Extreme Metal bass

[TriviumMartyr]

So, I have been playing for about 9 months. I haven't really gotten anywhere but can play a few songs from bands such as Trivium, Lamb of God, and Mayhem (only their easiest songs too ). I would love to be able to play songs from some of my favorite death, thrash and black metal bands but i just can't do it.

For example, since i can't play any death metal, i decided to try early Metallica. And while i know that Cliff was a god, but i didn't think it would be that hard. So, i started from square 1 and pulled up "Hit The Lights". I was crying within a minute. I just don't know where to begin. It's like I know where i want to end up, and i know it will be hard but i just don't know how to start. Any help?

[magickbass]

Start with easy songs. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica is gravy. And it sounds awesome!! Chance to throw on some distortion and wah too. When you scan through song books find some that are a little easier. Leper Messiah, Creeping Death, and Master of Puppets aren't terribly hard either. Kill Em All, the entire album, is done at breakneck pace so shy away from it for now. Learn to play the songs slow and work your way up to actual speed. Once there, play along with the song.

[BKBassDude]

Originally Posted by TriviumMartyr

So, I have been playing for about 9 months. I haven't really gotten anywhere but can play a few songs from bands such as Trivium, Lamb of God, and Mayhem (only their easiest songs too ). I would love to be able to play songs from some of my favorite death, thrash and black metal bands but i just can't do it.

For example, since i can't play any death metal, i decided to try early Metallica. And while i know that Cliff was a god, but i didn't think it would be that hard. So, i started from square 1 and pulled up "Hit The Lights". I was crying within a minute. I just don't know where to begin. It's like I know where i want to end up, and i know it will be hard but i just don't know how to start. Any help?

First don't expect to play all metal basslines after only 9 months. Many good metal bands feature musicians at the very top of their game. Try some easier stuff at first. I'd recommend Amon Amarth and Killswitch Engage for two (very different) metal bands who have relatively easy bass parts.

That being said, focus on being able to play complex parts slowly. Don't expect to be able to match the speed of the tunes you hear at first. Practice them at a speed you can play every note perfectly, then gradually raise the speed.

Consider also pick vs fingers. It's best to be able to play any song with both and have tone be your main consideration, but as a beginner, some fast riffs will be easier with a pick. Don't pigeonhole yourself to this technique and learn both ways.

Also, listen and learn lots of other genres! The greats of metal spend quite a bit of their time listening to and playing lots of other types of music, and applying it in a bit more head banging ways.

[cosmicpimp2]

Just practice drills a lot. and scales. practice, practice, practice..... and practice.

[TriviumMartyr]

Thanks guys. I should have said that i can play for whom and i would love to use a wah and distortion but i need a better amp before hand haha.

But i will definately check out Leper, Creeping Death, and Master. And i will also try Amon Amarth. Im also hopefully getting a teacher soon so that should also help

[BKBassDude]

Originally Posted by TriviumMartyr

Thanks guys. I should have said that i can play for whom and i would love to use a wah and distortion but i need a better amp before hand haha.

But i will definately check out Leper, Creeping Death, and Master. And i will also try Amon Amarth. Im also hopefully getting a teacher soon so that should also help

A super important lesson that I'm only really coming to grips with (15 years playing) is that a light touch really is the key to playing fast. Don't think cause a song is fast heavy that you need to dig in like a madman. You might get off playing one or two songs that way, but not a whole set. The lighter your touch, the faster you can play for extended periods of time.

I've had studio guys tell me that my dynamics were greater than any bassist they've come across, and I take that as a compliment. Know when to reel back and when to let loose. And make the letting loose make up a very small part of your playing.

[NKUSigEp]

You learn to crawl before you can walk. Gotta learn the easy stuff first man, then venture off into the faster, more technical lines.

[Herrick]

If you haven't already, you should probably learn some basic rock songs, whether it's classic or modern rock. Then go with earlier Heavy Metal, if you're into that. Since you've been playing for 9 months, I would assume that you already worked your way through a general bass guitar learning book. If not, I'd recommend going through one of them. Good luck, Kreator.

Edit: Just noticed your earlier post about getting a teacher soon. That's definitely a good idea, Sir

[champbassist]

Originally Posted by TriviumMartyr

So, I have been playing for about 9 months. I haven't really gotten anywhere but can play a few songs from bands such as Trivium, Lamb of God, and Mayhem (only their easiest songs too ). I would love to be able to play songs from some of my favorite death, thrash and black metal bands but i just can't do it.

For example, since i can't play any death metal, i decided to try early Metallica. And while i know that Cliff was a god, but i didn't think it would be that hard. So, i started from square 1 and pulled up "Hit The Lights". I was crying within a minute. I just don't know where to begin. It's like I know where i want to end up, and i know it will be hard but i just don't know how to start. Any help?

To learn Metallica (assuming you're not learning from tabs ), check out bass only tracks of Metallica songs on Youtube.

[JimmyM]

why is nobody suggesting a deeper analysis of music itself through reading music and learning some theory? a lot of those metal guys study jazz on their off time. if you want to play the hard stuff, you need to build up to it with a good foundation in the basics. quickest path to getting there is through formal training with an emphasis on jazz concepts.

[Big B.]

JimmyM is right on. Heavy Metal is often more melodic (instrumentally) than most pop music. Looking at classical music, especially J.S. Bach piano (harpsichord) music will open your ears to some of the harmonies in metal that arent heard in a lot of music. I started out playing metal and in retrospect the biggest technichal breakthrough was that playing with a lighter touch allows better speed and precision. Jazz is also a good idea to teach stamina and modern theory and harmony.

[the Drift]

I second that last entry. If you've only been playing for 9 mo, seriously, start with easier songs. This includes non-metal songs. Try to learn some proto-metal stuff(Selected Zep, King Crimson, Yes, Sabbath, etc.) Try with and w/out a pick. It's not just about pulling off the riffs, it's about developing the groove or pocket (yes, even the most extreme metal should SLAM from the gut, see Meshuggah!)

Get yourself some Dunlop Nylon 1.0mm picks(Blk)Learn Achilles Last Stand by Led Zep. this will help with endurance and the song is awesome. Get ready to gallup mo fo!

metal is hard for a reason!

[BigOldHarry]

First thing you need is a Squier Hello Kitty bass.

the rest is easy!