Guitar Lessons with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Educator for All Levels

The Student and Tutor reviewed bass guitar techniques for playing hip-hop basslines, focusing on finger positioning, muting, and reading tablature using an A Tribe Called Quest track as an example. The Student practiced specific exercises to develop pinky strength and control, and they discussed posture and instrument setup. The Tutor offered to send supplementary material via PDF.

Ben Muirhead taught E Floyd the "Jungle Boogie" baseline and the C harmonic minor scale. E Floyd practiced the scale and arpeggios, and Ben emphasized the importance of practicing in time and understanding the relationship between major and minor scales. They discussed E Floyd's possible lesson renewal and Ben encouraged her to explore different fretboard positions.

Ben Muirhead taught Estella Floyd a Paul McCartney bassline, focusing on its structure, melodic and rhythmic variations, and underlying harmony. They analyzed specific sections of the bassline, discussed techniques like muting and chromatic movement, and explored rhythmic concepts such as eighth notes and ghost notes. Ben assigned practice of the bassline, and potentially tabbing it out or recording it for Estella.

In a July 1, 2025 online bass lesson, Ben guided Estella (E. Floyd) through a bass line in drop D tuning, focusing on rhythm, finger placement, and alternative playing options. They discussed past Oasis concerts and future song choices, with Ben offering practice tips and recommending the artist Mon Neon.

Ben Muirhead taught Stella the guitar intro to The Cure's "Open", concentrating on syncopation, finger placement, and rhythmic accuracy. Stella practiced the initial phrases and variations, with Ben providing fingering suggestions and rhythmic analysis. Ben will send Stella a voice memo to help her internalize the syncopated rhythm for further practice.

Ben is teaching E Floyd a challenging bassline from a song (possibly by Julian Casablancas) that requires a bass tuned down a half step. They're working around the low E flat note limitation of E Floyd's standard-tuned bass by adapting the bassline and exploring alternative fingerings, muting techniques, and rhythmic approaches for the verse and chorus. They also discuss exercises, future lessons, and other bands with good basslines.