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Post subject: a guitarists confession
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:15 pm
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Ok guys, I need some serious help.

I'm a guitarist. thats my main instrument and has been for about 6 years now. Bass has always appealed to me, and ive picked it up here and there, for fun and maybe some back tracking, but its never been my main focus.

now here's my problem. I was offered to play bass in a blues trio, with a great guitarist and drummer so I went for it. I can play decent blues bass and figured I could adapt well enough.

we jammed last night and everything went really well, but i found out that we have a gig at a Haiti benefit concert in a week! im really worried that having not played bass much i wont be able to do well enough.

are there any tips, or tricks, or advice that anyone here could give me? we jammed really well, and i did just fine on the bass, but i feel i could do more.

thanks for any replies.
~Jag

btw, im playing an 89 Japanese jazz special.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 3:56 am
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Technique will come pretty quickly considering you already play the guitar.

Feel is something that only comes with time and gigs/recordings under your belt.

Most competent bassists can play through a chord progressions such as a
I-IV-V, but to make have the tone and feel of lets say bassist "Roscoe Beck" http://www.fender.com/artists/artist.php?id=21 or "Willie Weeks," etc...playing the blues, you can't possibly cram that in a week.

A single 1/4 has quite a bit of power depending how it is placed with the bass. Swing and funk is great example of the differences. As a bassist you will be the epicenter in relation to the groove, because you dictate the changes and the groove at the same time. This is why the bass is so cool. it isn't just a guitar tuned down, it is the harmonic pulse of most modern music. As with the blues, if doesn't bounce, swing, and drive, with a steady motion, the band will sound lifeless and unstable. Please don't take the genre or any style of music for granted that might seem simple from a harmonic standpoint, because the predominant feel of the music rests on your shoulders. Remember, it isn't about more with the power of the bass, with exceptions, small doses will usually serve the groove.

So for a cram session, I would really listen to the masters of the genre you will predominantly cover. In the moment if you are comfortable with the changes, really think about the placement of your notes. The bass note is naturally more physical by nature...more bottom reacts a little slower and it covers more ground (air). That is why a little goes a long way. You can make a huge statement with one properly placed phat 1/4 note. So, be very aware of the time (you are keeping it - hopefully the drummer will chime in) and note placement. If the band pulls or drags, you have to rite the ship.

Again, really know the changes and grooves, and never stop or the band will come off the tracks.

P.S. Scroll down RB's website and check out his video's. They are outstanding blues educational tools.

http://www.roscoebeck.com/DiscVideo.aspx


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:24 am
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play it simple dude... also scales and chordal notes do the trick as for blues bass don't forget the 1-3-5...


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 5:48 am
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Yep, keep it simple. Remember that, unlike guitar, every note counts on bass. Focus on the chord tomes as eyecandy said.

Also, really try to lock in with the drummer: the drummer has to work closely with the bassist.

As for fills, in a blues you can always go back to the good ol' pentatonic. But be careful with them: you can't be filling all the time. Gotta be careful and tasteful.


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 12:13 pm
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anubis16 wrote:
Remember that, unlike guitar, every note counts on bass.


Great quote anubis16 :!:


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Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:30 pm
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All the above.


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Post subject:
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:41 pm
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Brother Man,

Here's a little thing to try. Take one of your 6 string guitars and remove the hi B and E strings. Walk threw the scales you know. When you transfer over to the Bass just slow down and think about your drummer and how that Kat might do something.

Watch his shoulders and feet. Those movements will give alot of insight in his next set of moves. Learn his posture.

Feel that groove you are use to playing over? Your not walking on the carpet anymore your weaving the pattern.

Close your eyes and use the force Luke! lol 8)
Good Luck to you my friend.
Lenny

_________________
Lenny M/F Round Former Bassist for the
BULLET BOYS
www.myspace.com/lennyround


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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 6:16 am
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nice tip lenny.. also what i'd love to do with basses are playing fifths and octaves to give flavors then sometimes id slide the note down to 1 full octave esp during heavy rolling and stuff where drummers tend to play fancy


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Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:06 pm
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hey everyone, just wanted to say thank you sooo much for all the help and advice! the show went great, had a blast playing and was told by many people that i did really well (most people had never heard me play bass before).

we were the only band to get invited back out by the manager.

heres a few pics of me and my group, and thank you so much again to everyone who left comments.

~Jag


Image

Image

Image
i even through in a little showmanship to get my guitarist going...


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