Harvie S

Master bassist Harvie S teams up with guitarist Mimi Fox for a workshop on the art of the bass-and-guitar duo, recorded live at David Gage String Instruments in New York City. This is the second in a series of masterclass workshops produced by David Gage and presented on Mike's Master Classes — a chance to watch two seasoned players explore the duo format together.

Bassist Harvie S shares his methods for getting the most out of the bass with the least amount of effort — and the least wear and tear on the body. The class is built around playing efficiently and avoiding injury, whether you're new to the acoustic bass or have been playing it for years. What's covered Holding the bass Right- and left-hand and arm techniques Playing fast tempos Varying your volume How to practice Harvie closes the class with a solo rendition of "Chelsea Bridge." A practical session for any acoustic bassist who wants to play with more ease and less strain.

Bassist Harvie S covers the fundamentals of jazz bass playing — time, rhythm, harmony, intonation, and how to practice — drawing on his teaching experience at the Manhattan School of Music. The class opens with a solo, unrehearsed rendition of "Beautiful Love," moving through the melody, a walking bass line, and a melodic variation. What's covered Chord fundamentals from a bassist's perspective: why the root and fifth anchor the harmony, and how the third and seventh define a chord's quality and color Using a metronome at very slow tempos to gain real control over timing and dynamics — essential for live and studio work Playing over changes and creating tension with diminished chords How rhythmic choices shape the feel of a performance Jazz as a language: its roots in African rhythms and European harmony, and what that means for the bassist's role Perfect for the new bassist, or the bass guitarist moving to acoustic bass. Harvie also previews future classes on posture and hand positioning for injury-free playing. A comprehensive starting point for understanding the bass's role in jazz.