NowVertical Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 (edited) Hi, I have not really posted since the changeover to Basschat until posting up some items for sale yesterday and feel I should contribute something rather than just trying to sell. So...there now follows some random bass related thoughts/opinions gathered from the last year or so. [b]Paraphrased pearls of wisdom[/b] (well they made me think differently about my playing): Kim Deal (The Pixies) - “Don’t get too involved” in reference to bassists covering Pixies songs and becoming to involved in the guitar lines rather than fulfilling the solid bass role that Ms Deal was famed for. Jaco Pastourius - “know what you are going to play before you put fingers to strings” in reference to not letting muscle memory and chance dictate your note choices/phrasing. Some bloke on bassworlds teacher - “when playing changes think about the notes in the line you are currently on in terms of leading to the next chord” Sounds simple and obvious but I really used to think about each bar in isolation and therefore on walking lines I always seemed to lurch through the changes, thinking this way has really smoothed over my walking lines. [b]6 String Basses[/b] Well it was fun owning one for noodling at home but I never really found a place in the mix for the high C. So after years of fatiguing my wrist on a wider neck, whilst playing most of my lines (drum & bass, dub and big bands) down the deep end, I realised that in my case six strings are not that practical as a one stop shop for regular gigging. The offending bass served me well but is currently in the process of being sold. I would buy another if a band I was regularly involved in left the space in a mix for me to utilise it, but until then it’s 5 strings or less. [b]5 String Basses[/b] The six string was my first departure from 4 stringers and completely sold me on the whole low b thing. The low B is no longer a novelty thumb rest it is fully integrated with my playing. It’s not just the ability to sink down into the lower registers to bring depth to a bands sound palette, it also opens more comfortable options higher up the neck. [b]34” or 35”[/b] They are just different animals. I definitely miss certain elements of the feel/sound of a 34” but am sold on the playability and sound of my 35” 5 stringer. If I had the money I would keep a 34” jazz in my arsenal, but I don’t so as I can only afford to keep one fretted it’s 35” all the way. I think the comments here [url="http://www.mpguitars.com/articles.html"]mpguitars[/url] (scroll down to the 34” 35” section) sum up the way I currently feel about the situation based on the few guitars of both types I have played. Whilst I am sure there are a few 35” players out there they insist there is no difference I.e. it is down to the quality of the build I really do advise anyone taking a scale length decision to do the research but more importantly play them back to back if possible to identify the difference for themselves. [b]Bands[/b] I used to only play in bands where the music was right up my street. As a result I did not to get to play alongside a band as often as I wanted. About two years ago I started to play with anyone who asked : Cons - Occasionally I want to tell the cool guy standing with his arms folded in dissent of having to put with yet another mainstream cover version that it is really not my thing either and that really I love jazz, funk, reggae etc etc. Pros More gigs, more rehearsals and more experience!!! Taking you out of your comfort zone and making you think about the role of the bass in a given context. More contacts - Not surprisingly there are drummers/guitarists/vocalists/brass sections doing exactly the same thing. Opening your mind to appreciate music that perhaps you had disregarded in haste. I think that’s long winded enough for now. Thanks to all the posters out there who have inspired and informed me over the last year or two. Cheers Jem Edited February 3, 2008 by NowVertical Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfoxnik Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Hi Jem Welcome back! This should really be moved to the Introducions Forum really (hello Mods )! Enjoy your stay now you're back, Nik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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