Diving into the world of funk and jazz music, there’s one bass guitar riff that stands out – Super Strut. This Brazilian-inspired groove has been mesmerizing listeners for decades with its infectious rhythm and playful chord progressions.
As a bassist, learning how to play Super Strut can be both challenging and rewarding, pushing your skills to new heights while bringing fresh energy to your jam sessions.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about playing Super Strut on bass guitar – from understanding the song structure to mastering essential techniques.
Understanding Super Strut On Bass Guitar
Super Strut is a funk classic that originated in Brazil and was popularized by the band, The Meters. The song’s structure consists of a repeating four-chord progression played in 4/4 time with an emphasis on the rhythm section.
Song Description And History
Super Strut, composed by the legendary Brazilian musician Eumir Deodato, has gained a cult following among bass guitarists and funk music enthusiasts since its release in 1973.
The song was part of Deodato’s album Prelude, which showcased his incredible skills as a composer, pianist, and producer.
The iconic bass line in Super Strut quickly caught the attention of discerning listeners and garnered widespread praise for Stanley Clarke – then a session player who recorded bass on the track.
His impeccable groove and dynamic playing helped elevate the composition to new heights while serving as an inspiration for generations of aspiring bass guitarists.
Song Structure And Rhythm
Super Strut has a unique song structure and rhythm that makes it one of the most popular funk songs to play on bass guitar. The song is divided into different sections, each with its own distinct groove and feel.
The main groove of the song is based on a 16th note rhythm that creates a driving pulse throughout the composition.
The structure of Super Strut includes an intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. Each section has its own set of chords which allows for seamless transitions between them while maintaining the overall groove of the song.
Understanding these chord progressions is crucial in playing Super Strut effectively on bass guitar as they inform where you should be placing your fingers along the fretboard.
Chords And Techniques Used
To play Super Strut on bass guitar, you need to understand the chords and techniques used in the song. It’s a funky Brazilian-influenced tune, so it has a lot of interesting chord progressions that involve chromatic movement and dominant 7th chords.
The bass line for this song is also intricate and groovy. It features a combination of thumb plucking and popping (also known as slap bass technique), which creates a distinctive sound that perfectly matches the funk vibes of the tune.
The key to nailing this technique is to keep your thumb relaxed but firm when plucking the strings while using your other fingers to pop or pull them in quick succession.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Play Super Strut
To start playing Super Strut on bass guitar, place your left hand on the fretboard and use your right hand to strum or pluck the strings using a fingerstyle technique; keep in mind that this song is played with a Brazilian feel so it’s important to master the unique strumming pattern that gives it its distinctive groove.
Once you have a solid grasp of the rhythm, begin playing through each section of the song – intro, verse, chorus and bridge – paying close attention to chord changes and transitions between notes.
Hand Placement And Fretting
Before diving into playing the bass line for Super Strut, it’s important to understand proper hand placement and fretting technique. When holding the bass guitar, ensure that your left hand is properly positioned on the neck with your thumb resting in the middle of the back of the neck for support.
When fretting notes, use only enough pressure to produce a clear sound without producing any unwanted buzzing or muting. A common mistake for beginners is to apply too much pressure which can cause hand fatigue and affect timing.
Practice slowly at first until you build up muscle memory and confidence in your finger placement.
Strumming Technique
To achieve the funky and groovy sound of Super Strut, mastering the strumming technique is crucial for bass guitar players. The key is to keep a consistent rhythm while incorporating different rhythms and techniques such as muting, ghost notes, and slapping.
To start off with this technique, focus on muting the strings with your fretting hand while strumming downwards with your picking hand. Then try adding some ghost notes or lightly tapping the strings without pressing down on them in between each strum.
Remember that timing is everything when playing Super Strut, so practice slowly at first before increasing tempo gradually.
Tempo And Rhythm
One of the most important aspects of playing Super Strut on bass guitar is nailing the tempo and rhythm. This song has a distinct groove that’s hard-hitting, funky, and rhythmic all at once.
To get started with mastering the tempo and rhythm of Super Strut, it’s best to begin by playing along with the original recording or other instructional videos online. As you listen closely to this high-energy track, pay attention to how each note is played in time with the music.
Keep practicing consistently as this will help improve your timing and accuracy over time.
Playing The Bass Line
To play the bass line in Super Strut, you’ll need to master some funk and Brazilian techniques. Start by positioning your hands on the fretboard with your thumb on the back of the neck and your fingers hovering over the strings.
The groove in Super Strut is heavily influenced by Brazilian rhythms and syncopation, so it’s essential to maintain steady timing while adding accents at strategic points in the music.
You can experiment with different chord progressions and note choices to create variations while staying within the song’s framework. Practice regularly to develop muscle memory for complex passages, and be sure to use tabs or notation when learning any new passages.
Tips And Tricks To Master Playing Super Strut On Bass Guitar
To truly master playing Super Strut on bass guitar, consistency and accuracy are key. In addition to practicing regularly, try experimenting with different sounds and techniques to add your own personal touch to the song.
Practice Consistently And Regularly
To truly master playing Super Strut on bass guitar, one of the most important things you can do is practice consistently and regularly.
Make sure to set aside dedicated time in your schedule specifically for practicing Super Strut on bass guitar. It’s better to practice for shorter periods of time more frequently than longer sessions less often.
If you’re struggling with a particular section or technique, don’t be afraid to slow down and repeat it until you perfect it.
Focus On Timing And Accuracy
Timing and accuracy are crucial elements in playing Super Strut on bass guitar. They enhance the overall groove of the song and make it sound tight and cohesive. To improve your timing, practice with a metronome or drum machine to stay consistent with the tempo.
Take note of every beat, including the rests between them.
One way to develop accuracy is by starting slow and gradually increasing speed as you gain confidence in your playing abilities. Focus on mastering one section at a time before moving on to the next part of the song.
By following these tips, you’ll improve both your timing and accuracy in no time, making for an impressive performance when jamming along to Super Strut on bass guitar.
Experiment With Different Sounds And Techniques
To truly master playing Super Strut on bass guitar, it’s important to experiment with different sounds and techniques. As you practice the song, try adding your own personal flair by adjusting the tone and experimenting with effects pedals.
You can also incorporate various funk and jazz techniques such as slapping, popping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. By incorporating these techniques into your playing style, you’ll not only improve your technique but also develop more dynamic basslines for other songs in the future.
Use A Metronome
Playing Super Strut on bass guitar requires a good sense of timing and rhythm. One way to develop these skills is by using a metronome. This tool produces a steady beat that you can follow while playing the song.
Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the bass line.
Another helpful tip when using a metronome is to practice playing along with it in different subdivisions, such as 16th notes or triplets. This will challenge your sense of timing and improve your overall rhythmic abilities, making it easier for you to groove along to Super Strut’s funky Brazilian-inspired rhythm section.
Additional Resources For Learning Super Strut On Bass Guitar
Discover recommended tutorials and videos, other funk and jazz songs to explore, practice tips, and techniques that will help you further improve your bass guitar playing skills.
Recommended Tutorials And Videos
To master playing Super Strut on bass guitar, it’s helpful to have some visual aids and additional resources. Thankfully, there are plenty of online tutorials and videos available that can guide you through the song step-by-step.
One great resource is instructional YouTube channels like Scott’s Bass Lessons or TalkingBass.
Another option is using a website like ultimate-guitar.com that offers tabs for hundreds of songs, including Super Strut. Tabs provide a visual representation of where your fingers should be placed on the frets, making it easier to follow along with the song.
Other Funk And Jazz Songs To Explore
Aside from Super Strut, there are plenty of other funky and jazzy tunes that you can play on bass guitar. If you’re into funk music, check out classics like “Brick House” by The Commodores or “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” by Parliament.
On the jazz side of things, try playing “So What” by Miles Davis or “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck. These songs showcase complex chord progressions and intricate melodies that will challenge your skills but also help you grow as a musician.
Practice Tips And Techniques
To master playing Super Strut on bass guitar, consistent and regular practice is essential. It’s important to focus on timing and accuracy, as this song relies heavily on a precise rhythm to create its signature funk groove.
Using a metronome is an excellent way to keep time consistent while practicing. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the bass line.
Additionally, try learning other funk or jazz songs that use similar chord progressions or techniques – this will help broaden your musical knowledge and improve your overall bass playing skills in general.
Conclusion
Playing Super Strut on bass guitar can be a great experience for any bassist looking to explore the world of funk and Brazilian music.
Follow our step-by-step guide and focus on hand placement, strumming technique, tempo, and rhythm as you learn how to play the bass line.
If you’re looking for additional resources or tips on playing Super Strut or other groove music pieces on your instrument, check out our recommended tutorials and videos.
Playing bass guitar is all about having fun while unleashing your creativity.
FAQs:
1. What is Super Strut on bass guitar?
Super Strut is a popular funk track composed by Deodato, featuring legendary bassist Stanley Clarke’s groovy lines that have become an essential part of the bass lexicon.
2. How can I learn to play Super Strut on bass guitar?
To learn how to play Super Strut on bass guitar, it’s recommended to start with transcribing the song and practicing the main riff slowly until you get comfortable with it. Then progressively move towards increasing tempo and adding fills based on your level of comfort.
3. What are some techniques used in playing Super Strut on bass guitar?
Some common techniques used in playing Super Strut include fingerstyle playing, slapping and popping as well as various muting techniques like palm muting to dampen string vibrations while maintaining rhythm integrity.
4. Do I need special equipment or gear to play Super Strut on bass guitar?
While special gear isn’t mandatory for playing this track, a good quality amp and distortion effects pedals can help achieve close-to-authentic sound characteristics required for funk styles played at high volume levels with lots of sustain and frequency modulation requirements.