If you’ve ever picked up a short-scale bass and thought, “This feels just right,” you’re not alone. I’ve been spending a bit of time recently with a gorgeous Duesenberg short-scale bass that gives off serious Paul McCartney vibes—and I couldn’t resist diving into a few grooves that capture that magic.
So in this post (and video), I want to share 5 daily drills that are tailor-made for short-scale bass. These aren’t just random exercises—they’re musical, groove-based, and rooted in the kind of lines you might hear on Beatles records or McCartney’s solo work.
Even better? They’ll work great on full-scale basses too.
Why Short-Scale?
Short-scale basses have a vibe all their own—warmer tone, slightly less string tension, and an incredibly playable neck that makes them perfect for players with smaller hands or those getting back into bass after a break.
Plus… they’re just fun.
But don’t let their size fool you—McCartney was no slouch on bass, and these drills will give your right-hand picking technique a proper workout.
What You’ll Learn in This Lesson
Here’s what we cover in the full video lesson:
- Drill 1: A classic one-bar McCartney-style groove to get you locked in
- Drill 2: Adding string jumps for a rhythmic twist
- Drill 3: Fusing the first two into a two-bar melodic riff
- Drill 4: Bouncing off the fifth (instead of the root) for a cool melodic shift
- Drill 5: Wrapping it all up into a challenging and fun two-bar sequence
And yes, I play it all pick-style (which is a little outside my norm). It’s a great way to push your technique and develop new feel.
Try It on Any Bass
Although these drills are designed for short-scale, don’t let that stop you if you’re playing a regular bass. The techniques translate beautifully across all styles and instruments.
Whether you’re just starting out or picking things back up after a break, these grooves will get your hands moving and your creativity flowing.