[quote name='mhuk' post='20789' date='Jun 20 2007, 02:45 PM']Style was probably the wrong word; I think I meant playing notes (however simple and whatever style) so that it sounds musical rather than just a sequence of notes. Is the word I'm looking for rhythm?
At the moment I'd like to play a few tunes or riffs that feel musical. For example, Rapper's Delight and Deeper Underground are both enjoyable to play but are also probably beyond me (to give an indication of performance); sometimes they sound/ feel good to play, other times just a bunch of notes played sequentially.[/quote]
Hi again.
I'm not even going to try to add to all the musical theory and other technical advice above, it all sounds top notch and it comes from far better sources than me.
I'm in a similar position though, albeit a couple of years down the line, and I've found a few non bass specific ideas help me. With dance music (e.g. Rappers delight / Good times) it's important to remember it's dance music - stand up and move with it. I'm not talking Justin Timberlake (as you can well imagine having met me ) but loosening up the shoulders, tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm will help get the feel. Also listen to the song and sing / hum the bassline while tapping your left hand fingers in time. try and get the essence of the timing without worrying about all the technicalities of playing the actual line.
This way you can develop your feel along with the technique and theory above and hopefully this will avoid the "sequence of notes" effect. I think it's worked for me - I've still got a long way to go too but I've definitely taken a few steps.
Alternatively you could slip MikeyD a few quid to have a few one-on-ones - that's my plan B...