Jessica by the Allman Brothers

[Youngspanion]

Has anyone tackled this one yet. I'm sure some have. I have the grueling task of learning this song this week. The problem is that the bass is set very low in the mix. Any body have any information on the bass lines of this song. I guess the first thing I'm gonna look for is the first few seconds. I hear a repeating line that sounds like it may be a Major Pentatonic. Am I right?

HELP!

[bencwalker]

Yeah, I just listened to the Live At Fillmore East version (which I reccomend- the bass is very audible with some decent headphones). The main riff does sound like a major pentatonic, but Berry's got some sweet fills and flourishes in there, at least in the Fillmore East version. So check that out and best of luck.

[JimK]

"Jessica" is not on the Live at the Fillmore East album.

"Jessica" is also Lamar Williams, not Oakley.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother...Sisters_(album)

[fishtx]

"Fillmore East" Version?

[jnuts1]

it is a minor penatonic in A

[Mr.Phil]

There's a complete transcription (notation and tab) in the bass tab white pages book. It's an easy line, you'll be fine. Good luck!

[jweiss]

I transcribed this a few weeks ago. Pm me your email if you want it and I'll send it when I get home from work.

[Shovelbone]

Jessica is off of the Brothers and Sisters album which was being recorded when the untimely death of Berry Oakley occurred. Berry Oakley is only credited with playing on two of the tracks and the remaining tracks were done by replacement bassist Lamar Williams.

[jweiss]

Originally Posted by Youngspanion

I hear a repeating line that sounds like it may be a Major Pentatonic. Am I right? (

Yes, most of the bass line is a major pentatonic riff.

Cheers,

Jeff

[JimK]

I never really considered it as a Major Pentatonic riff.
I have only played "Jessica" once with a live band...I do recall the tempo being pretty quick. The chromatic hits need to be tight, too.

[dmrogers]

Hey, you might want to check out this version of Jessica.

It's slower than the original version and they show a good many shots of Allen Woody.

I would think this would be a good version to practice on.


Good luck

[bassguppy]

I've done Jessica with a couple of smokin blues/southern rock bands I was with. Get the basics down and have some fun, it's a jam dammit. Besides, everyone only listens to the guitars anyways...

[Jim Campbell]

ill check my geetar rags......i have the tune but im not sure if its a bass line included issue

[bencwalker]

My bad- it was a live version I had is from the "Essential Allman Brothers Band: The Epic Years". But yeah, sounds like a major pentatonic.

[JimK]

Dug out a score I had tucked away-
After the intro, I'm seeing-
lA_ -B C#E F#AlAA_ E_E F#El
2-bar Rhythm would be-
l1_-&3&4&l1&_&_&4&l

Bridge/Change-
G__G D__DlG__G D_ G_lA__A E__ElC#_E_A_C#El
l1__&3__&l1__&3_4_l1__&3__&l1_2_3_4&l

...etc.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by bassguppy

Besides, everyone only listens to the guitars anyways...

The time I played it was a feature for the keyboardist. A local legend/monster...there are very raw youtube vids of him playing with a then-teenaged Shawn Lane.

[DWBass]

I was in a Acoustic Alchemy style band that did this song. I hated it but grew to 'like' it. It can be a little bit tricky but if you're competent you'll get it. Also, as mentioned, that chromatic run has to be on point or it'll suck for sure!

[jrklmx(Andrew)]

I just listened to The Allman Brothers this morning and the bassist's playing on this track is amazing. Just try to get the changes and main riff down. I saw him on youtube playing with a pick. Try playing with a pick because your fingers might get tired playing 3/4 through the song.

[GreggBummer]

Originally Posted by dmrogers

Hey, you might want to check out this version of Jessica.

Thank You for posting this. Anytime I get to see Allen Woody play is a treat.

[jweiss]

Originally Posted by dmrogers

Hey, you might want to check out this version of Jessica.

That's definitely the Quaalude version!