A bass player’s primary mission is to bridge the rhythmic foundation of percussion instruments with the melodic super-structure of lead instruments and vocals. First and foremost, bass players MUST lock-in with the drummer to form the “pocket” and lay down that essential groove that the rest of band can respond to and play off of. Ask any player or vocalist worth their salt and they’ll tell you that the bass player makes or breaks the music.

Sparking the groove is challenging enough but the modern bassist is also called on to step up-front and treat the audience to a searing and melodic bass solo spiced with a bit of slap, pop and tap. Naturally, this calls for a much broader understanding of harmony and a solid bag of technical skills not previously required for bass players.

The learning path for bass players today goes way beyond simple bass lines crafted with roots, thirds and fifths. And just like other melodic instruments, it’s never too early or too late to learn as much as you can about theory, harmony and techniques that can be applied in both rhythmic and melodic situations.

Stu Hamm’s STU U is a complete course of study for ALL students of modern electric bass. Never before has a bassist of this caliber shared such vast knowledge, in such a comprehensible and accessible way. Whether you’re just starting out or already a working pro, there enough solid material and insight across these four volumes to take your playing wherever you want it to go.

Stu covers it all; rhythm patterns, theory, fretboard navigation, right and left hand agility, harmony, modes, chords, chromatics, arpeggios, stretching exercises, tone, stylistic approaches, muting, hammer-ons, ghost notes, slapping, tapping, improvisation and soloing. Best of all, no tedious theory or boring exercise to struggle through – you will play your way through the entire course working with Stu’s engaging, interactive video lessons and play-along workouts.

Dig in at the beginning and work your way through the entire STU U method or just cherry-something new and cool to bring to the gig tonight – it’s all here!

Stu Hamm U Courses

Choose a course below for full descriptions and video introductions.

Bass Basics

Fretboard Fitness

Slap Bass

Tap Bass