Acoustic bass question

[jim72911t]

Originally Posted by targa911S

Have you played bass for 25 years, or did you start playing as guitarist? Keep in mind that Hook and Moose were probably influenced by some of us old farts as well. Anybody who plays bass that can't say guys like Jamerson had any effect on them just isn't a bassist.

As far as bands go, it's been bass only for the last 25 years. I have dabbled on guitar for almost that long, but have never been a guitarist in a band. I am way worse on guitar than bass. (And that's really saying something. )

And the old fart comment was meant as a joke; I apologize if you took it otherwise.

Happy Thanksgiving

[targa911S]

No offense taken. Been called much worse. I play guitar, but just enough to be able to read hands from across the stage. I suck on guitar. Born to play bass you and I were. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by targa911S

No offense taken. Been called much worse. I play guitar, but just enough to be able to read hands from across the stage.
.

You want a real challenge in hand reading? I was playing at an open mic/jam thing where the leader was principally a drummer. He'd sing and play left handed acoustic guitar. None of the songs were played in the correct keys. I was playing electric to accompany. It was quite an adventure!

The guys I'm playing with now, the bassist is really good. Having played some myself, I can watch what he's doing and I've learned a lot about technique.

[targa911S]

It used to really confuse guitarists when I had my basses tuned B.E.A.D. instead of EADG. They were seeing a E string, but it was really a B string. It was always fun when somebody wanted to sit in. I'm back to the EADG tuning now.

It used to really confuse guitarists when I had my basses tuned B.E.A.D. instead of EADG. They were seeing a E string, but it was really a B string. It was always fun when somebody wanted to sit in. I'm back to the EADG tuning now.

Oh, that's diabolical!

My son is home for Thanksgiving and last night we played an hour-long set for visiting family. It was a blast.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Terry

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

My son is home for Thanksgiving and last night we played an hour-long set for visiting family. It was a blast.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Terry

That's awesome! I just spent an hour jamming in the basement to my ipod. My family left the room. LOL. My brother in law and I played in a band 12 years ago. It's how he met his wife, my wife's sister. I might see if I can get him to sit in the "basement cafe" after we eat.

Originally Posted by VaSteve

That's awesome! I just spent an hour jamming in the basement to my ipod. My family left the room. LOL. My brother in law and I played in a band 12 years ago. It's how he met his wife, my wife's sister. I might see if I can get him to sit in the "basement cafe" after we eat.

That's funny--the bass player I toured with (way back in 1976) has been my brother in law for 30 years. He still plays, as do his two sons.

Terry

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by jim72911t

While I agree with most of this and that any bass player worth his salt should know how to play/stay in the pocket, I think there is room to handle some of the melodic stuff as well. Keep in mind that my two favorite bass players are Peter Hook from Joy Division and Moose from New Model Army. (Sorry targa911S, I've only been playing for 25 years so my influences might be a bit different than you "old farts" ) Coincidentally, Tommy Shannon is one of my faves as well, but for totally different reasons.

Lee Sklar is a guy who can be melodic while keeping a deep pocket. I am a huge fan of early 70's pop as the arrangements were often amazing. The bass work by those session guys was epic and not your typical I-V approach.

As for getting bored when playing a grove, ghost notes and "not playing" notes can be your friend - assuming you and the drummer are having a good conversation. One of the exercises I do is playing three dotted 8th notes (think the bass groove to Black Cow) with a metronome. Start that riff on the down beat, then start it on the "e" of 1, then the "and" of one, then the "uh" of 1, then on downbeat of 2, etc. Each one is a completely different pocket feel. The downbeat and "and" are the typical "white" grooves. The "e" an especially the "uh" are way funkier. Being able to slide between those feels while staying locked is a life-long pursuit and will certainly keep you from getting bored.

The other thing is to listen to some Anthony Jackson. He's all over the place while still locking the band.

early: The O'Jays - For The Love of Money (Audio) - YouTube

later: Michel Camilo - New York Band - "NOT YET" - YouTube
Hiromi The Trio Project / Desire - YouTube

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by targa911S

shall I craft you a thumb rest like mine?

Hey Targa, can you take a photo of you playing the acoustic bass with the thumbrest? I'm having a hard time picturing this after playing my bass. Of course, I have been playing it sitting down, it takes up a lot of space on my lap so finger playing doesn't seem natural. (Even if it did seem natural to me. )

I got the Fender one, I need to do a pickguard-ectomy on it as well and I'm a little nervous about it.

[targa911S]

I work on that for ya. Tomorrow. What do you mean "pick guardectomy? I actually have both my Kellys for sale right now so I can take the rest off one of them and give it to you if you like.

[VaSteve]

The bass I got came with a pick guard. It looks like a giant 6 string. I want to take it off since it looks silly.

I appreciate that on the thumb rest offer! I'll PM you my address. Thanks.