If you’re a fan of funk and fusion music, you’ve probably heard of the song “Dean Town” by the Brooklyn-based band, Vulfpeck. The song features a catchy bassline that blends funk, jazz, and rock influences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Dean Town bass tab and how you can master this funky groove on your bass guitar.
The Origins of Dean Town
“Dean Town” was released in 2016 as part of Vulfpeck’s album, “The Beautiful Game.” The band consists of four talented musicians who are known for their unique blend of funk, soul, and jazz influences. Bassist Joe Dart often takes center stage with his intricate basslines, and “Dean Town” is no exception.
The Basics of the Dean Town Bass Tab
The Dean Town bass tab consists of a repeating riff that serves as the foundation for the entire song. The riff is played in 16th notes and features a mixture of single notes and double stops. The key of the song is A minor, and the riff starts on the fifth fret of the E string.
Breaking Down the Riff
Let’s take a closer look at the Dean Town bass tab riff. The first part of the riff starts on the fifth fret of the E string and goes up to the seventh fret of the A string. This is played twice as a single note. The next part of the riff involves playing the fifth fret of the E string and the seventh fret of the D string at the same time. This is played twice as a double stop.
The third part of the riff is similar to the first part, but it starts on the third fret of the E string and goes up to the fifth fret of the A string. This is played twice as a single note. The final part of the riff involves playing the third fret of the E string and the fifth fret of the D string at the same time. This is played twice as a double stop.
The Bridge Section
After the main riff, there is a bridge section that provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song. The bridge section features a slower, more melodic bassline that transitions back into the main riff. This section is played in the key of C major and incorporates some chromaticism.
Tips for Playing the Dean Town Bass Tab
Playing the Dean Town bass tab can be a challenging task, especially if you’re new to playing funk and fusion music. Here are some tips to help you master this funky groove:
- Start slow: Don’t try to play the riff at full speed right away. Start by playing it slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable with it.
- Focus on timing: The key to playing funk and fusion music is having good timing. Make sure you’re playing the notes in time with the beat.
- Use a metronome: A metronome can be a helpful tool when practicing the Dean Town bass tab. It will help you stay in time and develop your sense of rhythm.
- Experiment with fingerstyle and slap techniques: Joe Dart uses a combination of fingerstyle and slap techniques in the song, so try experimenting with both to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
The Dean Town bass tab is a challenging but rewarding piece of music to learn. It incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and rock, making it a great song to add to your repertoire. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this funky groove on your bass guitar.