address. And the following lessons will be delivered at weekly intervals.
Payment Methods: All payments are via PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account they are extremely easy to set up and use - or you can pay securely by credit card.
Currency: All payments are in US Dollars. Paypal will convert the USD amount to your own currency when you get your credit card statement. In some cases, depending on where you're from, you may be able to see the conversion rate in your own currency before you pay (this feature is not available for all currencies though).
Compatibility: All M4V files, MP3 files and PDF files are compatible for both Macs and PCs. If you have any issues, don't hesitate to email me and I'll help you sort them out.
Support: If you're having trouble downloading the different parts of each lesson, or finding software to open it, all you need to do is email me. I'll get back to you with answers and help as soon as possible.
What If You Don't Get Value For Money?
There's only two things in life guaranteed - and that's death and taxes.
But I can offer a couple of guarantees of my own to add to those. The first guarantee is that if you do nothing with the information I provide you, don't implement the step by step action plans, don't use the bass less songs and create some deliberate compositions, don't start applying the information to your bass, then I absolutely guarantee you that you won't get any better at the bass guitar. And that your understanding of how to create bass lines that rock the house won't improve.
The second guarantee is if you're unsure whether this material is for you then I can make it as near to risk free as possible. If you find within 30 days of purchasing Cracking The Detroit Code that this course is not for you, then simply drop me an email and I'll refund you 100%, no questions asked
THE $1,000,000 QUESTION: SO HOW MUCH DOES CRACKING THE DETROIT CODE COST?
Payment And Lesson Delivery
Securing your spot is as simple as clicking on the 'Paypal' button below and doing your thang. When you've joined you will be sent a download link to download a short PDF document entitled 'GETTING STARTED' that will show you how to enroll on the list that automatically sends out your lessons. (And yep there's a bit of hoop jumping going on for which I apologize - there's an unannounced bonus waiting for you as a Thank You for going through the hoop jumping!)
Once you're on the Cracking The Detroti Code list you'll get an Introduction to the Course lesson on the day you enroll, Lesson 1 itself will be delivered the next day, and Lesson 2 will arrive 6 days later. The subsequent lessons will be sent out via email at weekly intervals.
TO JOIN AS A PREMIUM MEMBER PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW...
TO JOIN AS A STANDARD MEMBER PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW...
Important Instruction
After making your Course payment you will be directed to download a PDF that will give you on instruction on where to go to enter your email address to receive your lessons. This is the address that you want the Course Lessons to be emailed to - it doesn't have to be your Paypal address.
If You've Still Got Any Questions?
If you've still got questions then use the Contact Form and let me know. I'll reply as soon as I can - usually within 12-24 hours. If it's any longer than that then I probably haven't got your email.
Paul Wolfe, London, October 2011
PS You CAN learn to create bass lines that rock the house and won't clear the floor. This course will teach you how to do it. The sooner you start learning, the sooner you can implement the principles of the Detroit Code in your own bass lines.
And remember you're covered by a 30 Day No Questions Asked Guarantee - so trying out the course is a no-brainer. If the course doesn't work for you for whatever the reason, simply drop me an email within 30 days of purchase and I'll refund your money without question.
