Bass Legends - Mark King

Step into the world of funk and pop bass mastery with our exclusive “Bass Legends - Mark King” online bass guitar course. This comprehensive program, offered by Licklibrary.com, is your ultimate guide to learning the iconic slap bass techniques and infectious grooves of Mark King, the legendary bassist of Level 42. Taught by the acclaimed instructor Phil Williams, this course provides a deep dive into the signature style that has influenced countless bassists worldwide. Whether you are looking to master advanced slap bass or simply want to learn the secrets behind Level 42’s greatest hits, this structured bass lesson series offers a unique opportunity to elevate your playing.
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Phil Williams Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Phil Williams

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Intro & Slap Technique Overview
2 Love Games
3 The Chinese Way
4 The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)
5 Mr Pink
6 Hot Water
7 Sounds & Techniques
8 Performances

Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill

This course provides note-for-note tutorials for five of Level 42’s most celebrated tracks, allowing you to learn the exact bass lines as played by Mark King. Each lesson breaks down the complex techniques into manageable steps, ensuring you can master them at your own pace. The songs covered are:

  • Love Games: Discover the secrets behind the rhythmic precision and thumb-slapping technique that define this classic track. You will learn to incorporate syncopated rhythms and ghost notes to create a driving, funky groove.
  • The Chinese Way: This lesson focuses on the interplay between finger-style and slap bass, teaching you how to seamlessly switch between techniques. You will also explore the use of octave melodies to create a distinctive and memorable bass line.
  • Hot Water: Learn to create a punchy and energetic bass line with advanced slap techniques and string bending. This lesson will enhance your ability to contribute to the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of any band.
  • Mr Pink: Delve into the technical prowess of Mark King with this intricate track. You will master complex slap bass patterns, harmonics, and high-speed runs, building your dexterity and confidence as a soloist.
  • The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up): This lesson covers the use of chromaticism and syncopated rhythms to create a smooth and groovy bass line. These skills are essential for adding a sophisticated touch to your playing in any musical setting.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced bass players who are looking to expand their technical abilities and stylistic range. If you are a fan of funk, pop, or fusion and want to master the signature slap bass style of Mark King, this course is for you. It is also perfect for bassists who wish to improve their rhythmic precision, develop their soloing skills, and learn how to create memorable and infectious bass lines. If you are ready to take on a new challenge and learn from one of the all-time bass legends, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to do so.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

“Bass Legends - Mark King” is more than just a collection of tutorials; it is a structured learning experience designed to help you internalise the techniques and musical concepts that made Mark King a bass icon. With clear, step-by-step instruction from Phil Williams, you will not only learn how to play these classic songs but also understand the theory and musicality behind them. The course includes detailed breakdowns of each song, close-up shots of both hands, and on-screen tablature to ensure you never miss a note. By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of funk bass, a formidable new set of slap bass skills, and the ability to apply these techniques to your own playing, making you a more versatile and creative musician.

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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with Mark King nor does Mark King perform or appear on this course.*

Bass Legends - Mark King Course Overview

Licklibrary.com is proud to introduce "Bass Legends - Mark King," a specialized bass guitar course designed to delve deep into the techniques and styles of one of the most influential bassists of the modern era. This comprehensive course offers detailed lessons on five of Mark King's iconic tracks: Love Games, The Chinese Way, Hot Water, Mr Pink, and The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up). Each lesson not only explores the technical aspects of these songs but also imparts the musical wisdom needed to master Mark King's signature style. This course is taught by Phil Williams.

Songs Included in This Course

  • Love Games 
  • The Chinese Way 
  • Hot Water  
  • Mr Pink  
  • The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)

Song Breakdowns

Love Games

In the "Love Games" lesson, students explore the rhythmic precision and slap bass technique that define the groove of the song. The tutorial breaks down the syncopated rhythms and emphasizes the importance of timing and dynamics. Learning these techniques offers bassists the ability to inject a sense of groove and movement into their playing, which is fundamental for any bass player looking to elevate their performance in ensemble settings.

The Chinese Way

This lesson focuses on the use of octave melodies and the unique application of funk-based techniques. Students will learn how to employ both finger-picking and slap styles to mirror King's dynamic playing in "The Chinese Way." The ability to switch between different playing techniques seamlessly is invaluable for bassists aiming to diversify their approach and adapt to various musical genres.

Hot Water

"Hot Water" provides an excellent ground for learning advanced slap techniques and string bending. The lesson elaborates on how these elements can be used to create a punchy and rhythmic bass line that stands out in any mix. Mastery of these techniques enhances a bassist’s ability to contribute more effectively to the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of a band.

Mr Pink

This track is renowned for its technical prowess and complex bass solos. The lesson on "Mr Pink" focuses on intricate slap bass patterns, harmonics, and high-speed runs. Learning these advanced techniques not only improves dexterity and coordination but also builds a bassist's confidence in executing solos and fills within a band or as a solo performer.

The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)

The lesson on "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)" covers the use of chromaticism and syncopated rhythms. It teaches how to blend these techniques to create smooth transitions and a groovy bass line. These skills are essential for any bassist looking to add a sophisticated touch to their playing, enhancing both live performances and studio recordings.

Techniques, Sounds, and Gear

Aside from individual song tutorials, the "Bass Legends - Mark King" course includes a dedicated segment that discusses the specific sounds, techniques, and gear used by Mark King. This segment helps students understand how to replicate King’s distinctive tone and how the choice of equipment can influence their sound. This knowledge is crucial for bassists who wish to tailor their tone for different musical contexts or to develop their unique sound.

Benefits

By enrolling in this course, students gain the ability to not only play bass lines accurately but also to understand the theory and context behind Mark King’s parts. These insights allow bassists to improvise and adapt these techniques across various styles, enhancing their versatility and creativity.


List of Techniques Used

Here is a list of the main guitar techniques covered in this course, with links to further resources on each:

Through "Bass Legends - Mark King," students experience a journey through the funk and pop repertoire that shaped an era, guided by the legacy of Mark King’s innovative bass playing. This course not only equips them with technical skills but also with the musicality and expressive tools necessary to evolve as influential musicians in their own right.

Phil Williams playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

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Phil Williams

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