wishface Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I have some facility on the instrument. I'm self taught. I can't really read music. I know scales. I mainly practice through modes up and down the neck so I know where the notes are and I know chords and some arpeggios. But I don't know what I should be practising to get get really good - I mean to really know what to play. I can noodle around, and it sounds semi-impressive (because that's what's important of course!), but i suspect it's not really 'proper' music. I'm not aspiring to be a jazzer or a theory buff, just to be a really good player. So what do I need to focus on? Do i need to improve technique and learn tapping and slapping? Should i learn to read? What do i need to do so i don't get stuck in scale/mode patterns? I think that's the problem. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlpherMako4 Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 I know exactly nothing. I'm still very much wearing L plates. But I'd say learn to read. It's a great skill and will get you playing all sorts all over the neck. And get your hands on anything in bass clef. Musical scores, mamma mia, phantom, etc. Interesting stuff and will get you playing in different styles. You can buy reading books just to help you learn to read which are good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philparker Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1455988708' post='2984358']So what do I need to focus on? Do i need to improve technique and learn tapping and slapping? Should i learn to read? What do i need to do so i don't get stuck in scale/mode patterns? I think that's the problem. Thanks. [/quote] There are a few directions open to you and which one you take can depend on your personal circumstances, what you want to play in the future (are you in a band or likely to play in a band?) but my advice would be: Don't bother with tapping or advance slapping, soloing or any other 'advanced' techniques. Split your practise into manageable and achievable sessions with some technique or theory based, but the majority of time on playing and familiarising yourself with different genres to suit your future needs. For example work your way through some of the classics i.e. popular pub songs and get to know the different patterns that bassists play. Then pick a genre like blues, reggae, funk, Motown etc. and spend a month or two (or 6!) working your way through some of the classic songs of that genre. Pick a particular bassist like James Jamerson and work through his bass lines, pick a band like Jamiroquai or Incognito etc. work through their bass lines and if you can manage that over the next two years or more - you'll be an improved bass player. There are lots of other things that will help like learning to read, transposing bass lines, creating your own bass lines to chord structures etc. you could also take a structured progression like graded exams or get direction from a good teacher (if you can afford the financial outlay). Playing in a band or with other musicians can accelerate your playing skills, but there is so much material out there, the possibilities are endless. Buy lots of music/tab or download music/tab; give yourself a manageable goal and work your way through. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 If you haven't already get something like an iReal pro app. Practice walking basslines, which are fantastic for putting all those scales and arpeggios into good use. Walking basslines also serve as a fast track into soloing over chord changes etc. Then in iReal you can change the genre so you can work on creating basslines that are suitable off the cuff, preparing you for working on sessions or with singer songwriters. Lots of people on here ask about reading, please don't learn. I'm not the greatest player by any stretch but I can read well and get at least 30 gigs a year out of it, as better players can't read, I want my work to keep coming in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisthebass Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 This is a good place to start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51yqsTS-Yz0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 [quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1456050386' post='2984749'] If you haven't already get something like an iReal pro app. Practice walking basslines, which are fantastic for putting all those scales and arpeggios into good use. Walking basslines also serve as a fast track into soloing over chord changes etc. Then in iReal you can change the genre so you can work on creating basslines that are suitable off the cuff, preparing you for working on sessions or with singer songwriters. Lots of people on here ask about reading, please don't learn. I'm not the greatest player by any stretch but I can read well and get at least 30 gigs a year out of it, as better players can't read, I want my work to keep coming in! [/quote]What is iReal? Sounds like an ios app. Is it on android? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 [quote name='philparker' timestamp='1456046599' post='2984696'] There are a few directions open to you and which one you take can depend on your personal circumstances, what you want to play in the future (are you in a band or likely to play in a band?) but my advice would be: Don't bother with tapping or advance slapping, soloing or any other 'advanced' techniques. Split your practise into manageable and achievable sessions with some technique or theory based, but the majority of time on playing and familiarising yourself with different genres to suit your future needs. For example work your way through some of the classics i.e. popular pub songs and get to know the different patterns that bassists play. Then pick a genre like blues, reggae, funk, Motown etc. and spend a month or two (or 6!) working your way through some of the classic songs of that genre. Pick a particular bassist like James Jamerson and work through his bass lines, pick a band like Jamiroquai or Incognito etc. work through their bass lines and if you can manage that over the next two years or more - you'll be an improved bass player. There are lots of other things that will help like learning to read, transposing bass lines, creating your own bass lines to chord structures etc. you could also take a structured progression like graded exams or get direction from a good teacher (if you can afford the financial outlay). Playing in a band or with other musicians can accelerate your playing skills, but there is so much material out there, the possibilities are endless. Buy lots of music/tab or download music/tab; give yourself a manageable goal and work your way through. Good Luck! [/quote]THanks, but why not learn slapping and tapping and what not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 (edited) [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1456088330' post='2985321'] THanks, but why not learn slapping and tapping and what not? [/quote] Because it's trying to run before you can walk. Also it pigeonholes your playing technique at a very early stage - who knows what you may be interested in five years hence? If slap is your only technique then you'll be cutting yourself off from some great music that doesn't use it. Edited February 22, 2016 by leftybassman392 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jebo1 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 If you want to have a crack at doing things properly, I'd suggest giving reading a go. The simple sight reading for bass by a chap called Josquin De Pres is worth the outlay. I spent a few months on this (30 minutes a day) when I was 18 and it transformed my reading and understanding of music. Took a month or two to get it sorted then just practice. I then went on and did the grades (myself) which then led me to becoming a professional teacher at a music college (sadly, something I wasn't particularly great at). At the same time I invested some time in theory and my knowledge of the instrument (intervals, synthetic scales etc.) that helped me get a much better grasp of what I was doing and led me to get some good gigs. At all times it was related back to use in a practical situation. Then, after being in bands for about 10 years I sort of got bored with it, and then took up other things. Now, I can still read but slowly and my theory is rusty, but it's still there in the recesses of my brain if I need it, and it was an awful lot of fun learning it. I'd say set your aspirations and create a plan to get there. It's easier said than done because I'm very motivated if I want to achieve something. The next stage for me is mastering DB, which I'm starting now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philparker Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1456088330' post='2985321'] THanks, but why not learn slapping and tapping and what not? [/quote] In addition to Leftybassman's advice - I think it is important to get the fundamentals right first and lay down a solid foundation for everything else to be built upon, of which, slapping would come later and tapping perhaps when you've mastered the fundamentals and beyond, and maybe got a little bored, and want to experiment?! Slapping has its place - I took lessons from a slap specialist for a few months to broaden my learning, but I never use it in any of line-ups I play with and rarely practise it, but for some I can see the passion and enjoyment. I think the first thing you should decide is the direction you want to take for your future goal. If that is just to be a 'great' bassist or a better bass guitarist and musician then you need to adapt a structured progression and this would eventually encompass all disciplines including theory and reading with advanced techniques towards the end. Because I occasionally teach, I went through the RGT graded system and found the progression to be very logical (I already played guitar to an advanced level), but most people who came to see me were keen to learn to get to a standard just to play in a band and have fun, which is fine, but to progress you need to study as well. Taking lessons from a good pro should give you both direction and determination, if you are self-learning then adapt a realistic and logical progression like the graded system in between learning and playing set pieces - and give yourself a few years to achieve this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 If you're not already in a gigging band. . . join one. Join one where you can incorporate what you know. Take it from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Learn lots of songs, play lots of gigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1456137161' post='2985650'] If you're not already in a gigging band. . . join one. Join one where you can incorporate what you know. Take it from there. [/quote]Sounds like a good idea. That will have to wait till i get a decent amp and some transport as it's isolated round here. Being in a band would be a good thing though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1456133732' post='2985582'] Because it's trying to run before you can walk. Also it pigeonholes your playing technique at a very early stage - who knows what you may be interested in five years hence? If slap is your only technique then you'll be cutting yourself off from some great music that doesn't use it. [/quote]I agree, but I have been playing a while so I'm not completely green. Problem is the youtube generation has probably beguiled me. Now it's so easy to click on a clip of some wizard of the bass slapping/tapping and doing all the slick stuff. In fact these people are so prevalent that i'm not sure what to think. I'm not that into slap personally. What I think is most important is to find something i do on the bass, or some way of doing things (complex or simple), that no one else does. I think Tony Levin is the best example of this (literally with his funk fingers). Otherwise you get lost in wanting to do all the tricks that the cool kids do on their youtube double thiumping slappity slappity videos. I mean look at someone like Michael Manring, that guy is light years ahead of me. Is it even worth trying to go down that road? He has a bass custonm built to do the stuff he does, that's never going to be the case. Im sure that makes no sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='paul h' timestamp='1456137205' post='2985652'] Learn lots of songs, play lots of gigs. [/quote]Id like to try and learn some stuff by Mike Lepond in Symphony X because he's all round a great player IMO right now. THat would be a good standard, but I can't find any tab anywhere and I'm no good at learning off the disc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1456170853' post='2986258'] I'm no good at learning off the disc [/quote] Practise this if nothing else. Put on an album you like, or a spotify playlist of different stuff, and try to play along. At least a couple of songs away. If you're serious about getting good, your listening ability is crucial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jebo1 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Don't make the classic rookie error of confusing technical ability with musicianship. I know that lots of people like the sort of grandstanding bass stuff, but to my ears while technically proficient isn't what the bass is for. Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should... Embrace the groove. Settle back and power the band through. Let the flash lads with capes on fake the solos and know that all the cool kids want to be the bass player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='Hector' timestamp='1456173050' post='2986306'] Practise this if nothing else. Put on an album you like, or a spotify playlist of different stuff, and try to play along. At least a couple of songs away. If you're serious about getting good, your listening ability is crucial. [/quote]I find it difficult to hear the actual bass part, that's the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1456175666' post='2986349'] I find it difficult to hear the actual bass part, that's the problem. [/quote] Invest in a pair of headphones or speakers then. They don't have to be super costly, but it's worth the investment and you'll be able to hear all that lovely bass going on Your original post asked what you should focus on. You said you know all your scales and arpeggios, but you're struggling to make music and break out of pattern playing. You want to know what will make you a better musician. It's your ears, it's all your ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horizontalste Posted February 24, 2016 Share Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Hector' timestamp='1456178037' post='2986399'] You want to know what will make you a better musician. It's your ears, it's all your ears. [/quote] What Hector said. The way I see it is, there are two types of player, those that can learn from scores or tab & regurgitate other people's music albeit with there own style then there are those that have a good ear & understand musical language & freely play the music in their heads in real time. I believe talent is not inherent & can be developed & I also believe that most people neglect musicianship during the learning process. If you have a good ear & can keep good time then the world is your lobster. In short then, train your ears everyday, listen (properly) to music everyday, sing everything you play, tap out rhythms, go to gig's often etc etc. If your a reader I highly recommend reading "The Talent Code" & "The Musician's Way" in that order. Edited February 24, 2016 by Horizontalste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bassman7755 Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1456175666' post='2986349'] I find it difficult to hear the actual bass part, that's the problem. [/quote] It takes practice, the more you try to pick out lines from songs and learn them the better your brain will get at homing in on it. Learning to compartmentalise music you hear and pick out the different bits is an essential skill for a musician to develop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlloyd Posted February 25, 2016 Share Posted February 25, 2016 [quote name='wishface' timestamp='1455988708' post='2984358'] I have some facility on the instrument. I'm self taught. I can't really read music. I know scales. I mainly practice through modes up and down the neck so I know where the notes are and I know chords and some arpeggios. But I don't know what I should be practising to get get really good - I mean to really know what to play. I can noodle around, and it sounds semi-impressive (because that's what's important of course!), but i suspect it's not really 'proper' music. I'm not aspiring to be a jazzer or a theory buff, just to be a really good player. So what do I need to focus on? Do i need to improve technique and learn tapping and slapping? Should i learn to read? What do i need to do so i don't get stuck in scale/mode patterns? I think that's the problem. Thanks. [/quote] Are you in a band? If not, that is your next step. Tapping? Not exactly the most useful skill... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 I agree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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