Coilte

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1411896729' post='2563545'] There is also another recognised way of enunciating the sounds. One that's been used in formal music teaching for many years is the French Time Names. [url="http://s3.amazonaws.com/teachershare.scholastic.com-prod/resource_documents/files/5809/original/Rhythm_Chart_Tpt.pdf?1298121176"]http://s3.amazonaws.....pdf?1298121176[/url] [url="http://www.nzmeb.org/download/French%20Time%20Names.pdf"]http://www.nzmeb.org...ime%20Names.pdf[/url] These were, apparently invented by the French army to keep their drummers in tune as most were illiterate and couldn't read music. [/quote] Thanks for posting those links Grangur. Just for the pure fun and enjoyment of it, I am learning how to read. I think I am progressing reasonably well, but I can often be tripped up by the likes of the dotted quaver. Those links will help. [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size]

Thanks for the input lads. So far it looks like I am at the lower level, collection wise. [size=4] [/size] While I have actually worked my way through them all, I often find myself picking one out and delving in again, only to find something new or over looked previously.

[size=4]While sorting through my bass books the other evening, it occurred to me that I have way more than I need. At a rough guess, between DVD's and books, I'd say I have about thirty (with one in the post [/size] [size=4] ).[/size] [size=4]I'm sure that if I picked out two or three and worked on those, they would cover all my needs. It is just that sometimes I read a review, or someone on a forum recommends it, and I end up getting it.[/size] I suppose this type of gas is at least cheaper than that for a bass or amp etc., but when you do the sums, thirty books at say £16 each works out at £480. So "cheaper" seems like a misnomer. [size=4]Just curious how many others are in the same boat ? [/size] [size=4] [/size] [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size]

[quote name='stingraybassman' timestamp='1411804276' post='2562880'] I think we could have a personal taste sub forum, this could go in there along with.... Jazz vs Precision Ampeg vs Ashdown Pick vs Fingers Originals vs Covers Did I miss anything... [/quote] How could you forget the old chestnut....."Tabs vs Standard Notation". Comes up pretty regularly and a heated debate is always on the cards. [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1411668661' post='2561782'] Maybe the phone got bent [/quote] Perhaps, but they still should have been [i]straight[/i] with the OP and kept him updated. [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1411659054' post='2561660'] [size=4]Looks like a lucky escape to me.[/size] f*** em. Just move on, they don't want you enough. There's another band round the corner that does though. [/quote] +1. [quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1411660488' post='2561679'] Classic. Without knowing all the details we have now written them off completely. [/quote] Going from the details below ( assuming you believe the OP) there are few other conclusions to come to, other than the whole band suddenly lost the ability to send a text. Even if there is/was a genuine excuse, the OP should have been notified. [quote name='CHW' timestamp='1411586381' post='2560988'] Last week I made contact with a band looking for a bass player and had a discussion with them on the phone and arranged a day to audition (which was today). They then sent me a text with 5 songs that they wanted to audition saying that they would be back in touch to give me the time and postcode of the rehearsal studio. I then spent a week working on 5 pretty much note for note versions of the songs never to hear back from them. [/quote]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1411655421' post='2561611'] Or turn up at their next gig with your bass.. [b]ball bat..[/b] in hand .[/quote] There....fixed it for ya !!!! [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='IzzyT2807' timestamp='1411648487' post='2561514'] Used to use flats when i played in a soul band a couple of years back, I found them to sound very dead very quickly. [/quote] I come across this statement quite often and it always amuses me. It seems like people are surprised that the strings are "doing exactly what it says on the tin". Of course they are going to sound dead compared to rounds or stainless steel. They are not called "flats" for nothing. [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1411650634' post='2561541'] Well if you don't send it, how will they ever know they've done anything wrong? [/quote] If they dont already know that not keeping someone updated is wrong, then it is not worth the effort.

[quote name='CHW' timestamp='1411649893' post='2561529'] Sent a text- polite and non arsey, it so far been ignored. I was tempted to send a pic of my kit all packed up in the back of my car as if to suggest I'd been waiting to hear all night but decided against it. [/quote] I think it's best to put it behind you and put it down to experience (filed under "bad" [size=4] ).[/size] While it is unfair to tar everyone with the same brush, it has been my general experience that musicians seem to be the main culprits in not either acknowledging your reply or letting you know that you are no longer required.

Yes. This sounds only too familiar. Regardless of anything else, it never ceases to puzzle me why they dont have the decency and "thought for others" attitude to at least send a text saying that my services are no longer required. On the plus side, it is a bonus to find out about their unprofessional attitude before you got involved with them.

If you play music in a live setting, it goes with the territory that people are going to comment in all sorts of ways about the music, gear, ect. If a person can not cope with this, then they are in the wrong profession.

[list] [*][size=4]So they still listen to music and for all you know, they could be passionate about it in their own way. Who are you to judge ?[/size] [/list] [size=4] I think I detect some musical snobbery in your post. Music is there to be enjoyed in whatever way, and in whatever amount of time the listener chooses to indulge in it. Just because someone does not listen to the music you like, or possibly not as often, does not mean they dont enjoy it as much as you.[/size]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1411406246' post='2559224'] This ^^ is how to approach it. It's all part of the wonderful world of music. Some folks seem not to be interested, prefering the hedonist attractions of the back-stage 6-pack, or the posing with this week's fashionable logo to the flash bulbs. All good and well, but nowt to do with music. One has to have a certain intellectual aspect to enjoy wandering down the modal back streets, or inverting chord tones for fun. It's not for all, and one may enjoy bass playing (or, indeed, most other instruments...) without these private pleasures, but for those inclined, it's a road paved with gold, with twists and turns leading to an elusive horizon that recedes as one approaches. It's a life's study, at any pace, at any level, at any age. (Almost...) better than sex, and can be practised alone or in a group. Be warned: once bitten, it's enjoyment all the way. Be prepared to leave behind dull ignorance. No-one escapes unscathed. [/quote] OP, if the above post does not convince you that there is a point to learning theory, then it's time to take up the spoons. [size=4] [/size]

[quote name='barkin' timestamp='1411404528' post='2559195'] As for those that say "it has to have the F word on the headstock" ... F 'em. As long as [i][b]I'm[/b][/i] happy playing it, I don't give a monkey's what anybody else might think. [/quote] Agreed. Plus, the punters wont know (or care) about the price of your bass.

[quote name='mingsta' timestamp='1411391925' post='2559002'] The problem is, every time I've tried this in the past its failed miserably as it felt too much like doing homework and I quickly lost interest. Not sure what I'm going to do this time round to stay motivated...any suggestions from people who've been there would be welcome!!! [/quote] No doubt that some homework is involved. That is not to say that you need to spend hours locked away, learning nothing but theory. As little time as twenty five to thirty minutes a day, would be good to start. Any more than that for now would cause the brain to switch off, telling you..."too much information...!!!" [size=4] A little at a time but often (i.e. every day..as apart from three hours at weekends is the way to go).[/size] A good teacher would be the best idea. Going through a tutorial book like "The Complete Bass Method" book (see link below) under the guidance of a teacher would IMO pay dividends in the long run. Nothing like a good teacher for keeping you motivated. Even half a dozen lessons would be well worth the time, money and effort. http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-Method-Easy-Use/dp/0793563836 Hope this gives food for thought. [size=4] [/size]

Apart from one or two posts, little has been mentioned about [i]chord tones. [/i][size=4]Yes, scales are very important, but equally so are chord tones, as these are what the bassist plays most of the time. [/size][size=4]As Doddy mentioned, there is more to knowing scales than just the fingering or being able to play them from root to root all over the neck (though this a good place to start).[/size] [size=4][u]Knowing[/u] scales involves knowing how chord tones are derived from them, and how to harmonise the major scale. [/size] [size=4]OP, if you are content on being a human [/size]duke[size=4] box, just copying other people's lines, then you will get by with little or no theory. However, if you want to be able to make up your own bass lines, then knowing a little theory will go a long way towards [/size][size=4]enhancing both your knowledge, and in turn your enjoyment of music. [/size] [size=4]Here is a link to a great web site (I think it was already mentioned). In this link it talks about the importance of chord tones,[/size][size=4]and how concentrating solely on scales without a knowledge of chord tones, can lead to the frustration you are now experiencing.[/size] [size=4]Check out the link first, then go to the start and work your way slowly through the lessons.[/size] [size=4][url="http://www.studybass.com/lessons/bass-chord-patterns/chord-tones-are-primary/"]http://www.studybass...es-are-primary/[/url][/size]

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411298013' post='2558182'] Who knows. Just what my bass tutors tell me to try [/quote] If what a bass tutor advises, causes physical pain or discomfort, then it is OK to [i]diplomatically [/i]tell them so. Everyone is different and there are no "one size fits all" rules. Any teacher worth his salt will know this.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411295424' post='2558155'] I appreciate your concern and don`t find you preaching at all. Any advice is really great. It may sound like i am putting my wrist in a vice and trying to force it, but nothing like that. It isn`t tendon pain, just from the wrist that hasn`t moved sideways for 10 years or so. I can be doing my scales with stretches and suddenly the wrist gives a little crack very occasionally. Maybe once a week it happens. The wrist then gets minutely better with less pain. I realise it will never get much better, but a little bit will help tremendously. [/quote] You are obviously well up on what to do for the best and what to avoid. That is the main thing.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411290528' post='2558094'] I can tell from experience the difference between stretching to much pain, and stiffness pain They stiffness pain hurts like hell, but there is no pain when i stop . [/quote] I'd be very careful and wary about [i]any[/i] pain, as this is the body's way of telling you that something is not right. Apart from the kind of burning sensation often experienced after exertion, playing the bass should never be a painful experience, and you should never play through it. If you dont do so already, before a practice session on the bass, warm up with some [i]gentle[/i] stretches. I realise it can be frustrating not to be physically able to play as you want to, but not heeding the body's alarm signals can make things worse in the long term. It is not my intention to be alarmist or to come across as preaching, so sorry if it seems like that.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411166233' post='2557283'] I guess it s reasonably unusual. I have always wanted to play an instrument, but got arthritis in my teens which stopped me .Advancements of drugs has enabled me to have a go. I chose bass over guitar because of the wider spacin of the strings. The piano would probably be beetr in terms of full finger workouts, but it has never appealed. I have told the nurse that deals with my artritis and she says it is a good idea as it will ease the joints. Because of the lack of movement, it does hurt, which is going to be the case, but i am getting finding my joints in the wrist and fingers easing. That is why i wanted to know if anybody found it hard to stretch over 4 frets when they were learning.. If everyone had found it easy, then i would think it will be difficult.If on the other people took a long time, then i know it will just take me lot longer [/quote] Glad to hear that you have got the OK to play bass, from a medical expert. The OFPF can be too much of a stretch for a lot of people, regardless of the condition of their hands. As has been mentioned, use the thumb as a pivot and use fingers 1&4, especially on the lower frets. Below is a link worth checking out. I still think it would be a good idea to also include other exercises, like I previously mentioned. Best of luck, and I hope your situation improves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXkxu_7Tn48

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1411146799' post='2556983'] that is the reason for me taking up an instrument to get some movement back into my joints, which to a degree is working. [/quote] That's a very unusual reason for taking up an instrument, if you dont mind my saying so. [size=4] IMO you would be better served getting the advice of a physiotherapist on what exercises would be of benefit. Failing that, check You Tube for yoga stretching exercises. [/size] [size=4]If indeed you have a genuine interest in taking up the bass, i.e. for the enjoyment of playing music, then I would agree with the advice given so far. Be [i]VERY[/i] [i]CAREFUL[/i] when stretching, especially on the lower (1-5) frets. Also check You Tube for left and right hand technique. [/size]

[quote name='inthedoghouse' timestamp='1410881524' post='2554247'] Only Van Damme cables here [/quote] +1 for these.

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1410779698' post='2552930'] , electric guitar at 13% [/quote] I'm sure some of this percentage will transfer over to bass because they think it is "easier"...after all.. only four strings...generally !!

Sad news indeed. Joe was a great musician. As well as his Crusaders material, I also love his music on albums under his own name. R.I.P. Joe.