Whats the best way? record them to a tape, write them down, what?

I used to write them down in TAB, and do a recording (if I thought I needed too).

Recently, I've found a kickass way is to download the powertab software, and write your tab in there as you should hear it, because it also plays it back for you at the press of a button. It also helps you suss out which notes are 8th, 16th, where rests are, etc.

:bassist:

I write everything down in the same kinds of books I have my transcriptions in. I have one book of just lines and ideas that I came up with, and I drop in on it from time to time when I have trouble remembering something.

Easy,

Janek

Whats the best way? record them to a tape, write them down, what?

These days when I come up with something I like, I'll record a few minutes of the pattern and whatever variations I've come up with so far.

Then I'll transcribe the pattern. I use Sibelius lately, but paper would also be fine.

My book Slap It! came about only because I was writing down everything I came up with while I was learning to play slap bass.

This was back in the late 70's so I didn't have a personal computer. I just wrote everything down in a spiral music notebook.

After a few years I realized I had a book's worth of material.

So, my advice would be to write everything down. You never know where it might lead, and it will certainly improve your understanding of what you're playing. It will also improve your sight reading ability.

I can't think of any down side.

:)

Cheers!

Tony

Tony, I went through your book back in the early 90's and loved it. Those lines are totally killer.
Were you using a Ken Smith bass?

Tony, I went through your book back in the early 90's and loved it. Those lines are totally killer.
Were you using a Ken Smith bass?

Musicman,

I'm glad you enjoyed the book. It's always nice to hear!

I've never owned a Smith bass. They're beautiful instruments, but especially back at the time when I did the book, I had just moved down to NYC after being at Berklee, was working several day jobs, and trying to get gigs...I had no money. NYC was an expensive place to live even back then.

I had to take pictures for the book and Ken was a friend, and he was just starting his company, so I used his bass in the pictures for the book, to help publicize his new company. I figured it would be more interesting than seeing my Fender P-bass.

It was probably wishful thinking on my part as well. Thinking someday maybe I'd be able to afford one. Lol!

That bass was one of the first 10 or 12 Ken Smith Basses ever made. I can't remember who ultimately purchased that one, but I bet Ken would have a record of it.

All the recordings for Slap It!, and now for my Slap It! Online site, have been done with my 1972 Fender Precision Bass whichi has a Maple neck, with Bartolini pickups and a custom active circuit designed and installed by HAZ labs.

Cheers!

Tony

My teacher and I are also big fans of your book Tony. I recomend it to everyone cause it's the best on the subject IMO.

My teacher and I are also big fans of your book Tony. I recomend it to everyone cause it's the best on the subject IMO.

Wow! Thanks for that. You made my evening.

BTW, I maintain a list of teachers who use Slap It! so that I can refer people to them who contact me from their area.

Please let your teacher know to contact me.

Thanks!

Tony