Coilte

[quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1475994790' post='3150232'] Sounds like The Film Orchestra with Ed Malpas! Must admit I find it bizarre that any number of people will bang on about off axis response of cabs, how to link 3 drive pedals together or why they need a bass that's got a neck 1/16th of an inch thinner than another- but are quite happy not to be bothered how their music works! [/quote] Good point. I have also seen detailed discussions on the audio frequencies of each string...and to think that some people find theory boring.

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1475957195' post='3150133'] That's pretty much something that I said in another thread the other day. This was the reply: [i][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Yea, its the new obsession . You have to be better,bigger, stronger, faster, fitter, blah. blah.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]No you dont. You only have to be happy and healthy. If you are happy with how and who you are, no matter how average, then you have cracked the meaning of life.. If you are not happy cos you are constantly striving to be perceived as "better" at something, so much so you cant accept or enjoy what you already have, then I am truly sorry for you.[/font][/color][/i] [/quote] Well...all can say is...to each their own. For me, as far as playing music is concerned, it is the striving to be just a little better that makes it all worth while. Everyone is different, and each of us has a different attitude to playing...and life in general...for that matter. I think it is possible to be able to to do both...i.e. enjoy what you have at present, but at the same time strive to be a little better. I don't see any contradiction here.

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1475948293' post='3150028'] I am more than happy with my level of playing and the gigs I have performed. [/quote] That's great, and I'm sure no one begrudges you that. All that the theorists are saying is that for those of us who are [i]not[/i] content to rest on our laurels, learning theory is the way to progress. Personally, while I enjoy playing and gigging, I always want to be just that little bit better than I presently am. I'd hate to be so happy with it, that I had no goals to strive for. I'd be bored out of my tree in no time. YMMV.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1475918954' post='3149712'] Bit of a yawn here, I am afraid. In a perfect world it would be nice to learn music theory as it would make make my bass playing easier plus I would have greater understanding of what I actually do and why I do it. Unfortunately I don't have time as I have other, equally demanding aspects of my life away from music. [/quote] No one s saying that you have to spend hours on end, day in and day out, hunched over a theory book. If you could put in just twenty minutes, say, twice a day (or even once a day), you'd be surprised at how much you'd learn over a period of a couple of months. In fact, it is generally advised to approach learning theory in small bite sized chunks. I'm sure you'll agree that it's a lot of reward for comparatively little learning time. Where there's a will...there's a way.

I would compare knowing music theory to being like someone who can speak the English (or any) language but does not know the alphabet or how to spell, and as a result, can't read or write. They have learned by mimicking what others say. This is no bad thing, and they'll get by quite OK if you communicate via word of mouth. However, emails, texts, books, newspapers, forums like this, ...etc are a non runner. Obviously these people are excluding themselves from a lot of rewarding and useful information.

[quote name='Barking Spiders' timestamp='1475851544' post='3149251'] I only play stuff I like and so in terms of progression I'm limited by this and get a bit frustrated. I know I've a chance of improving if I listened to and studied jazz/fusion players like Wootten, Bailey, Berlin, Patitucci etc - which would involve more advanced theory - but just don't like this type of music. If I learnt their styles of chops and tried to fit them in with what I like to play it'd sound well out of place. [/quote] You don't have to "study" jazz or fusion players...merely learn some basic theory. It is the building blocks of music. What you "build" with those blocks is entirely up to you.

[quote name='bassjim' timestamp='1475847705' post='3149208'] its like taking the chain off your bicycle. Its all ok as long as its downhill, sunny and in a straight line. [/quote] . Great comparison. [quote name='Kirky' timestamp='1475847800' post='3149210'] The thing is there are rules. If you don't know them, it doesn't mean they aren't there. I hear a lot of bass players playing a minor (or pentatonic/blues) run where a major one would be much more appropriate. I know theory well, but I never need to go anywhere near modes (at least for the music I play). [/quote] I agree with all the above.. As for modes, IMO this is one of the main things that puts people off of learning theory. What happens is they dive headlong into modes from the beginning, without having put in some basic ground work first. There is A LOT of more basic stuff to nail, before learning about modes.

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1475844921' post='3149175'] I have no interest in musical theory for any instrument. I am from the old school. Listen, try to play,listen again. Modify, adapt, use happy accidents. Dont copy or "Study" anyone, enjoy there playing personality and absorb a little of it into your playing. Try to be a little different and have your own playing personality/sound. Its Rock and Roll, there are no rules. [/quote] I too, am old school and learned to play be ear, mainly because I had no choice. Lessons were scarce and the Internet had not come into being. While I am glad that I was forced to learn by ear, I am also glad that today, there is a wealth of information to be had. Lots of "old school" players have at least some basic theory. Jack Bruce and James Jameson had a lot more than basic theory. Not liking, or being bored by theory is one thing, and that's up to each individual. However, knowing some basic theory never impeded anyone's playing, or their progress. In fact, you'll find that quite the opposite is the case. It certainly is the case with me.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1475488001' post='3146221'] I've seen guys who do the right thing from the positioning and technique point of view who just don't have very good timing or feel and can't hold a groove,[/quote] Yes, I've seen this also, but one is not a criteria for the other. I have also seen guys with good techniqie who have great timing and groove. A good all round bassist will have both of these attributes..and more. How would I describe my bass playing ? ...simple..no bells and whistles..but reasonably "solid" at the same time.

[quote name='seashell' timestamp='1475266020' post='3144643'] I do realise I am lucky to have the time and the money for them though. [/quote] ....and lucky to have found a good teacher...not always that easy.

[quote name='roceci' timestamp='1475177583' post='3143858'] Copying records. Put the needle on the vinyl...wait till the lick played...lift the needle...try to play the lick...try to put the needle just before the lick again...aaand repeat. Slow process, but may have taught me something about patience & perseverance. YouTube wasn't an option back when I started. It's an amazing tool & I often use it to see what other people are doing with covers I'm learning. But I can't help thinking with kids learning advanced techniques aged 8 & whatnot, there's a lot of feel missing in a lot of playing these days. Says the old timer XD [/quote] An almost identical learning route for me. In more recent years I have taken lessons on and off, plus a few tutorial books. One thing I am glad about is that when I started, there was no such thing as tabs, and lessons were scarce. You had n't much choice but to go through the.. "vinyl and needle".. procedure as described above. It has certainly held me in good stead down through the years. Says another old timer.

[quote name='bartelby' timestamp='1474988964' post='3142088'] I can't be the only one who's worried what Discreet might post... [/quote] Is this why he chose that user name ?

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1474972051' post='3141887'] Personally I think the clip is a great demonstration in showing that whilst there will always be the "correct technique", "the correct way", "you must do it this way", etc...[/quote] No...nothing is written stone. There is no such thing as "correct" technique. It is up to each person to find "their" technique. Having said that, there are tried and trusted ways to play the bass, that not only gets us playing to the best of our potential, but more importantly, is going to limit our chances of developing some bass related injury problems later on.

@ Just Lukin : Interesting and logical post. However, it assumes that there is only the lead singer, and that this is his/her sole function in the band. Often, the vocals are shared between the musicians themselves, with no actual front person/singer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyK0y02HvVc

[quote name='KingPrawn' timestamp='1474834765' post='3140958'] I have always worked on the principle that index finger and thumb follow each other up the neck. Thumb placed in the middle of the neck. Keep the fingers shallow and as relaxed as possible. [/quote] The thumb should be allowed to go where it naturally needs/wants to go. It's work is to support the fingers.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1474806312' post='3140616'] Funny G&L story - was sound checking at a gig recently with my Tribute SB-2. Sound guy asks for bass and bloomin well gets it - "is that an active bass?" he asks in a slightly confused voice. That made me smile as I told him it wasn't Not always unknown either. Was setting up for a gig a while back (again it was the SB-2) and the sound guy was on stage too wrestling with cables. He sees my bass and says to me "Ahh, a G&L - the thinking man's Fender" - made me chuckle! [/quote] The precision pick up on the SB 2 is ...HOT..alright.

It is more beneficial to have the fingers arched. Why ? Stretch your hand out in front of you with the palm facing you. Notice how the fingers are all different lengths. Now, curl the fingers in towards the palm. Now they are all even lengths. This is beneficial for playing. Check out these clips : [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRoQuXlj9w"]https://www.youtube....h?v=IeRoQuXlj9w[/url] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkSsapYYsA

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1474659492' post='3139745'] I had a L2000 Tribute for about a year. Wonderfully versatile tonally, well built (a touch heavy but no bad thing in a bass) and people commented on how good it sounded. However, having played a J Bass for more than 30 years, I really couldn't get on with the neck. It was flat and wide and just didn't suit me. I really tried to get on with it - it was much more versatile than my Jazz and perfect as one instrument to cover all the basses (pun intended) and saved me taking more than one instrument out with me. Eventually, I gave up and got an active P Bass Special, which feels like my Jazz and covers what I need. I have to admit it doesn't have quite the tonal range of the G&L, but it's got enough. Sold the G&L. Shame. It was a great instrument, but just not for me. [/quote] All the L2000 Tributes come with only the precision (1.75" at the nut) type neck....BUT...with their USA cousins, you have a choice of either the precision or jazz type neck.

[quote name='Pinball' timestamp='1474649237' post='3139646'] The SB2 and SR5's it has cured my GAS''just looking for a lower priced back-up [/quote] The SB2 is an amazing bass. The only thing that a lot of people don't like about them is the absence of a tone knob...it has two volume ones. A small upgrade can easily rectify this...then IMO... it is as good as any Fender precision...any day.

[quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1474645402' post='3139576'] Happy Jack did a brilliantly helpful tutorial on posture etc. a while back. Can't recall where it is but try a search. [/quote] [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqBRxu21oZc"]http://www.youtube....h?v=XqBRxu21oZc[/url]

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1474644558' post='3139564'] But we all know that G+L basses are best (runs and hides lol) [/quote] The point is that most people DONT realise that G&L's are the best. No need to run and hide.

[quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1474638721' post='3139492'] Hmmm. I don't take statins. My basses don't have neck dive I don't do a muscle warm up, but I'm definitely going to start. Playing for three hours IS a workout of sorts. As for angle.....well, you've probably hit the nail on the head. My posture is shamefully bad in general, and seated practice is no different. I will amend that right away, incorporate a warm-up of sorts, and see if there's any difference. Thanks guys. [/quote] Playing for three hours [u]without a break [/u]is not recommended. An hour at a time is as beneficial to the brain as it is to the hands/wrists/arms etc. For warm ups.. ( and downs !!..do some stretches after a session also)...do some gentle stretches, before you even touch the bass itself. Do a search on Youtube for.."hand stretches for (bass) guitar.

[quote name='pineweasel' timestamp='1474639496' post='3139505'] The best he's ever made, in fact! [url="http://file.vintageadbrowser.com/xh7daa5vmmrj2j.jpg"]http://file.vintagea...daa5vmmrj2j.jpg[/url] [/quote] Yep...that's the quote. It would make you wonder why G&L's are not more popular.

I think G&L basses are generally under rated. Leo himself is quoted as saying about G&L's ..."among the best I have ever made.." or words to that effect. I have the L2000, the SB2 (my avatar) and the JB2. All have their own individual tone and charactetistics. It does not bother me that others don't know about them, but it can be frustrating when I go into a reasonably large music shop, and find not one G&L bass displayed.