How should I play this?

[Davygravy3]

I got some new jazz music for one of the schools jazz band and 2 of the 3 songs are all walking lines that have been written out (thank god, still working on the chord stuff and how to figure it out) And I was looking at some of the music and I can prolly play about 65% in down in the 4-9 frett range but I dont really knwo the notes down there, but I know positions real well up towards 1-5 and some on the G string. So is it ok to play it in the 1st position and then shift when neccesary for a couple notes and when it goes back down to shift back? I think this would be easiest, but i donno.

[Christopher]

Since the lines are all written out, I'd use this opportunity to learn all the notes up and down the neck (at least in the first octave). If you need to shift, plan your shifts in a manner that lets you shift from your index or middle fingers, rather than your pinky. IMO, staying in 1st position all the time and leaping out to grab high notes makes you look a little dorky.

[Son of Spam]

I do that!

LoL

Try to stay in the same position, but if you must, stay in the 1-5 position and do the jump.

Just make sure the jump looks REALLY cool.

Like dance around with the bass, and act like your stressing and straining and playing hardcore when you do the jump.... audience loves it, judges hate it. LoL

But goodluck with jazz band, I'm in my school jazz band as well. Unfortuantly, we have alot of songs where it just tells me the key to the song, and tells me to just walk it out.

It sucked when I didn't know the concept and theories behind walking, but now I understand it, so its fun

[eli]

dg3 --

You playing URB or electric in jazz band?

Life is definitely easier when you can play for a long time without shifting or with short shifts. Jumping up for notes is risky because it usually involves long shifts, which are much harder to nail. I agree with all that you should start trying to play higher on the neck. It's just rehearsal -- that's what it's for! Take a risk, and you'll come away knowing something you didn't before.