[hotasaPistol]

I just bought a bass...now I could use some direction on the best way to learn how to play it. I am a rhythmn player
Any help would be much appreciated

thanks

Pistol

[Tennessee Jedi]

I just bought a bass...now I could use some direction on the best way to learn how to play it. I am a rhythmn player
Any help would be much appreciated

thanks

Pistol

Fish is for eating Bra

[wisedyes]

Well, with any luck one of the actual bassists will weigh in on this for you, so hacks such as myself don't lead you astray. I too have dabbled in the bottom end and have picked up a few things along the way ( editor's note - this sentence was intentionally worded for entertainment purposes, so have at it! ), so here's what little advice I can give you:

1. If you do not have a metronome, BUY ONE NOW! Always practice with it on, and yes a drum machine is an acceptable substitute. Your timing as a bassist must be impeccable.

2. Learn arpeggios on the 6-5-4 and 5-4-3 string sets. You can always play arpeggiated lines for bass on the beats.

3. I like to use leading tones into the next chord ( like half step slides, using the 3rds and 7ths, etc ) to create a little extra pizzazz.

4. Remember - play the root note on the 1st beat of the measure! And, unless you are Phil or something, stay mostly away from "outside" notes. Bass to my ears is for the most part diatonic.

[Rusty the Scoob]

Well... not sure how qualified I am to answer, but I'll try.

Your question is perhaps a bit too general to fully address it just in a thread. So here's my take on the good advice above, followed by my general advice. Since you're asking here on RUkind I'll assume you want to play somewhat like Phil, which is a whole different thing than just learning to be a good bass player.


1 - YES. Get one now. There is no alternative.

2 - I'm not sure what you mean by those string sets. I'm guessing 6 = low E, 5 = A, 4 = D? Regardless of string numbers - learn both arpeggios and intervals. They're key to both walking jazz lines and playing like Phil... it's a similar approach mentally, with the main difference being that Phil gets to play more complicated and varied rhythms. The more theory you understand and can apply to the fretboard, the better. The great thing about bass vs. guitar is that the bass is a perfect grid - once you know an arpeggio on one string you know it on all of them.

3 is the next logical step once you have step 2 down. Knowing the current and next arpeggios on every chord change allows you to use other tones between them to add tension or color. You can also think very broadly and hint at the dominant chord of an upcoming bridge or key change, or next song if you're in a transition jam between two tunes. This requires you to know your scales and arpeggios well enough that you can think about two or three at once.

4 is a good place to start - keep it simple at first. Build from there only as much as needed - on some music it's best to keep strictly to the root notes, on some you can explore the triads, on some you can get away with a lot of other notes. In general you always want to be the least harmonically complicated member of the band (besides the drummer). For example, if you're playing with a guitar player who is pounding power chords, even a major 3rd will likely sound all wrong. But if you're playing with jazz or a Deadhead band, you can play all the 3rds you want, along with 6ths, 7ths (make sure you play the right one! They serve very different functions) and my personal favorite, I play a ton of 9ths, especially when I want the music to "launch" from the depths, like a good Birdsong jam.

Step 4 is also assuming you're in a situation where you want to be weaving lines similar to Phil.... in many bands you won't be weaving lines at all, you'll be providing more of a solid foundation. It's a very different approach - a solid foundation requires zen-like repetitive figures and usually far more rhythmic and harmonic simplicity. A huge part of being the bass player is understanding what the music needs, and making the correct choices.

Always remember - playing bass is never about you - it's always about the band. Most people fawn on the lead guitar and singer but you are the one who really provides the overall sound of the band. If you play like crap, the band sounds like crap, and hopefully vice versa.

[Pete B.]

I would bust out the Allman Bros and start playing along with all their "walking bass" style songs.
Southbound
One Way Out
Stormy Monday
Statesboro Blues
etc...

[Tennessee Jedi]

[Tennessee Jedi]

[strumminsix]

I played bass in a rock band some years back and did an okay job. But cannot do jamband nor do I do play bass anymore.

I spent alot of time working on country songs (did alot of Johnny Cash) and Motown and Stax. One could say: Sun, Motown & Stax

That taught me the basics:
1. Sync with the drummer and ensure the drummer never hits the kick without hitting a note
2. Know the chords, the changes, the key of the song, when to play in the scale of the song's key and when to play in the scale of the chord
3. 99% of the time when there is a chord change be on the tonic
4. The V is called dominant for a reason
5. The vii is called leading for a reason

[Tennessee Jedi]

G O D plays an Alembic ....

[Tennessee Jedi]

Knowing Pistol a bit I bet he would dig this cat

Willie Dixon Yo !

[Tennessee Jedi]

[Tennessee Jedi]

Always remember - playing bass is never about you - it's always about the band. Most people fawn on the lead guitar and singer but you are the one who really provides the overall sound of the band. If you play like crap, the band sounds like crap, and hopefully vice versa.

I feel extra lucky in the fact that I have a bunch of real talented bassists to jam with.
They have extensive playing experience that I lean on. When the bass and drums are tight ,guitar dudes job is so easy !
Kudos to the " rhythm section " - the Scoob is right - they don't get the credit they deserve.
good luck Pistol !

[Grateful Dad]

EIGHT STEPS TO BASS PLAYING:

Step one: Buy Mel Bay's Beginner Bass Instructional Book. Get grounded in playing blues, country, jazz, and classical. It all rolls into one.....

Step two: Learn to read music and practice, practice, practice. The more you play with others the better, play live, book gigs whenever you can.

Step three: tell the guitarists in the band you are the bass player and to stay off the roots. Tell them to play inversions. It turns a muddy mix into a somewhat orchestrated mix.

Step four: if you want to pick out some Phil stylings read the piano sheet music bass clef. You may have to jump octaves to match the lines but I picked up many good riffs (Estimated, Playin', Terrapin, etc...) doing just that. Remember you do not always have to play chord roots. Create tension/release and a sense of melody in your lines especially during improvisation.

Step five: be a musician first, know basic music theory, modes, and listen. If it sounds good, it's good.

Step six: for good tonal quality turn the volume on your bass up to 8 or 9, pick the notes with full attack (no wimpy stuff) and adjust the amp to the room conditions. For quieter passages turn the volume on the bass slightly down but pick your notes fully always.

Step seven: there is no step seven!

Step eight: use the headphone jack for late night practice so the wife and kids can get their rest.

ENJOY!!

[Tennessee Jedi]

Grateful Dad
-Is one kick ass Phil-
Does a sweet 'Ship of Fools'

The Jedi is lucky to get to jam with Grateful Dad ( and the rest of the guys that post here too )

[hotasaPistol]

Thanks to all of you...I am much obliged for the time and info.........

the day after I bought the bass I cut my damn left hand bad enough to get 8 stiches...
so now I am reading up on what you all are telling me and in a week or so will start with it

thanks again for everything

take care

Pistol