The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
How hard is it to play the bass?
I'm a few hours in to the 2nd day of trying to get just the right part on one very simple song. Trouble is, Mcsizzzle thinks he's Steve Vai every time he picks up the 4 string bass guitar. I think I finally tamed it down to a slow walking line that uses as few a notes as I can manage... ...at least I haven't punched a hole in the roof doing one of them guitar on a strap, over head spins yet. How long should it take to just get to the root of it and start playing the song rather than attempting a start to finish solo on each run? :-) best regards, mike
post edited by mike_mccue - 2013/01/08 09:36:49
|
daryl1968
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 10984
- Joined: 2010/06/01 22:51:43
- Location: Englishman in deepest, darkest Wales
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:40:56
(permalink)
I'm sorry Mike I don't know any bass players and can't think of anyone on this forum you could ask 
|
Beagle
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 50621
- Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:42:04
(permalink)
as with all instruments, it depends on the skills of the student, the time he/she takes to practice and learn and the dedication/motivation of said person.
I've had a bass for about a year now and I've not learned it yet. I have not yet been motivated to do so. that's my fault only.
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:44:15
(permalink)
daryl1968
I'm sorry Mike I don't know any bass players and can't think of anyone on this forum you could ask
Yep. Besides, this ones in D maj.
|
daryl1968
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 10984
- Joined: 2010/06/01 22:51:43
- Location: Englishman in deepest, darkest Wales
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:45:04
(permalink)
mike_mccue
daryl1968
I'm sorry Mike I don't know any bass players and can't think of anyone on this forum you could ask
Yep.
Besides, this ones in D maj.
LOL
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:46:19
(permalink)
Beagle
as with all instruments, it depends on the skills of the student, the time he/she takes to practice and learn and the dedication/motivation of said person.
I've had a bass for about a year now and I've not learned it yet. I have not yet been motivated to do so. that's my fault only.
The irony is that I can play ON the bass like it's greased lightning. I am just having trouble using the darn thing to play bass. Keeping simple just isn't simple for me. :-)
post edited by mike_mccue - 2013/01/08 10:26:52
|
Beagle
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 50621
- Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 09:46:56
(permalink)
|
Randy P
Max Output Level: -44.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3070
- Joined: 2006/11/17 11:02:45
- Location: smokin with the boys upstairs....
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 10:23:47
(permalink)
☄ Helpful
Bapu and I had a discussion about this very subject when we met in California a week or so ago. As a guitarist, I also have an inclination to play "lead bass". It just flat out sucks. It's the old adage "You play bass like a guitarist". What I've found is that less is more when it comes to bass for most styles of music. Sticking to the root, and trying to lock in a groove with the kick drum ends up working best almost every time for me. Randy
http://www.soundclick.com/riprorenband
The music biz is a cruel and shallow money trench,a plastic hallway where thieves & pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. Hunter S. Thompson
|
Old55
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 19791
- Joined: 2008/09/19 20:10:05
- Location: Californiashire
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 10:32:29
(permalink)
Or you can make the song Prog.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot--hey, who the hell are you guys? X2(X3 pending hardware upgrade), Emulator X2, E-mu 1212M, Virtual String Machine
|
Bub 
Max Output Level: -3.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 7196
- Joined: 2010/10/25 10:22:13
- Location: Sneaking up behind you!
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 10:55:28
(permalink)
I got my first bass just recently within the past couple years. Being a lead guitar player, I did the same thing, I went crazy on it and it inspired me to do a song around the bass line I came up with. I went haywire on one of the first recordings I did with it and I don't think it came out bad at all. ( Link) If you're doing a Hank Sr. cover ( Link), you'll probably want to do your standard C-G-C-G. <- This is my favorite recording that I've done. Or ... give in to your desire and play jazz.
"I pulled the head off Elvis, filled Fred up to his pelvis, yaba daba do, the King is gone, and so are you."
|
digi2ns
Max Output Level: -48.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2694
- Joined: 2010/11/24 14:27:12
- Location: MICHIGAN
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 10:59:53
(permalink)
MIKE --Dell Studio XPS I7/870 2.93 Ghz, 8GB Mem, 2-2TB Barracuda HDs, 500 GB Ext.HDD, Win7/64 --X1 64 Pro Expanded, Dual 21" Monitors --PCR500 --MAUDIO FastTrack Ultra --Mackie 1604 VLZ PRO --Line6 X3 Live --Gibson, Fender, Takamine, Schecter, Washburn http://pogopoppa.wix.com/5thgear# http://soundcloud.com/digi2ns
|
spacey
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 8769
- Joined: 2004/05/03 18:53:44
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 11:03:46
(permalink)
That really is a hard question Mike.
I can say from my guitarist point of view that I have two
basic views;
One is the simplistic approach of working "box patterns" with
the walks and drummer.
The other is trying to think like a progressive bassist and understand
the great way they can completely change the way of looking at chord progressions
or a chord....the effect that playing the minor third on bottom for instance and the effect
it may have on the guitarist...for example- Am and the bassist decides a C on bottom
and the guitarst thinks C6. ( maybe an F# and now the guitarist thinks F#m7 instead of
Am.....etc.) - Just the idea that 1-5 box patterns are cool but breaking out has it's pluses.
Of course I'm a guitarist so all that could be horse pucky.
Probably not the answer you are looking for but had to bring something to the table...cause working today just seems to suck.
|
Mystic38
Max Output Level: -59 dBFS
- Total Posts : 1622
- Joined: 2010/08/30 17:40:34
- Location: Mystic, CT
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 11:16:36
(permalink)
Mike,
If you can play guitar at all, even at a beginner level, you can play bass
case in point.. I bought a bass when i hauled my boat, I had had it 2 days and was asked to participate in a jam.. (gulp).. went and actually got complemented...why?.. because i was holding down the beat.. simply played roots, occasional 5th and octave, occasional walk up/down transition (for songs i knew)..
playing the bass to a high level for funk, jazz etc certainly takes lots of skill and practice.. but holding a rhythm on a cover or known song does not take huge effort..
Ian
HPE-580T with i7-950, 8G, 1.5T, ATI6850, Win7/64, Motu 828 III Hybrid, Motu Midi Express, Sonar Platinum, Komplete 9, Ableton Live 9 & Push 2, Melodyne Editor and other stuff, KRK VXT8 Monitors Virus Ti2 Polar, Fantom G6, Yamaha S70XS, Novation Nova, Novation Nova II, Korg MS2000, Waldorf Micro Q, NI Maschine Studio, TC-VoiceLive Rack, 2012 Gibson Les Paul Standard, 2001 Gibson Les Paul DC, 1999 Fender Am Hardtail Strat, Fender Blues Jr, Orange TH30/PPC212, Tak EF360GF, one mic, no talent.
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 11:25:42
(permalink)
Hi Ian,
I've been teaching my wife to play bass with confidence as I drum. We do really simple pop standards and have fun.
Lucky for her, she didn't play guitar much before.
Good stuff.
best regards,
mike
|
The Maillard Reaction
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31918
- Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 11:35:44
(permalink)
spacey
That really is a hard question Mike.
I can say from my guitarist point of view that I have two
basic views;
One is the simplistic approach of working "box patterns" with
the walks and drummer.
The other is trying to think like a progressive bassist and understand
the great way they can completely change the way of looking at chord progressions
or a chord....the effect that playing the minor third on bottom for instance and the effect
it may have on the guitarist...for example- Am and the bassist decides a C on bottom
and the guitarst thinks C6. ( maybe an F# and now the guitarist thinks F#m7 instead of
Am.....etc.) - Just the idea that 1-5 box patterns are cool but breaking out has it's pluses.
Of course I'm a guitarist so all that could be horse pucky.
Probably not the answer you are looking for but had to bring something to the table...cause working today just seems to suck.
I think my issue is that I start harmonizing with the melody, enjoy it, and then keep at it incessantly... it's real fun to play... but it doesn't necessarily support the song or help make the song seem more cohesive. I find discovering all those upside down harmonies is really interesting... when I'm playing them... when I listen the next day I find some moments of "just right" and some interesting intervals that seem to help, but on w hole it all seems distracting. I also like dancing around the rhythm with hot picking... but the next day I am reminded; "there can only be one"... and I have to surrender to the song and the melody and start over. :-) I keep searching for the bass parts that seem to support the song and sort of disappear into the song yet contribute to the vitality... when I find them they always seem so simple... simple enough to take for granted. It seems like finding those really simple parts takes me a long time. best regards, mike
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 11:51:12
(permalink)
Hi, I can not answer that ... but of the 2 teachers I have had a couple of lessons with, it surprised them that I was able to pick things up, and add something or other in some spots ... not accidentlaly mind you! ... that surprised them. I do not know why, or how ... I only know when I hear the notes while playing that I felt that a note was missing in between here and there, and I added an "in between" to smooth it out, and in more than two instances, it was the right thing to do ... but I can not explain that "musically" ... I can only explain that in an experiential way! ... for example ... most "chord changes" are stupid for me, and just dumb (just technique! ... not necessarily music!) ... but if you link them (somehow) so that the "chord change" becomes invisible, all of a sudden you have something else ... and a new opportunity to make the piece different, and often more interesting. How you blend these is another story ... and makes it what it is! The feel of that flow is totally different from a simple chord change, and this tends to add depth to the piece! But it's "harder" to do this on a Chuck Berry song, or a CHB piece, than other pieces of music, see? This is the hard part about having a teacher for me ... one of them got frustrated, because he only thought that I was not following the "script" and just playing the notes ... and I told him, once, that the music had no liveliness to it ... and he said ... "yeah, but if you can't play with anyone else, it won't matter!" ... but I did not have another lesson with him. The other two instructors were professionals and had CD's to their credit and they appreciated "touch" when they heard it ... I simply could not afford more at the time. It's hard for me to discuss instruction ... in music. I can only compare it to theater and film, but some folks here don't like parallels that might suggest their world is too small, and I do not want them to think that way! What is hard for me, is "combining" the finger location with the sound itself ... since to my ear, that same note does not sound the same all the time, and this makes it harder for me to even learn the simple bruhaha blues ... my ear "floats" and has a tendency to hear more than just ... "one note". Is it hard? ... probably more frustrating, because I can not locate the point ... where mechanics, are no longer in the way of playing anything, or with anyone ... whereas some instructors think that mechanics teach you the groove, and then, how you gonna deal with it when you have the groove and the mechanics don't match? ... tell the kid he's stupid? This has been my problem, when (even) discussing stuff here!
post edited by Moshkiae - 2013/01/08 12:36:16
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 12:23:42
(permalink)
digi2ns
mmm hmmm-Less is More
I don't think that less is more ... any more than ... more is less or however we want to size it up and discuss it. It is simpler (more than likely) for the guitarist, because he KNOWS what the bass player is doing ... and he can adjust easier ... but then ... that does not describe a Chick Corea playing with Stanley Clarke or combinations that are way out there ... and the only common thing is ... we will meet again at 0.45 minutes and use this chord for us to re-unite ... at some point and redo the main theme ... this time with an augment or two ... and this was somewhat the process for Miles Davis ... The main issue I have with "popular music", and a lot of the players in it, like here ... is that they demand a type of "industrial" diligence and control, so that it always sounds "familiar" and the "same" as the "original" ... never mind that even the original was an idea by someone else! It takes away the freedom of individuality and the basis for experimenting and learning something else that makes you a better player ... ask Stanley ... ask Bootsie ... it's not how many notes you know and play ... it's how much you care about "each moment" ... and how you respond to it. Thus, I say, again ... the answer is YOU ... not any comment by anyone else, including me. Look, Mike, my tagline is not accidental or a joke ... !
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 12:25:16
(permalink)
mike_mccueI think my issue is that I start harmonizing with the melody, enjoy it, and then keep at it incessantly... it's real fun to play... but it doesn't necessarily support the song or help make the song seem more cohesive.
...
Duuuhhhhhhh ... make a new song! You got the secret ... now use it!
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
Beagle
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 50621
- Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 13:31:10
(permalink)
|
SteveStrummerUK
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31112
- Joined: 2006/10/28 10:53:48
- Location: Worcester, England.
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 13:35:22
(permalink)
☄ Helpful
Playing bass guitar is a lot like making love to a beautiful woman....
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:11:26
(permalink)
SteveStrummerUK
Playing bass guitar is a lot like making love to a beautiful woman....
Thank you ... and you can go through the motions and call that "love" --- and be a jerk-ash ... or you can "mean it" ... and appreciate the woman for who she is ... !!! end of story ... and I will email you one other comment! Playing any instrument is like that ... but there are too many folks where it is about the notes, not the woman!
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
jamesg1213
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 21760
- Joined: 2006/04/18 14:42:48
- Location: SW Scotland
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:11:58
(permalink)
Moshkiae
The main issue I have with "popular music", and a lot of the players in it, like here ... is that they demand a type of "industrial" diligence and control, so that it always sounds "familiar" and the "same" as the "original" ... never mind that even the original was an idea by someone else!
I'm not sure I've noticed anyone 'demanding' anything. It's a case of wanting what sounds 'right' than something that doesn't. Not just in harmonic terms, but also for the 'feel' of the music. Bass is there for a purpose, and not every instrument needs to be playing something that's 'out there' (whatever than means) The reason 'popular' music is so named is quite simple. It's because people like it. It shouldn't be a term of derision. Also, I can assure you that Stanley Clarke is not a brilliant bass player by accident..he knows his music theory inside out and backwards. When you know what you're doing, you can start to bend the rules. Trying to do that without any knowledge is akin to nailing jelly to the wall.
Jyemz Thrombold's Patented Brisk Weather Pantaloonettes with Inclementometer
|
Randy P
Max Output Level: -44.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 3070
- Joined: 2006/11/17 11:02:45
- Location: smokin with the boys upstairs....
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:25:00
(permalink)
jamesg1213
Moshkiae
The main issue I have with "popular music", and a lot of the players in it, like here ... is that they demand a type of "industrial" diligence and control, so that it always sounds "familiar" and the "same" as the "original" ... never mind that even the original was an idea by someone else!
I'm not sure I've noticed anyone 'demanding' anything. It's a case of wanting what sounds 'right' than something that doesn't. Not just in harmonic terms, but also for the 'feel' of the music. Bass is there for a purpose, and not every instrument needs to be playing something that's 'out there' (whatever than means)
The reason 'popular' music is so named is quite simple. It's because people like it. It shouldn't be a term of derision.
Also, I can assure you that Stanley Clarke is not a brilliant bass player by accident..he knows his music theory inside out and backwards. When you know what you're doing, you can start to bend the rules. Trying to do that without any knowledge is akin to nailing jelly to the wall.
James, I was going to respond to Pedro's post, but then I reread the part about how when he puts his finger in the same spot, the note never sounds the same, and that's what keeps him from even playing the blues. It was then that I realized it was going to be pointless to try and explain anything musical to him. Randy
http://www.soundclick.com/riprorenband
The music biz is a cruel and shallow money trench,a plastic hallway where thieves & pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. Hunter S. Thompson
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:25:23
(permalink)
Also, I can assure you that Stanley Clarke is not a brilliant bass player by accident..he knows his music theory inside out and backwards. When you know what you're doing, you can start to bend the rules. Trying to do that without any knowledge is akin to nailing jelly to the wall. You forgot the last part of the statement ... that you have not studied experimental and avant-garde and other elements in music ... that are not about breaking the rules ... and making you feel out of the loop ... it's just something else that exists, and you are not the person that dictates any reality out there ... and neither am I ... it doesn't matter what it is ... rules are made to be broken ... and having the ability to go to another element is NOT ABOUT THE RULES more often than not! You either feel it ... or you are just doing notes. Stanley KNOWS the difference, and has said so ... or his forays into the inner thing ... were worthless, and he will not state that! You must think that a trip to the innerland is about the rules ... or another set of rules ... you're kidding me, right?
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
Moshkiae
Max Output Level: -14 dBFS
- Total Posts : 6111
- Joined: 2009/04/27 10:26:25
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:30:06
(permalink)
James, I was going to respond to Pedro's post, but then I reread the part about how when he puts his finger in the same spot, the note never sounds the same, and that's what keeps him from even playing the blues. It was then that I realized it was going to be pointless to try and explain anything musical to him. Randi .. stopp being offensive ... it's not the note that is not the same ... it feels different to me! It is the same note, but you're stuck on your idea and you think that everyone else is a fukking moron!
As a wise Guy once stated from his holy chapala ... none of the hits, none of the time ... prevents you from becoming just another turkey in the middle of all the other turkeys!
|
jamesg1213
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 21760
- Joined: 2006/04/18 14:42:48
- Location: SW Scotland
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:33:59
(permalink)
Moshkiae
Also, I can assure you that Stanley Clarke is not a brilliant bass player by accident..he knows his music theory inside out and backwards. When you know what you're doing, you can start to bend the rules. Trying to do that without any knowledge is akin to nailing jelly to the wall.
You forgot the last part of the statement ... that you have not studied experimental and avant-garde and other elements in music ... that are not about breaking the rules ... and making you feel out of the loop ... it's just something else that exists, and you are not the person that dictates any reality out there ... and neither am I ... it doesn't matter what it is ... rules are made to be broken ... and having the ability to go to another element is NOT ABOUT THE RULES more often than not!
You either feel it ... or you are just doing notes. Stanley KNOWS the difference, and has said so ... or his forays into the inner thing ... were worthless, and he will not state that! You must think that a trip to the innerland is about the rules ... or another set of rules ... you're kidding me, right?
I'm not kidding you Pedro, no. I'm trying to gently explain that all the bands and artists you so admire for their improvisational skills, are able to 'experiment' because they know their theory first. I'm not really interested in trips to the innerland, or Disneyland.
that you have not studied experimental and avant-garde and other elements in music
You have no idea what I have, or haven't 'studied'... I'll assume that means 'listened to' by the way.
post edited by jamesg1213 - 2013/01/08 14:35:01
Jyemz Thrombold's Patented Brisk Weather Pantaloonettes with Inclementometer
|
SteveStrummerUK
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31112
- Joined: 2006/10/28 10:53:48
- Location: Worcester, England.
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:37:24
(permalink)
The best way to appreciate exactly what the bass adds to a song is to EQ it out.
|
jamesg1213
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 21760
- Joined: 2006/04/18 14:42:48
- Location: SW Scotland
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:39:55
(permalink)
SteveStrummerUK
The best way to appreciate exactly what the bass adds to a song is to EQ it out.
I always do that with Ed's tracks... 
Jyemz Thrombold's Patented Brisk Weather Pantaloonettes with Inclementometer
|
SteveStrummerUK
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 31112
- Joined: 2006/10/28 10:53:48
- Location: Worcester, England.
- Status: offline
|
Beagle
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 50621
- Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Status: offline
Re:How hard is it to play the bass?
2013/01/08 14:43:41
(permalink)
I repeat. 
|