Instructional Materials:  DVDs and Videos

Rockabilly Slap Bass taught by Lee Rocker

Manufactured by: Hal Leonard

This DVD, by perhaps the biggest name in rockabilly bass, informs and entertains at the same time. Lee Rocker was the co-founder of the Stray Cats, the key group in repopularizing rockabilly through their many hits. He instructs new and experienced players in the spectacular multi-rhythmic slapping that defines this unique bass style. In addition, he shows how to combine right hand techniques with blues bass lines and arpeggios, and gives personal advice on getting the best possible sound. The DVD includes demonstrations of slap bass backed by his band Big Blue. It's a beginner level DVD.

Since the 1950s, when the Memphis-based rockabilly sound first swept the world, the acoustic upright bass has remained its showpiece and rhythmic mainstay. Lee Rocker, one of the masters of the “new wave” of rockabilly musicians, has made an informative and entertaining DVD that teaches the intricacies of the exciting slap bass style to players of all levels.

Slap bass combines the plucking of the bottom notes with the percussive hits that the palm makes when it slaps the strings against the fingerboard. By adding these right-hand techniques to blues bass lines and arpeggios, you’ll create spectacular multi-rhythmic slapping that will stop any show! This DVD also provides valuable tips on amplification, bass set-up and other methods of getting the best possible sound.

Big Blue’s hot performances of Goin’ To Kansas City, Big Blue Train, That’s All Right Mama, The Hucklebuck and Find Another Man illustrate how rockabilly slap bass techniques sound in the context of a live band performance.

Bass Master Rockabilly Separate Components

For the ultimate "everything's included" Rockabilly Pickup set, check out the Bass Master Rockabilly Plus main page; if you already have a bass pickup that you prefer, each piece is also available separately for your convenience.

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