[quote name='bassjamm' post='122238' date='Jan 17 2008, 03:29 PM']Haven't read through all of the above but just wanted to put in a few words...
Don't think it's been said, if it has, my apologies...but i've found i can play what i hear far more easily if i can sing the lick. Ok, i'm no singer, but it's amazing how quickly you can pick up stuff if you can hear it and then sing it, because you're brain is having to tell your voice the intervals, rather than you playing the first note and then trying out different intervals untill you get it. I've found this to be incredibly helpful, i use it when learning new bass lines, working out solos, even when working out the lines that are in my head. It also helps if you practice singing the lines you're playing because this gets your voice used to singing the notes and intervals.
Don't get my wrong...i'm not suggesting you become some kind of magical singing bassist, but being able to pitch the notes with your voice will strengthen your ears ability to hear the lines...and in turn play them...
Hope that helps...and sorry if it's already been suggested![/quote]
Exactly what Richard Bona encourages!