Improvising Tips

theobass416 · #1 07-09-2011, 09:28 PM

I need some help. Im comfortable with my playing but i feel like im getting stuck in a rut. Whenever i improvise or fill i always end up using the blues scale. My playing is starting to get predictable. Im looking for some tips to help change up my playing. Octaves or scales or techniques or any form of advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Tanner5382 · #2 07-09-2011, 09:50 PM

Don't worry, this happens to everyone. I might not be able to help you much with the octaves and scales, but I have some advice. When you're playing a line and want to hit a certain note that is in the same "box" or area as the other notes, hit the octave of that note just to add some spice. For example, imagine you are playing a simple blues line consisting of the open E string, Ab (4th fret E string), B (2nd fret A string), and Db(4th fret A string). Instead of playing the Ab on the fourth fret of the E string, you could play it on the sixth fret of the D string. Play different lines and experiment with where you place octaves. Another thing you could do to help break out of a run is to experiment with dynamics, which are basically how soft/quiet or hard/loud you play. For example a song's verse might be played very loud, but have a loud hard driving chorus. Also, I have found that changing amp settings from what you usually use or using effects can inspire you to play differently. For example, if you usually use a very little treble, try adding some. Experiment with treble, mids, bass, and even effects. Lastly, try messing around with some time signatures your not used to playing in. This has worked very well for me in the past, although some odd time signatures can make you feel like a beginner all over again. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

Tanner5382 · #3 07-09-2011, 09:54 PM

There's one simple thing I forgot to add. If you usually play fingerstyle, try playing with a pick, and vice versa.This has gotten me out of many ruts.

theobass416 · #4 07-10-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanner5382

Don't worry, this happens to everyone. I might not be able to help you much with the octaves and scales, but I have some advice. When you're playing a line and want to hit a certain note that is in the same "box" or area as the other notes, hit the octave of that note just to add some spice. For example, imagine you are playing a simple blues line consisting of the open E string, Ab (4th fret E string), B (2nd fret A string), and Db(4th fret A string). Instead of playing the Ab on the fourth fret of the E string, you could play it on the sixth fret of the D string. Play different lines and experiment with where you place octaves. Another thing you could do to help break out of a run is to experiment with dynamics, which are basically how soft/quiet or hard/loud you play. For example a song's verse might be played very loud, but have a loud hard driving chorus. Also, I have found that changing amp settings from what you usually use or using effects can inspire you to play differently. For example, if you usually use a very little treble, try adding some. Experiment with treble, mids, bass, and even effects. Lastly, try messing around with some time signatures your not used to playing in. This has worked very well for me in the past, although some odd time signatures can make you feel like a beginner all over again. I hope this helps you. Good luck!

Thanks. Cant wait to try

Tanner5382 · #5 07-10-2011, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theobass416

Thanks. Cant wait to try

You're welcome. I hope it helps!

theobass416 · #6 07-10-2011, 06:19 PM

I just tried the pick thing and i sounded like a new player. I webt back to finger picking and it felt fresh. Ur a genius. Thank u so much

WilliamSandoval · #7 07-10-2011, 06:25 PM

I changed my string type. I'm a new man now!

Skitch it! · #8 07-10-2011, 06:36 PM

Practice arpeggios and connecting within them, just to break away from a scalar format and open up the tonality a bit.

Tanner5382 · #9 07-10-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theobass416

I just tried the pick thing and i sounded like a new player. I webt back to finger picking and it felt fresh. Ur a genius. Thank u so much

I'm not sure about a genius, but thanks for the kind words.

JimmyM · #10 07-10-2011, 10:14 PM

Get a teacher who knows jazz, learn to read music if you don't already, learn chordal theory, and listen to how great players you like construct bass lines. Steal their riffs verbatim at first, then with all the other stuff you learn, you'll be able to construct your own lines that have more creativity.

However, don't ever forget the blues scale. There's always room for the blues.

Russell L · #11 07-12-2011, 10:25 AM

Turn your bass over and play lefty for awhile, huh?

LOL, just kidding.

Try this. It's weird, but might help. Play faster than you can play (this is just for practice, mind you). If you have something you can play along with it would help. Thing is, in trying to play too fast you will stumble upon licks you never played before, by accident. Never mind that many of the licks will be way off, even sound stupid. Just keep going and eventually you will hit on something you like that is unlike what you have done before. I've had this work for me, at least. YMMV, but give it a whirl and see what happens.