Avi14 Posted July 15, 2017 Share Posted July 15, 2017 (edited) Hi everyone ! So I have learnt bass for around 2 years but couldn't really play it much from 2011-2016 due to studies and other engagements. I have finally got back to playing the bass this year and am recording Bass Covers of songs. Do check out my YouTube channel ! [url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbiJCBi-0ZCjHVCHlVhr_Q"]https://www.youtube....-0ZCjHVCHlVhr_Q[/url] Also, I am linking one of the recent songs that I covered: [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-xe0zGzcqI"]https://www.youtube....h?v=u-xe0zGzcqI[/url] Feedback would be highly appreciated ! Edited July 15, 2017 by Avi14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 15, 2017 Share Posted July 15, 2017 [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1500136323' post='3335865']... Feedback would be highly appreciated ! [/quote] Good evening, Avi14, and ... [sharedmedia=core:attachments:167528] Plenty to read and amuse you here, and lots to learn and share. Good stuff; well done. A word, if I may on tuning: it's important that the bass be in tune, every time, every session, every string. If you've not got a tuner, use tones found on t'web, and check the intonation of the bass. Everything will sound soooooo much better. Just sayin'; bravo for sharing, and keep it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted July 15, 2017 Author Share Posted July 15, 2017 Thanks a lot for the feedback 'Dad 3353'. I am currently tuning my bass guitar with an app on my phone called 'Guitar Tuna' but I'm not sure if it is reliable to depend on the phone's mic for tuning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 15, 2017 Share Posted July 15, 2017 It's the ears that need to become trained to hear correct tuning, whatever method is used. Here's a link to a guitar page explaining several diferent ways, equally applicable to bass. It's worth going over each of these methods, and using more than one method as a 'cross-check'... [url="http://www.wikihow.com/Tune-a-Guitar"]4 Ways To Tune A Guitar ...[/url] None of these methods will give good results if the bass itself is not set up correctly, especially the intonation (meaning having all the notes, all the way up the neck, correct when the open string is correct...). If you're not familiar with this, look it up on t'web, and/or have a chat with a decent guitar or bass tech to get the instrument set up to its best. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted July 25, 2017 Author Share Posted July 25, 2017 Thanks for the advice I have recently covered 'A Sky Full of Stars' by Coldplay ! For some reason the D Flat note seems a bit off tune but it sounded perfectly fine while playing. Perhaps the laptop mic has some issues while recording. Anyway, do check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSUHA0NyEEk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1500976958' post='3341388']... Anyway, do check it out ... [/quote] No tuning problems there of note, and the laptop mic is doing a fine job picking up the essentials, so well done, there. Well done, too, for choosing a tune to cover that has no bass at all at the start..! I'd never heard it (I don't think I'd recognise a Coldplay tune anyway, as I'm old..! ), but your rendition seemed fine enough. A word, though, if I may, without being too 'picky' or cruel..? The notes that you're playing are correct, and the timing pretty good, but I see that your body is reacting to the syncopated beat of the [i]bass [/i]notes. Could I suggest that you experiment with moving to the underlying beat of the music (the 4/4 flow...), instead of the jagged bass line..? Do you tap your foot, for instance, to the beat; I suspect not. Why do I say this..? Well, music, as a whole, is not just the bass, but an ensemble of all the instruments, and a major part of the 'glue' that binds it all together is the overall rhythm that all are (usually...) playing to. Moving to this rhythm would, I'd say, make more 'sense' of what you're playing, and integrate your notes into the whole. Maybe it's because I'm a drummer, of course, but that's how I feel there could be more improvement yet. Just sayin'; hope this helps. Bravo, then, and well done, again; thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted July 25, 2017 Author Share Posted July 25, 2017 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1500979758' post='3341417'] No tuning problems there of note, and the laptop mic is doing a fine job picking up the essentials, so well done, there. Well done, too, for choosing a tune to cover that has no bass at all at the start..! [/quote] Haha! Thanks for your feedback... will keep that in mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted July 30, 2017 Author Share Posted July 30, 2017 Have covered an Electropop song recently which has a cool bass line! Dangerous- David Guetta feat. Sam Martin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlSdxznZodY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 5, 2017 Author Share Posted August 5, 2017 Purchased a proper condenser mic today and the difference in sound quality is huge! Even without the Phantom Power supply, the bass can now clearly be heard and there are no fluctuations in the volume! Covered 'Another One Bites the Dust' with the new recording system! Do check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ4KcjTjRCk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1501958014' post='3348509']...Even without the Phantom Power supply, the bass can now clearly be heard... [/quote] ? ? ? Is this battery-powered, then..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share Posted August 6, 2017 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1501964365' post='3348555'] ? ? ? Is this battery-powered, then..? [/quote] The mic is directly connected to my laptop via USB Sound Card Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1502041400' post='3348918'] The mic is directly connected to my laptop via USB Sound Card [/quote] In that case, I would respectfully suggest that it's the sound card supplying the 'phantom power' that a condenser mic needs. Could be wrong, but I don't see how it could work at all otherwise. Just sayin'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share Posted August 6, 2017 Hmm... This is the first time I have purchased a condenser mic and I don't know much about them. But as per online sites, the mic is to be connected to the Input slot of the Phantom Power board and a chord passes through from the Output slot of the Phantom Power Board directly to the USB Sound Card. Anyway, do let me know if you felt the sound in this video was clearer compared to my previous videos or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 Avi14... I can't honestly say that there's a major difference between the Queen video and the previous two (Guetta and Blue Sky...). Tuning or intonation issues are much more noticeable that absolute sound quality, as is timing. I know that it's difficult, as a beginner, to have the 'polish' of an accomplished player; that can only come with time and practise. In your case, I'd suggest practising playing along to songs that you seem to like, but also 'wood-shedding', that's to say playing technical exercises from sheet music and method books, to a metronome. This will, if the method book is any good, improve your fluidity and confidence, your musical knowledge base and your playing technique; as a bonus it will (again, if the method is a good one...) improve your reading skills..! I'm assuming you've not got access to a real live bass tutor..? There, too, lies ample opportunity for development. I'd add, in passing, that I still find it slightly curious to choose play-alongs that have little bass in 'em..! As for the mic, could you give the make and model of both the mic itself and your sound card..? Just for curiosity's sake; I'd like to better understand how it works. S'not important; the essential thing is that it works..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share Posted August 6, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1502043427' post='3348945'] Avi14... I can't honestly say that there's a major difference between the Queen video and the previous two (Guetta and Blue Sky...). Tuning or intonation issues are much more noticeable that absolute sound quality, as is timing. I know that it's difficult, as a beginner, to have the 'polish' of an accomplished player; that can only come with time and practise. In your case, I'd suggest practising playing along to songs that you seem to like, but also 'wood-shedding', that's to say playing technical exercises from sheet music and method books, to a metronome. This will, if the method book is any good, improve your fluidity and confidence, your musical knowledge base and your playing technique; as a bonus it will (again, if the method is a good one...) improve your reading skills..! I'm assuming you've not got access to a real live bass tutor..? There, too, lies ample opportunity for development. I'd add, in passing, that I still find it slightly curious to choose play-alongs that have little bass in 'em..! As for the mic, could you give the make and model of both the mic itself and your sound card..? Just for curiosity's sake; I'd like to better understand how it works. S'not important; the essential thing is that it works..! [/quote] Hey, thanks for the feedback The mic is Sound King SK-800 and the USB Sound Card came free along with it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I am practicing some bass excercises via YouTube to get more fluid while playing bass. Btw, did the bass sound really that bad? I felt that I was mostly in tune but missed a note towards the end. Edited August 6, 2017 by Avi14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 Hi Avi14. I just had a listen to 'Beat It'. The original recording you are playing along to, is in Eb minor. You seem to be playing in Eminor ? If that is not the case and you have detuned, it is nearly a semi tone out. To be honest, I didn't want to comment, but it is worth remedying tuning issues from the beginning. Dad (above) has posted some useful advice in that post, so maybe take that onboard for practice regimes. It is stuff a one on one tutor would point out, so you got that for free. Good luck with it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1502047789' post='3348994'] Hey, thanks for the feedback The mic is Sound King SK-800 and the USB Sound Card came free along with it. Thanks a lot for the suggestions. I am practicing some bass excercises via YouTube to get more fluid while playing bass. Btw, did the bass sound really that bad? I felt that I was mostly in tune but missed a note towards the end. [/quote] OK, I looked up the Sound King mic (equivalent cost in European currency: 22€....), and would confirm that it's the free USB sound card that is supplying the power. You don't have to rely on youtube for practising; a decent bass method would be a good complement, I'd suggest. The Hal Leonard series are recommended by many, and are very complete and progressive. Here's a link... [url="http://www.amazon.in/Hal-Leonard-Bass-Method-Complete/dp/0793563836/ref=sr_1_1_twi_spi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502048687&sr=8-1&keywords=Hal+Leonard+Bass+Method%3A+Complete+Edition+Spiral-bound"]Amazon.in: Hal Leonard Complete Bass Method, spiral bound ...[/url] Does the bass sound that bad..? Not the right term, really; it's not that it sounds bad, it's that it sounds out of tune in places, and the timing is imprecise. That's enough to spoil a show, whoever is playing, and needs working on more than any learning of songs (which should continue, of course...). How do you check for intonation, for instance..? An easy check would be to play a string at the octave (12th fret...), then play a harmonic at that same fret (pluck the string whilst barely touching it at the 12th fret...). The notes heard (fretted and octave...) should be exactly the same pitch. Repeat for all four strings. If there is a difference at all in pitch on any string, the intonation should be adjusted to rectify that. Try this simple test and see..? Edited August 6, 2017 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share Posted August 6, 2017 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1502049134' post='3349013'] OK, I looked up the Sound King mic (equivalent cost in European currency: 22€....), and would confirm that it's the free USB sound card that is supplying the power. You don't have to rely on youtube for practising; a decent bass method would be a good complement, I'd suggest. The Hal Leonard series are recommended by many, and are very complete and progressive. Here's a link... [url="http://www.amazon.in/Hal-Leonard-Bass-Method-Complete/dp/0793563836/ref=sr_1_1_twi_spi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502048687&sr=8-1&keywords=Hal+Leonard+Bass+Method%3A+Complete+Edition+Spiral-bound"]Amazon.in: Hal Leonard Complete Bass Method, spiral bound ...[/url] Does the bass sound that bad..? Not the right term, really; it's not that it sounds bad, it's that it sounds out of tune in places, and the timing is imprecise. That's enough to spoil a show, whoever is playing, and needs working on more than any learning of songs (which should continue, of course...). How do you check for intonation, for instance..? An easy check would be to play a string at the octave (12th fret...), then play a harmonic at that same fret (pluck the string whilst barely touching it at the 12th fret...). The notes heard (fretted and octave...) should be exactly the same pitch. Repeat for all four strings. If there is a difference at all in pitch on any string, the intonation should be adjusted to rectify that. Try this simple test and see..? [/quote] Thanks a lot for this and I really appreciate your advise. I will try this to ensure my guitar is always in tune and will continue working hard to improve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 I have finally done the intonation of my guitar. I used a screwdriver to adjust the 12th freight in order to ensure that the 12th freight and the open freight of the respective strings sound the same I have chosen a tougher song this time which has a really good bass line. It is a non-English song but I hope you guys listen to it and give your feedback . Also, is the bass sounding better now? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsfCkpibumI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1502480557' post='3351813']... is the bass sounding better now?... [/quote] Indeed it is; well done on that score. Still timing issues that need working on (that hammer-on, for instance, is far too fast for you right now...). You're playing above your weight. Not in itself a bad thing, necessarily, as long as you're also spending time on just playing correctly, using exercises or much less demanding 'play-along' tracks. Still, I don't want to discourage you; you're doing fine, really, but could be doing so much better if those fundamentals were better in place. Keep it up, of course; thanks and 'Bravo' for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 Yes Dad3353, I have been working on the basics too and practicing different scales as well as trying to make different patterns within the scale. I am also playing along to some drum beats from time to time. Your advice is helping me a lot Recently, I have covered 'Locked Out of Heaven' by Bruno Mars. Do let me know if you are finding any improvement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWlFals8pPk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 (edited) [quote name='Avi14' timestamp='1503512268' post='3358861']... Recently, I have covered 'Locked Out of Heaven' by Bruno Mars. Do let me know if you are finding any improvement... [/quote] You're doing fine (although still playing stuff I've not heard before, what with me being old 'n all..! ). As comparison, see and listen how this fellow plays that same piece, using a pick, as you are.. [media]http://youtu.be/pePw8WDw1Eo[/media] Compare to the 'live' videos of the band, too. It's worth trying, as an exercise at least, playing 'finger-style', as an alternative technique, or playing using the pick 'up and down', instead of just down-strokes. These are just variants; what you're doing is not wrong, but having several options is usually a Good Thing. Any chance of teaming up with some buddies and playing along with drums and the like, 'live'..? It makes all the difference, playing with other folks. It's not always possible or easy, but brings a whole new dimension to one's playing. Just sayin'. Keep it up; it's working. Only another forty-odd years to go..! ;-) Edited August 24, 2017 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted September 9, 2017 Author Share Posted September 9, 2017 Covered 'Under Pressure' by Queen today. The song is bit tricky during the last stage but tried my best! Feedback is always appreciated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pq_ASe8x0Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avi14 Posted October 2, 2017 Author Share Posted October 2, 2017 Hey everyone! I am back after some time. I recently covered 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson. The song has a simple bass line which keeps repeating. It is very good for practicing and for building finger strength. Do let me know you guys found the cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19D8GO8lhS0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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