Help Playing Bass

[EnderChildGeniu]

Well, I'm a guitar guy, so I need help with some bass technique. I'm in a band and my bass player has a few major problems, and I'm willing to work with the guy, I just need some help on how to help him. I'll describe the problems. Haha, this will sound kind of funny because what I'm about to list will make you wonder why is he playing the bass at all? He's a fledgling musician, and hopefully he will get better.

Our band is a modern rock band, with a little edge to it. Say Incubus (for experimental effects and powerful vocals) but louder and more energetic. That kind of thing.

#1 Problem: -- Tempo

He often gets timing off. Not that he misses complete fills, or he forgets where he is in songs, but I mean little things. Like if he's playing on 1... 2... 3... 4... on a standard 4:4 song, he has a hard time hitting right with the music (or a metronome). I know this kind of problem can come for any person playing any musical instrument, but with the bass, what should he do?

#2 Problem: -- Smoothness

For a song where the bass really fills up all the gaps, and it isn't meant to be very showy, I've found a lot of times he's a bit choppy, and releases notes too early in order to switch. Maybe this is just that he has a hard time switching fast enough. I tell him to not cut off notes too soon, but it still happens. When I say cut off notes, I don't mean like a beat early, but little time intervals that make things not smooth.

#3 Problem: -- Consistency

I've noticed that if he is using a pick, he really has difficulty playing notes with consistency. I wouldn't even begin to know what to offer to help him here. I'm a guitar player, and it's easy for me to see a problem and to correct it, but I can't always convey what I think, and the bass is a bit different than the guitar obviously.

If ANY of you have any ideas on what can be done to help, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I know he could get lessons, but for various reasons (for the next few months), that won't be possible. What are some home methods that can help with improving the bass skills? We love music, and we're willing to do what it takes to get better. That's our goal. Thanks.

-Daniel

 

[crazydoc]

All those problems can be fixed with practice, practise, practice. By himself mostly, and then in band rehersal. Record your rehersals, mute the bass track, and he can play along with it over and over ands over again... at home!

 

[EdWonbass]

All those problems can be fixed with practice, practise, practice. By himself mostly, and then in band rehersal. Record your rehersals, mute the bass track, and he can play along with it over and over ands over again... at home!

+100
He should get some kind of drum machine and just practice playing basic stuff until he is more comfortable playing. Do you guys have a drummer?
How is his time?
Incubus type stuff could be a little difficult for a guy just starting out. Maybe hook him up with something easier to play along with until he has some playing time under his belt.

 

[Halion]

Practice and understanding of (the importance of) the groove. My timing got alot better when I understood I had to play the song myself, not play along with it (there's hardly anyone for the bassplayer to fall back on if he fucks up).

 

[EdWonbass]

Practice and understanding of (the importance of) the groove. My timing got alot better when I understood I had to play the song myself, not play along with it (there's hardly anyone for the bassplayer to fall back on if he fucks up).

Tru Dat brother. I drive the bus.

 

[EnderChildGeniu]

EdWonbass:

I didn't mean that his bass parts were like Incubus. I just meant that a part of our music (as a whole) resembled some things about that band. Sorry for the confusion. But I'm hearing good advice. Thanks!

Edit:

To answer your question, our drummer has pretty good timing. Certainly better than our bassist.

 

[scrubs]

To answer your question, our drummer has pretty good timing. Certainly better than our bassist.

Then, the drummer and bassist need to spend some "intimate" time together. They should practice locking in a groove without the rest of the band. The more they play together, the better they'll get as a rhythm section.

 

[Gear_Junky]

And what about practicing SLOWLY? Other than the general playing experience, I'd say, playing each particular tune a million times to know it confidently (and SLOWLY) will produce confidence and quality at "street-speed".

 

[Dani Pace]

Two words come to mind...practice and experience, both of which when combined make all of us better players. Your bass player may need to learn to relax and just let the music flow smoothly and naturally. Many "new" players tend to try and rush things to compensate for lack of playing skill.

Remember...a band is only as good as it's worse player.

 

[bongolation]

Then, the drummer and bassist need to spend some "intimate" time together. They should practice locking in a groove without the rest of the band. The more they play together, the better they'll get as a rhythm section.

Great advice! I was going to say that myself.

 

[Pier Calacino]

Have him practice with a metronome. It is essential that he does this!
Like it has been said, practice practice practice using good technique.

Pier

 

[Chinaman]

Like everyone has already mentioned: practice.. I'd also like to throw in PATIENCE. It's the only way.

Go slowly with a metronome, then speed up a little bit at a time he can do it at full tempo with no problem. Practice with a drummer is invaluable too.

Unfortunately there's no quick fix for improving tempo, smoothness, and consistency.