Bass Technique Library

Perfect Your Technique Now, Not Later

Transform Your Playing with Solid Technique and Effortless Control

When I was in my early 20s, I played countless 4 or 5 hour concerts in Senegal, often with no break unless the power went out. To perform for that long without cramping or fatigue, I needed impeccable technique. It’s not about pushing harder – it’s about learning how to move efficiently, reduce tension, and play with precision (whilst also being able to communicate with the rest of the band and be comfortable to dance around the stage).

When I started the World Music Method and began teaching on Zoom, I had the unique opportunity to watch dozens of bass players at once in gallery mode. That experience was eye-opening, I saw the same common mistakes over and over again, all relating to posture and technique. I began dissecting my own approach, figuring out what I was doing right and, more importantly, how to explain it.

In recent years, I’ve been performing in Indian devotional concerts, where a single mantra can last an hour, and a set often means playing for four or five hours straight. This level of stamina isn’t about brute force – it’s about learning to eliminate unnecessary tension. When you’re sending signals from your brain to the wrong muscles – your neck, shoulders, upper arms, or forearms – it slows you down and wears you out. By switching off that tension, not only does your speed improve, but your tone becomes cleaner and more resonant.

This course is designed to give you the tools to fix these issues and elevate your playing. If you’ve ever struggled with string noise or buzz, there’s a full module dedicated to getting a clean sound. If you want to increase your stamina and refine your tone, the techniques and exercises here will get you there. Plenty of 20 minute backing tracks to work through these exercises with to take your mind out of the practice and let your body take over.

I’ve poured everything I’ve learned into this library, and I guarantee it will make a significant difference in your playing. If you don’t feel that improvement within 30 days, just let us know, and we’ll refund you in full.

Key Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Master Left and Right-Hand Techniques

Learn proper hand positioning to reduce strain and increase precision.
Develop right-hand techniques like fingerstyle, thumb strokes, and plectrum use for versatile playing.

Achieve a Clean, Professional Sound

Eliminate string buzz and noise with muting techniques for both hands.
Refine your tone through controlled pressure and efficient movement.

Enhance Dexterity and Control

Strengthen your fingers and build speed with targeted exercises.
Navigate the fretboard with ease, playing fluently in every key.

Develop Stamina and Endurance

Learn how to eliminate unnecessary tension for longer playing sessions without fatigue.
Build the strength and fluidity needed for extended performances.

Expand Your Musical Knowledge

Practice scales, modes, and rhythmic variations across the fretboard.
Train your ear to recognize intervals, rhythms, and tonal relationships.

This course is not just about improving your bass technique – it’s about giving you the tools and confidence to play better, longer, and with greater musicality.

Sample Lessons

Meet Your Tutor: Edd Bateman

At 14 years old, Edd Bateman was playing heavy metal basslines in his bedroom when his mother interrupted with an unexpected opportunity. A Zimbabwean Sungura and Chimurenga dance band, Chimanimani, had just arrived in England and needed a bass player—immediately. With barely a week to prepare, Edd took the gig. Within a month, he found himself playing African nightclubs in London, university venues, and even Glastonbury Festival. He stayed with Chimanimani for six years, learning the intricacies of Zimbabwean bass firsthand.

In his early 20s, Edd’s focus shifted to West Africa, where he began intensive training with the Cissokho family of griots in Senegal. Performing marathon five-hour shows alongside Solo Cissokho, Seckou Keita, Sadio Cissokho, and the Jalikunda family, he absorbed the deep rhythmic traditions of Mbalax and Mandinka music. Guest appearances with Cheikh Lô, Orchestra Baobab, and Super Diamono solidified his reputation as a versatile and instinctive player.

With thousands of concerts to his name, Edd has led bands blending African and global styles, including London Astrobeat Orchestra and Edd Bateman’s West African Love Affair. In 2020, recognizing the lack of structured learning for African bass guitar, he founded World Music Method, an online platform dedicated to sharing the techniques and traditions of African and world music.

In 2024, Edd was called in at the last minute to tour with Sahara Desert Blues virtuoso Bombino, stepping onto the stage without rehearsal. In 2025, he expanded his musical journey to India and Pakistan, performing alongside Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan and leading members of the Sham Chaurasi Gharana. His deep foundation in African music allowed him to adapt instantly, navigating unfamiliar repertoire on the spot—a skill that defines a truly masterful bass player.