Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Technique [BG]
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Technique [BG] Bass guitar technique discussions


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 01-18-2011, 04:00 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Oahu
getting back into it

Sign in to disble this ad
I have put bass playing down for a while, almost 4 years. Being in the navy on ships and deployed for months and months at a time really doesn't help much either. I am finally free from the monotonous shiplife and resting in good ole Hawaii, Oahu to be exact. My chops aren't what they used to be, stamina and endurance as well as finger strength in both hands are lacking. I know its in there as I can easily pull it off but not for long periods of time. I have my metronome and bass and time.

Anyone with some good tips. I still played here and there but not like I used to for hours a day. More and more everyday I play longer feel progress but i 'm looking for ways to get back into it. It was a good way to "forget" old habits and start fresh. Anyone can help me get back into bass playing again.

I have videos of me playing but they are years old for those that would like a reference, on my profile page. Please help.
__________________
"Don't B-flat, don't B-sharp just B-natural"
  #2  
Old 01-18-2011, 04:30 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Hey man, I had an 8 year lay off so i feel your pain! I got my stamina and chops back by playing lots of arpeggios, and lots of scales. What really helped the stamina was breaking the scales into cells of 4 notes, either ascending or descending, and then playing that pattern around the cycle. Im sure you'll get it back, welcome home to bass world
__________________
bassmandannyfox.com
LightWave and Zon basses
  #3  
Old 01-18-2011, 08:53 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
I too was recently coming back from long lay off. get a metronome, and a keyboard if you can... then

1. hatch out the Circle of 4th/5th (key sigs; Maj and Min; of you know those, learn Pentatonic or Blues scales..)

2. Pick 5-10 songs you wish to learn (or re-learn) and work on them. -what I am doing in this regard- is learning the treble melody parts too, and working out drum parts for my bass too; (dampens, mutes, dead-notes, slapNpop..mostly for rhythm studies) re-creating the song with bass essentially) do a couple songs per week (if not more)

3. If you are going to learn to read music, (or again re-learn) pretty much need daily effort. (15-30 min if you can spare it) I honestly have to get better at doing this myself. and start transcribing (and transposing) as soon as possible.

4. Pick a few techniques you wish to improve on, or solidify. (slap, tap, legatto/stacotto)

5. Train the hell outta your ear! AM/FM radio, CD, MP3, Pod Casts, You tube, iPhone/Android apps etc..

Keep a journal if you can. I find if I set a practice schedule for the week and stick to it, it works out the best. I am a cronic noodle-er so I get my "Work" out of the way first, then reward myself with mindless noise..

and finally if you find a Jam session or buddy to play some songs with.

Just because I know others will suggest it too; Get a teacher if you can afford it.. (something else I need to do aswell)

there is way more, but this will get you started...have some fun bro.
  #4  
Old 01-18-2011, 01:45 PM
jgroh's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Supporting Member
For strictly getting "back into shape" pick up a copy of Bass Fitness and work on that. I too took a long time off and then got back into it, and this book was great for me to get my chops back.
  #5  
Old 01-18-2011, 01:49 PM
Exploiter8's Avatar
LICENSED TO KILL - any song I play!
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Supporting Member
"resting in good ole Hawaii, Oahu to be exact"

Grrrrr!

X8
__________________
"As always, should you or any of your I.M. Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions."
  #6  
Old 01-20-2011, 12:27 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Oahu
I have the option of taking lessons but I'd rather go forth and get my chops back up first. I appreciate the book, I'll look into that.

I just noticed that I got my first blister in years. hahaha. I play with a light touch but I need to start playing in various degrees of strengths.

Overall I knew something was missing from my life and I knew it was bass but man I did not realize how much I left my basses on the wall and untouched. I just changed my strings that were pretty close to 4 years old. I had taken the bass apart entirely and cleaned and polished all the wood and treated it. I think she is happy and I can feel and hear the difference.

Oh and Exploiter...yes I get that often. hope to share my updates with everyone and I'll soon be on track to where I was and beyond.

Mahalo
__________________
"Don't B-flat, don't B-sharp just B-natural"
  #7  
Old 01-20-2011, 06:29 AM
Exploiter8's Avatar
LICENSED TO KILL - any song I play!
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Supporting Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by ninefingerbass View Post

Oh and Exploiter...yes I get that often. hope to share my updates with everyone and I'll soon be on track to where I was and beyond.

Mahalo
I'm under a Wind Chill Advisory!

Thanks for serving our country, you DESERVE R&R...
Rest & Relaxation/Rock & Roll!

\m/

X8
__________________
"As always, should you or any of your I.M. Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions."
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:47 AM.




Copyright 2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Play guitar? Visit our new sister site TalkGuitar.com [beta]
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.