Bass and singing lead.

[tutash]

I'm a guitarist, been playing since I was 11 (I'm 36 now). I've only been playing bass for about 4 years (approx.).

Only in the last year or so have I felt like I could actually play the instrument. It took me two years of playing bass to realise that I sucked! Guitarists tend to think that if it had strings, they can play it. I changed my approach and

I write my own music, and sing. I've gotten pretty good at playing guitar and singing over the last 10 years. Now I'm re-learning all of my tunes: playing bass AND singing. This is a very different animal for me. I mean, I can do it, but I'm not grooving that much while singing. Anyone have any tips on good ways to practice singing lead and playing bass?

[pil]

I think the tip IS to practice.

It's hard though. I'm sure some singers will give some more helpful comments!

[AdlerAugen]

it's the the same with any instrument...or even when just playing piano or organ. At the beginning you have to practice hands separate for piano maybe, until you get used to it, or until you can sightread better, and practice only feet for organ, or only hands, and the exactly same for bass + singing...practice singing until you know it backwards and forwards, same for the bassline. After that, practice putting them together and get the concentration necessary to keep them together.

I still use this all the time for piano + singing, or even just really hard piano things, even through 9-1/4 years of piano.

[Winemule]

See the thread on singing in the "Band Management And Performance" section. Most helpful.

[BrandonBass]

Rhythm guitar while singing is easier of course since most people play with pick and well...they follow the rhythm of the song

i guess you should start with something easy then move your way up. My friend can play trooper while singing lead and he says it kinda follows the rhythm, maybe you can try that.

You can try slither by velvet revolver once youve moved on abit, and such....gd luck man

[Garry Goodman]

Originally Posted by tutash

I'm a guitarist, been playing since I was 11 (I'm 36 now). I've only been playing bass for about 4 years (approx.).

Only in the last year or so have I felt like I could actually play the instrument. It took me two years of playing bass to realise that I sucked! Guitarists tend to think that if it had strings, they can play it. I changed my approach and

I write my own music, and sing. I've gotten pretty good at playing guitar and singing over the last 10 years. Now I'm re-learning all of my tunes: playing bass AND singing. This is a very different animal for me. I mean, I can do it, but I'm not grooving that much while singing. Anyone have any tips on good ways to practice singing lead and playing bass?

I recently joined a Yes tribute band and find myself singing and playing some challenging parts. Here's what I've always done to ensure success:

Find which syllable you are singing of a particular word and find what exact bass note you are playing on at that exact time. Practice slowly saying the words and make sure each syllable falls on the corresponding bass note while you tap your foot:


Say, "I Her Standing There"
she was| just seven - teen
| | | | | | | | | | | | | ETC.
Bass E E G#E B B A G# E E G#E
Foot X X X X X

It's like two gears meshing. You coordinate the bass line with the spoken rhythm first and practice a phrase until it locks in. Then add in the pitch on the vowel sounds.

[iamlowsound]

Pratice until you have the bass part down without thinking, then add in the vocals.

lowsound