How do bass players learn to play?

[Chris Shaeffer]

Ok, this is probably a silly question but...

How does one go about learning bass? I muddled my way through guitar fairly well and have slowly come around to respecting the bass as entirely different.

I was thinking about getting some books, learning bass lines, and practicing just like I did with guitar way back but was wondering if there was an experience here that would be helpful.

I've played bass for years, but approached it like a guitar. Now I want to learn more about how to approach it like a bass, and the different approaches there may be.

Happy New Year,
Chris

 

[Track Rat]

First, you have to get a job delivering pizza. No, that's a drummer..

 

[Wide Awake]

I like instructional videos, because you can watch them over and over and steal the technique.

Buy some good transcription books.

Listening to CD's is a great way to learn. Finding people to jam with is probably the best thing.

I have a friend that is a great bassist, but when you listen to him play solo he sucks and his timing is bad......probably from chronic marijuana use for 30 years. However, in a group situation he plays fantastic and has good timing and creativity.

 

[Gidge]

just remember that although they both have strings, guitar and bass are 2 different animals...watch a few bass players for basic technique.....then pick a few CD's of bands you want to play similar styles and learn their bass lines......playing along with just a drummer or drum machine and learning how to lock in with the kick drum (and not just necessarily playing the same notes as the kick) can help the most......

 

[Slackmaster2K]

I recommend playing the bass a lot. This technique works for all instruments.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[CMiller]

Yeah, I guess it sounds silly to say it, but play the hell out of that thing. You'll learn to think like a bassist, and maybe more importantly you'll build newer and stronger calluses. One more thing...play to as many styles as humanly possible. You never know when a technique from one style might come in handy. Good luck!

 

[Sonic Misfit]

Listen to some of the old jazz and blues recordings where the bass players used the upright bass. Cut back the mids and treble and listen to the dynamics of the bass. These old timers really understood where a bass fits into the musical equation.

After you get the feeling, try to imitate the old bass sounds with an electric bass.

Also learn to read the bass clef in music, if you don't already, and pick up an old church hymnal and play some the bass lines, just as they are written.

After you've done this for a while, you will begin to think like a bassist.

I don't know if this approach will work for everyone, as YMMV.

 

[DaveC]

Can't beat the advice given above. But while your doing that, focus on the drums and time. Especially the kick drum. Great bass players know the drummers every move and have perfect time. They hear the click even when its not there. All good musicians do.

Dave C
www.mp3.com/carusodavid

 

[badgas]

My bass player locked his keys inside the car one hot afternoon when we were in Florida. He spent about a half hour trying to get the lock up with a clothes hanger. Finally he decided to kick in the little wing window in so he could unlock the door and let the drummer out.

 

[Gidge]

badgas, be nice!!!

 

[Major Tom]

Simple. LISTEN to good bass players.

 

[badgas]

Ok, Gidge. Nice it is.

 

[Riku]

Drink beer, play bass, go to gigs and let your hair grow.

 

[Riku]

or just find a guy who gives good lessons and knows a little more.

 

[heylow]

First things first!!!!!!

Whether it's your thing or not, buy anything Booker T and the MGs played on. That would about anything on Stax/Volt. I recommend Booker T and the MGs own cds or Otis Reddings early stuff with them.

Don't play....just listen. Hear how the bass in playing something is that is the missing link between drums and rhythm guitar. Sometimes the most repetitive stuff is the coolest. Hear how sometimes the bass player alone can give a minor sound to a chord progression just by going up to C when the guitar plays A.

Then break out Sgt. Pepper by the Beatles and listen to how bass can play a pivotal roll as a melodic AND rythmic intrument, playing counterpoint. Sometimes the song is moving so groovy and you realize the guitar player is holding it down while the bass moves.

If you can dig it...(and I can) get a hold of The Stooges' Fun House CD!!!! A lesson in groove, cool bass tone and minimalist recording in general! It rocks my lame ass for sure.

Always listen to the drums but don't forsake the song!


heylow
Rock Jedi/Indie Snob
www.heylowsoundsystem.net

 

[Track Rat]

Heylow, BULLSEYE.

 

[Scooter B]

Learning to think like a bassplayer is key or at least feel the groove like a bass player.

The GROOVE is job number ONE!

Definitely listen to Duck Dunn (Booker T and the MG's).

Also food for thought;

1. Locking in with the kick is critical but some styles you lock in a little ahead or behind the beat or emphasize the swing feel (that subtle delay on the two and four).

2. The spaces are more important in defining the groove than the notes. (Actually they are equally important but leaving the right spaces is so under emphasized I say this to get your attention). This comes from rests and note duration. After bad time nothing kills the groove faster than playing every note legato where everysingle note sustains into the next one. Try this with a fameous bass groove like "Can't Touch This" or a bass grooving beatles tune...sustain every note and then reaaly listen to wich notes are stacato and then "feeling the spaces". More often than not you should be muting the strings with a space (rest) or a "ghost note" when the snare is hitting
hard.

I switched from rhythm guitar to bass and am mostly self taught...the two things above took years for me to realize as I was more melody focussed at first.

 

[Meshuggah]

"it aint over 'til it's over" by Lenny Krawitz. There's a superb lesson in technique.

 

[Gidge]

good call, Mesh.......I LOVE Lenny's music.......

 

[heylow]

Thanks Track Rat!

Ok guys...this a little off topic but since you're on Lenny....the drums/drum effects on that new single "Dig In" rule!!

Had to interject.



heylow
Rock Jedi/Indie Snob
www.heylowsoundsystem.net