SpaceChick

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363642762' post='2015286'] Why wouldn't you think to learn songs by ear?? Is it not obvious..? [size=4]I can't do it any other way. [/size] [/quote] I certainly find if I can work the song out by ear, I feel more confident... I'll often go to a reputable tab site to "check my workings out" or to figure out harder bits that are eluding me, but certainly I favour learning by ear, it also gets you to appreciate the bass in amongst the song as a whole.... Which if you are going to play with a band is invaluable. I do sometimes when I get REALLY stuck, go to my guru bass teacher for some gentle nudges in the right direction

That is very tasty Mr Ace was telling me about it in my lesson today : Maybe I'll get chance to have a tinkle on it on Sat?

Hello and welcome

My local shop is FANTASTIC, its 10 mins drive from home and the service is amazing. Also if you want something unusual they will do their best to source if for you and order it in (Like the La Belle flats I wanted for my 5 string.... 4 string were 2 a penny, but nowhere was stocking the 5 string in the guage I wanted, they ordered from a supplier and it's taken since Nov for them to come but they are now here) You get to know people too, which I think is great if you need a set up done or some advice. I've bought a bass there, a practice amp there, leads, books, iPhone thing for my bass, straps. I could have got them all online a couple of quid cheaper (only a couple of quid though), however, for the relationships and the service I will keep going back!

I have had la belle flats on order for my 5 string Ibanez since November..... They finally arrived at the music shop today So, my bass has gone in to have the new strings fitted and to have a set up done on it. Very excited about getting it back

Only a week away.... Woo Hoo

Who cares what he's doing, he sounds awesome. (I probably say this as I know I have no chance of equaling these skills!)

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1363369423' post='2012005'] So you've outgrown them already? Alas, 'twas always thus. [/quote] Probably, but we are about to start gigging and increasing our tracks, so I'm hoping I can add some more challenging songs into the set. I really like the guys so don't want to leave.

[quote name='Geek99' timestamp='1363361043' post='2011835'] Only the other musicians, and also the guitarists. [/quote] I do have to say that other people in bands I talk to far more about my music.... We have around 500 staff.... And I know 1 other guy learning the bass.. A guitarist (who also fronts a rock band) and 3 keyboard players.... Our "water cooler" moments always evolve around music. Then I have 5 guys where our conversations are around cycling. I don't seem to have anything in common with the ladies

When I bought my bass I had no intention of playing in a band, I was going to play along with songs etc. Two months in, I joined a band Great fun, however, I would say whilst it accelerated my learning to start, I would say that it's now slowed me down a little.

Guys, following your feedback I have amended the order to start with an easy but catchy 12 bar blues, and ending on a lively song. I've put my first really challenging bassline as track 4 to ensure my first 3 are ones I'm mega confident with but we are starting with 2 very lively songs and then a ballad. And we are finishing on a ballad and two lively songs. Hope the band approve of the order! Thanks for the help and support! I'm getting rather excited now!

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1363278799' post='2010968'] Good luck BTW!!! [/quote] Thanks, I really am rather excited.... and theres still 4 weeks to go!

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1363278591' post='2010963'] Better to think in terms of YOUR best song rather then the best song that you think is most popular. [/quote] In fairness then we've probably got it right, as I have started with 2 of our three strongest songs, and knocking in heavens door is our third strongest (although sometimes our rhythm guitarist can't resist going maverick and doing an extra guitar solo... just cause he doesnt often get the chance )

We are starting with Another Brick in the Wall (part 2 for purists!), so I'll either use my 5 string or drop tune to D to start and then tune back up to E afterwards whilst our lead singer is introducing the band. The band agreed last night to finish on knocking on heavens door.... which I don't think is the best choice..... personally I'd rather Can't get enough of your love as thats a really uptempo song. However, 2 of our band members were in a previous band and had finished on KOHD before and said it went down really well.... so we will see In work today, I re-arranged the set on my iPod and listened to the flow as I worked.... it seemed to flow nicely... tonight now I am going to see if it has the same flow when I play it Just spoken to the drummer...... its looking like either Friday 12th or Sat 13th April...... eeeeekkkkk exciting

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1363273039' post='2010826'] didn't want you going all Jaco in the middle of Red House [/quote] In my dreams I have tried to be sensible in my arrangements, and I took up the bass because I love the way that basslines provide structure and order to many songs. Maybe I was wrong saying "show off" and "Showcase my skills" I mean that in a blend into the background like a good bassist should sense I think most bassists take up the bass because they aren't big show offs, if they were real show offs they'd be lead guitarist, so I did mean show off in a subtle understated bass way I do certainly want to avoid trainwrecks..... although if last nights rehearsal is anything to go by they'll be from our drummer or lead guitarist

[quote name='Martin E' timestamp='1363271540' post='2010783'] No one including your own band mates will be paying that much attention. I'm sure it will go well – you sound a lot more organised than many. [/quote] i'd spent the weekend improving a bassline on one track... played it for hubby to the original track and he said "That sounds good", I smiled thinking he'd appreciated my enhancements... until he added "But thats been on your setlist for a while, so why are you playing me it".... goes to show, even those married to bassists don't notice. As for being organised........ The band said its good to have someone bossy..... I tell them them I'm not bossy, I'm vocally organised. But these organisation skills have ensured that people have known what they need to be doing.... so thye do thank me for it!

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1363270279' post='2010753'] ......that's the lead guitarist's job & they are weird.......and they often hurt Gerbils. [/quote] Ain't they just!! And my band has 2 lead guitarists (one who sings) and a rythym guitarist too..... I wonder I get heard! However, I miss one rehearsal (bike accident 2 hours before) and it all fell to pot.... I think the band then realised how much the low end holds it all together

[quote name='Count Bassy' timestamp='1363269786' post='2010747'] If nerves might be a problem (certainly was with my first dozen or so gigs) then start with a few that you know like the back of your hand. Get settled in with those and work up to the less confident ones. Of course you need to take the other members confident and less confident ones into account as well. [/quote] Of course, its been a while, but previously I have been able to control my nerves when I was an Oboeist and an actress... I'm hoping because I'll not be the focus (being towards the back hidden under a hat and by my drummer) I will be able to control my nerves!! I may be completely naive in this mind! kev - your response came in as I was typing, yep, I think that way too, so think I'll be OK..... I hope

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1363268651' post='2010711'] Do what serves the song, rather than yourself, best. Good luck :-) [/quote] the songs I think deserve more, the originals have more.... but what I have done is sufficient to "get the job done"..... probably enough for your average punter too. My problem is I am a perfectionist!

We are getting at that scary stage where (and for those of you that have followed my band journey, try not to die of shock) we are getting ready to gig! We have 13 songs which are under our belt now, and we are probably doing a charity gig in April (we will do one set and our drummers brother's band will do the other set), but we want to get "on the road" now as its been a long time coming. I have had the task of arranging our setlist into an order.... I have started with a song everyone will know.... have tried to seperate the 12 bar blues numbers we have (3 of them), tried to mix between tracks where our male singer and female singer take the lead, tried to spread out the slower tracks we have, and end on a high. Blimey Charlie..... it ain't half hard work!!!! I am also having some personal debates..... 7 tracks have awesome basslines, 2 more have quite good basslines..... That leaves 4 which aren't setting me on fire.... the 3 twelve bar blues (which I have been playing simply) and one which has a very easy and repetitive bassline (which is what the song calls for).... I am tempted to breathe some extra life in the 12 bar blues, but want advice.... knowing that 7 tracks already showcase my skills (one is still proving challenging but I'm getting there) and I have never gigged as a bassist, and have last gigged as a classical musician over 20 years ago, should I just keep the 12 bar blues simple to give me some restbite in the set? The sensible person in me thinks I should just keep it as simple blues basslines, the show off and performer in me knows I can make them far more special than they are currently...... but would I be biting off more than I can chew for my first gigs. I think I'm of a mind to get a few gigs under my belt before I "tinker" with the basslines, but just wanted other peoples views. Its been a long old time since I was last on a stage!! I can't bloody wait though

good on her, obviously a young lady with sense My 2 and a half year old nephew has already decided he prefers Auntie Deb's guitar (my Ibanez 4 string) to Uncle Phil's guitar (Fender 6 string high pitch horrible thing!!). I'm just trying to work out when I can get him to play..... quite like the idea of getting him a drum kit and be a family rhythm section..... sadly his Mum (my sister) doesn't seem as keen

Woo Hoo Can't wait! Although I may be without kit! My gorgeous hubby is whisking me away for a night away on the Friday night, so unless we go away with all my kit in the car or taking the van away I will be coming with either nothing or maybe just one bass He doesn't know I'm dropping him off at Cardiff Central train station yet to get the train home when I come to the bash!! I would bring him, but he frequently glazes over when I talk all things low end, I think he'd lose the will to live with a room full of bassists! LOL!

Bloody awesome

She is one talented lady! I dream of having her skills You don't see many girls playing 5 strings either! (I have one but certainly favour my 4 string!)

Bumpety bump for the most awesome teacher ever Been having lessons with him for 9 months now..... I look forward to every lesson and have progressed brilliantly