Interactive style files

First up, here’s a player where you can listen to all of the interactive Style File tracks.

Interactive Style Files by Dave Marks

Between issues 48 and 57 of Bass Guitar Magazine, I ran nine monthly columns called ‘Style Files’.

In each style file, was an original composition that was written to give bass players a taste of that style. Each track had to incorporate a number of set guidelines:

  • The track must be true to the genre it is representing.
  • Where possible, the track should have room for improvisation or interpretation of the bass parts.
  • The bass parts should be of a standard that would show both a player’s groove and in some cases, their ability to ‘stretch out’ on the instrument.
  • The tunes should be ideal audition pieces for someone wishing to join a band or get onto a diploma / degree level college course.

Backing tracks for each of the style file tunes are available from my store on Payloadz.com

From there, you can select high quality mp3′s to play along with. Each download contains:

The original track, with the full band performing.

The track, minus the bass. (For you to practice / play over and put your own stamp on the bass parts, if you so desire.)

01: Skattershot


(click here to view the complete PDF Chart)

Skattershot is a great fun track to play along to. It has an interesting, syncopated bassline which locks in with the drummer and the guitarist’s offbeat skank. There are a few technically tricky parts, so it should hold some challenges for those of you with fast fingers and there’s room for a short bass solo, so you can explore some options and bring your own style to the tune.

BGM49

02: The Ealing Feeling

(click here to view the complete PDF Chart)

The Ealing Feeling is a wicked slice of early 90′s Brit funk, inspired by the likes of Jamiroquai, Incognito and the James Taylor Quartet.

The Ealing Feeling: Bass Solo


03: Ghetto Upgrade

(click here to view the complete PDF Chart)

‘Ghetto Upgrade’ draws on hip hop / contemporary R&B and Jazz stylings to create a phat, sticky R&B groove that’s very tricky to reproduce.

04 Post Xmas Blues


(click here to view the complete PDF Chart)

‘Post Xmas Blues’ draws on jazz and fusion ideas, taking a simple and very common form in Jazz, and playing around with ideas of rhythm in the main menlody and also featuring extended sections for your own improvisations.

Post Xmas Blues: The Bass Solo

I’ll be getting a free pdf transcription of the bass solo up asap.

Feel free to leave comments and let me know what you think of the track…

05 Standstill


(click here to view the complete PDF Chart)

‘Standstill’ has turned into something of a monster. It starts out mixing sampled percussion loops and live drums with acoustic sounding instruments (think Pat Metheny with a bit of programming) It then turns into a more full on dance type track, but with some fusion style guitar, and ends with a more straighahead rock feel. It started as very simple idea…

06 Love To Love You


‘Love to Love You’ is a shuffle tune inspired by the raw, energetic style of blues that Stevie Ray Vaughan was loved for. It’s fairly straightforward for a bassist to play, but requires great time, tone and feel. This is one for you to really lock in with the drummer and groove on from start till finish!

07  Three Step Boogie


.‘Three Step Boogie’ is a Boogie tune inspired by the roekced-up style of blues that Gary Moore is famous for. It has breaks, so you have to stay silent and well muted, be controlled with your timing and lock in with the syncopated hits in the verse. The choruses are all about driving it forward and there’s even a funky half-time shuffle in the middle sections. Enjoy!

08 Ghosts

Ghosts is a brooding Blues Ballad in C Minor. Try and keep your note choice tasteful on this one, make a good use of space and really try and follow the dynamics of the band. When it’s quiet, play like a whisper and when it’s loud, smash it!