John Hills Bass Guitar in London

John tutored a group of us in this 'blues to jazz' class about four years ago. I had been stuck for many years with my playing (on guitar) hardly improving. He showed us how, by dividing chords into their various different intervals and having different players concentrate on different intervals eg 3rds and 7ths, root and 5th on bass etc., then the impact of each chord is massively increased. In our case the various intervals were handed out to alto and tenor saxes, bass, two guitars, trumpet and eventually a trombone too. Most of this particular class went on to form a band (to which a drummer and three vocalists have been added) and we gig regularly in North Surrey. The principle of dividing things up between different instruments is the key to a punchy sound. It is counter-intuitive but it really works. John is an ace tutor who knows his stuff and has had a lifetime in live performance and music tuition. I use what he showed us every time our band plays. I recommend him without reservation and for any instrument, not just bass. I also think that if you are an existing blues, soul or R&B band you would learn a lot by hiring him as musical director for a while. And as a bonus the guy has so many connections he could probably find you a horn section too. So many players and bands have benefited from John Hill's tutoring at some time or another that his contribution to music is impossible to map. This guy's good.

John was my bass teacher from 2001-2002 and a wonderful tutor who taught me as a complete beginner (when I was going through my terrible teens!) to basics with an emphasis on both theory technique and practical playing. I still remember his lessons and only recently purchased a Fender P bass (now living in Ireland). I wish I continued more lessons at university, but have joined scottsbasslessons.com online bass school and still remember his teachings!!