Coilte

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1366907903' post='2058930'] The walking lines in Moondance are clumsy, unmusical and don't swing. [/quote] I disagree.

[quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1366903935' post='2058846'] 'I got Rhythm' and 'Autumn Leaves' are possibly a better starting point than Moondance. Two tunes that will get you tuned into hearing Jazz related form, 2/5/1's and chord structure, they do wonders for your Lug chops, very important in playing Jazz..[Along with some/ a lot theory of course] Some of the Jazz Twelve bars as well. Moondance is just a load of old humping about. As Bilbo said....Listen to shedloads. Garry [/quote] I agree. I was just talking from a "walking" aspect.

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1366894384' post='2058661'] He said Jazz. [/quote] That's true, but as this song contains walking bass lines, it is still good place to start learning the basics for "walking". IMO, learning the lines to this song wont be a waste of time when it comes to playing jazz. Lets not get into a genre labeling discussion.

It is hard to say exactly what is wrong, without seeing you play. Two things come to mind that might be contributing to the problem : 1. You may be gripping the neck too tight. 2. Where you place your thumb, when you are playing these technical riffs. Try using the thumb as a pivot to move the hand, instead of stretching the fingers ? You should notice a difference. The clip below deals with where to put (or not to..) the thumb of the fretting hand. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM-rkoy2H8I"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM-rkoy2H8I[/url]

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1366876853' post='2058301'] loads - but i would thoroughly recommend check out scott devine's lessons on youtube especially the one where he covers walking bass lines [/quote] +1. Another good series of Walking Bass line lessons on You Tube are Dave Mark's : I think there are about ten in all. [url="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dave+marks+walking+bass+lesson+01&oq=dave+marks+&gs_l=youtube.1.0.0l6.220864.225840.0.229432.11.11.0.0.0.0.234.1650.2j6j3.11.0.ytns%2Cpt%3D-30%2Cn%3D2..0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.zH87LjVj4C0"]http://www.youtube.c...ube.zH87LjVj4C0[/url] A great book to get you started is this one : [url="http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Walking-Jazz-Lines-Bass/dp/0786659963"]http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/0786659963[/url] When you have got through that one, follow it up with : [url="http://www.amazon.com/Building-Walking-Bass-Lines-Friedland/dp/0793542049"]http://www.amazon.co...d/dp/0793542049[/url] Both books come with a CD which feature some play along jazz standards. The bass can be isolated, so whan you progress, you can play along to the drums and piano.

This is a silly question to ask here on "Bass Chat" when everyone knows that the answer is....Bilbo !!! Mine (after Bilbo of course !!!) is Dave Holland. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQF9bJE800s"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQF9bJE800s[/url]

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1366720659' post='2056355'] I dont think you have a legal case, but they should probably help you out based on good will. [/quote] While I am not an expert on these affairs, on a casual reading of the OP's post, this would be my opinion also.

I am glad this incident has come to a happy conclusion. Good on you, Voodoosnake for being man enough to apologise.

I like Bass Chat a lot. I have made some small purchases in the classifieds, which went very smoothly. The nature of the beast that are forums, means there will always be those who want an arguement, no matter what the subject is. IMO there is a difference between a heated discussion, where people hold strong views, but are also willing to see the other side of the coin. Then sometimes there are threads where people are talked down, without the person adding anything substantial. Thankfully, in my experience with the "General Discussion" forum (which is where I spend most of my time), the latter situation is the exception. I think in threads where it is obvious that people are arguing for the sake of it, people should resist the temptation to fuel the fire by responding. All in all, it is a great forum.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1366447758' post='2052661'] I don't see why it's so important to sound like yourself - unless you live in a me me me kind of individualistic egoistic society and subscribe to those values. [/quote] [quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1366449951' post='2052696'] However, I don't accept that's it's the be all and end all. [/quote] I don't think anyone claimed it to be the be all and end all. People are entitled to add to, take from or copy music as they so wish (not talking copyright here , but you know what I mean). As for myself, I was addressing your above quote where you seem to make the generalisation that anyone who chooses to go the "self expression" route, is somehow a selfish egotist.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1366447758' post='2052661'] I don't see why it's so important to sound like yourself - unless you live in a me me me kind of individualistic egoistic society and subscribe to those values. [/quote] I'd say the main reason why most people take up music is to be able to express themselves through it. I say "most" because there are those who are content to simply imitate. There is nothing wrong here, if that is what they are happy doing. For others, what better way to express yourself, then in your own "voice" ?

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1366415321' post='2052476'] I just told it like it is to a fledgling songwriter soliciting opinion on his song in another thread. I was pretty critical but (I thought) encouraging. I copped a couple of slaps in the face by two other members. I feel sh*t now so I won't be doing that again. [/quote] I would not let it bother me. An opinion was sought and given. That's what forums are for. If people cant handle it...too bad.

Everyone (famous and iconic musicians included) starts out imitating someone else or their music. The trick is to utilise what you have learned from this, and make it your own. Oddly enough for myself, I never tried to imitate any ones tone, but always experimented, until I found what I liked.

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1366242793' post='2050158'] Excellent post! FWIW, from the look of it I don't like what your teacher does. Its intensity would bring me out of balance [/quote] To be honest, this thought crossed my mind at the beginning, but I did not want to be seen to be blaming the teacher, which I am not, just making an observation. I am not a teacher, but to start introducing roman numerals to a pupil four weeks into lessons, seems a bit ambitious IMO. At this stage, a pupil is still getting to grips (or should be, if he is being taught the necessary basics) with learning the notes on the fretboard and such like. I would also like to give a "plus 1" to the OP for how he conducted himself when replying to criticism.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1366193660' post='2049372'] Also, nothing kills energy like perfection. [/quote] Must remember this saying. I have being working on "Rhythm Stick" on and off for a while. While I never quite have it 100% nailed, I feel I am nearly there, and this keeps me going. I too, often experience the OP's situation where one day I can play it fairly comfortably, but the next day I am all over the place. There is no magic formula except to keep plugging away at it. I usually start by playing it slowly, and then gradually incrasing the tempo.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1366108826' post='2048315'] Fair comment, probably needs its own forum actually [/quote] +1.

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1366108052' post='2048301'] I disagree completely. When starting an instrument you should be filled with wonder and joy and passion for what you're doing. The reason it's best to start an instrument isn't because you learn faster when you're young. You actually learn faster in your 30's. But when you're young you think whatever you do is amazing. And when you're young nobody can talk you out of doing it, no matter what. If that isn't there, no amount of encourgement will make a difference. The OP is looking for a reason to quit. Let him. [/quote] IMO, this is a very negative attitude (unless you are trolling). The OP obviously has a passion, otherwise he would not be trying so hard. It is possible to have a passion no matter what age you are. You are making a lot of very general statements regarding any young person's attitude to learning. Everyone is different regardless of age. A little encouragement never hurt anybody, where as negativity can. The OP has said that he will take the advice given so far, on board. Is this not a sign that he is interested ?

[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1366103352' post='2048249'] If you're thinking of giving up, do it now and save yourself a lot of trouble. Learning an instrument should be about discovery, growth and enjoyment. You will get as good as your ability will take you. If you aren't experiencing those things, it's not for you. If you are, you don't need to be encouraged by anyone else but yourself. [/quote] IMO, the OP is a little overwhelmed by the amount of musical knowledge to be "discovered". This is a natural reaction, when you are full of enthusiasm. You get frustrated and disillusioned when progress is not happening fast enough. A little encouragement from people who have been there and did that, is quite natural to seek out. The only reason he is talking about giving up, is because he is trying [b]too [/b]hard. People here, are merely trying to get him to adopt a different approach and mental attitude.

^^^ Great post Fat Rich. Learning the fretboard should be one of the first things to nail. Ear training is also very important.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1366083700' post='2048143'] If i can`t play something like Freebird, Lynyrd Skynyrd in 4 years time, i will give up. [/quote] The words "give up" should not be considered, or even thought about, so early into the learning journey. Try to stay positive. You will get there.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1366056300' post='2047901'] Thanks for the advice.I think i am trying too hard to take it all in.Perhaps i will have to relax a bit more and take my time.At first it was easy, wih just a few pentotonic and arpeggios to learn.Then you get more and more, but still have to go over the same ground.What took 30 mins a day, is starting to take an hour.I will perservere, and take on the advice you have given me [/quote] Learning an instrument is a continuous process which never ends. So just take your time and enjoy the learning process itself. If you feel yourself getting bogged down, take a break and come back to it. That Study Bass site I linked earlier is great in that the lessons are structured. This way, each lesson builds on what you learned in the previous ones.

Yes, it can seem a bit overwhelming, such is the amount of information available. The best advice is to take things in small "bite size" chunks, and dont spend any more that say, a half an hour to forty five minutes at a time learning theory. Otherwise the brain becomes over loaded with information and switches off. This is when learning becomes frustrating, and can lead to a person giving up altogether. As has been mentioned, make sure that there is some fun involved, and that it is not all work and no play. After your stint of theory practice, try playing along to some of your favourite songs, and generally just chill out and have fun. Dont be too hard on yourself. Four weeks is a VERY short time to be learning theory, but if you stick at it and take things in small steps, the pieces of the jig saw will begin to fall into place, and you will experience those "lightbulb" moments. This web site should help. [url="http://www.studybass.com/study-guide/"]http://www.studybass.com/study-guide/[/url] Best of luck with it.

You seem to have gotten off to a rockin' start. I suppose it depends on the type of music being played, whether or not you start gigging early. Would not fancy playing the likes of "Steely Dans" music on my first gig. For myself, while I was happy to jam with others, it was about two years before I considered myself ready to play in public.

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1365967246' post='2046725'] Do you get sore fingers at rehearsals? If not it could be that adrenalin at gigs is making you dig in harder. Cures? Well using the pick more often is definitely a solution (I've done this mid gig when I've had an attack of sore fingers). Another way forward is to practice more at home to build up those callouses. Conversely try and play softer live. [/quote] +1. Hire up the amp and play softer. If you are using stainless steel strings, they can can be hard on the fingers.

[quote name='The Hat' timestamp='1365796223' post='2044765'] If I'm honest, I don't even know what notes to play [/quote] Again, I suggest you use the slow down link that Musky posted. Start with the first minute of the song. With the song slowed down, try to play along, imitating what's being played. Use trial and error on the fretboard until you have the right notes. This is great practice for sharpening the ear. You dont have to play every note for now. Just get the general gist and you can do the fills later. To get an idea of the notes use this link : [url="http://chordify.net/"]http://chordify.net/[/url] Go onto You Tube, find your song, copy the url, and paste it into the box on the site. This will give you an idea of whats being played. I say "idea", because often the bass does not play the same chord as say, the guitar or piano. Plus the site may not have the correct transcription.