Bass Masterclass Band 2 - Marcus Miller: Bass Book & CD

This book cuts through generalized "funk bass" instruction by zeroing in on Marcus Miller's actual vocabulary: his signature techniques, the specific riffs and licks he built his sound around, and the harmonic choices that define his style. Having both notation and TAB means bassists can see exactly how Miller voices chords and executes his characteristic phrasing, then internalize those choices through their own playing.

Practical and direct. Rather than abstract theory, you're looking at real phrases Miller has played, alongside the techniques that make them work. The writing feels like sitting in a masterclass where someone shows you their actual toolbox, not a hypothetical one.

Intermediate bass players who want to move beyond generic funk and fusion vocabulary and understand how a specific master constructs his lines and approaches the instrument. This works equally well for self-study and as supplementary material in a private lesson setting where a teacher can guide the student through both technical execution and stylistic interpretation.

• Study the TAB alongside the notation to understand both the fingering logic Miller uses and the melodic shape of each line; this dual approach reveals why certain positions on the fretboard matter for his tone and efficiency
• Record yourself playing the grooves and licks at half speed, then gradually increase tempo only once the phrasing and articulation feel natural, not just metronomically correct
• Use the included CD to hear how each technique sits in context; listen multiple times before playing to internalize the tone, dynamics, and response that Miller brings to each figure

This functions as a focused study resource rather than ensemble repertoire. Assign sections as preparation for a student recital where they perform Miller-inspired original bass lines or transcriptions; alternately, use targeted excerpts during ensemble rehearsals to help your bass player bring more sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic thinking to contemporary charts.

• Marcus Miller's signature slap and pop techniques
• Harmonic voicing on bass guitar and chord interpretation
• Transcribing and internalizing riffs, licks, and melodic shapes
• Tone control and articulation for funk and fusion grooves
• Reading notation and TAB simultaneously for fretboard awareness