My first bass solo in 13 years of playing:

AlmightyPancake · #1 11-28-2011, 12:05 PM

I've learned plenty of solo bass songs. Wooten, Hamm, Clarke, I've always loved the virtuoso stuff and learning it. Not to toot my own horn too much, but a couple hours practicing a day has got my technique down quite nicely.

That being said, I'd never written my own bass solo for a song with other musicians before. Improv'd, yes, but never actually sat down and written one. The band insisted I write one for our newest song though:

Aduro -- Cause for Revolution @ Jewish Mother Hilltop - YouTube

The solo begins right around 2:05.

I'm open to suggestions, so let me know what you thought!

lfmn16 · #2 11-29-2011, 05:48 AM

I'm only offering an opinion because you asked. Not to burst your bubble, but in my opinion (YMMV) a few bars (12 seconds?) of simple, repetitive slapping while the keyboard keeps playing the same chords they've played most of the song at the same full volume doesn't make a solo. If you hadn't pointed it out I wouldn't have known it was a solo.

However, it's really more important what YOU think. Did you accomplish what you wanted? Does this fit your definition of a solo? To me a solo should say something; it should have a beginning, middle and end; it should build to a climatic moment; etc.

niels125 · #3 11-29-2011, 07:02 AM

Your band sounds pretty nice

I agree that your bass solo goes a bit unnoticed in the song.
Wouldn't it stand out more if it kicked in right after the a capella bit, and you make it a bass run/solo of 1 or 2 measures while the other instruments wait?

Duckwater · #4 11-29-2011, 07:38 AM

Didn't sound like a solo to me, I think that song has some good potential though.

AlmightyPancake · #5 11-29-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lfmn16

I'm only offering an opinion because you asked. Not to burst your bubble, but in my opinion (YMMV) a few bars (12 seconds?) of simple, repetitive slapping while the keyboard keeps playing the same chords they've played most of the song at the same full volume doesn't make a solo. If you hadn't pointed it out I wouldn't have known it was a solo.

However, it's really more important what YOU think. Did you accomplish what you wanted? Does this fit your definition of a solo? To me a solo should say something; it should have a beginning, middle and end; it should build to a climatic moment; etc.

This doesn't burst my bubble at all. In fact, it's some of the best damn advice I've ever gotten on my playing.

I think I might sit down with it a bit more and see if I can find a line that actually says something.

skychief · #6 11-29-2011, 12:01 PM

Man, this is a tough crowd. ^^^^

Yah, the solo was short & simple. Two very desireable attributes for a bass solo, IMO.

The vocalist is very good. Little rough around the edges, but powerful and commanding. Well done to all of you.

dmusic148 · #7 11-29-2011, 12:15 PM

Ya know, it's really the wrong kind of song for a bass solo. I like your tone. You rush a bit. Who were you opening for?

**Eric Swaim** · #8 11-29-2011, 12:31 PM

When you sit down with the song find a part that allows you to be a bit more melodic (not a solo, just a melodic line or two that will feature your instrument). Soloing is a big step for any player, and it takes time to develop an understanding of what a solo actually is and what you should be doing. Stay melodic and people will enjoy what you are trying to say on your instrument. Good Luck with your journey.