Learning new stuff on the spot

[cnl83]

I have been playing bass for about 3 years, and im a descent bass player when it comes to covers. We are starting to write originals, and I have a problem learning someone else's riffs on the spot. It just doesnt come to me as easy as I would like too. I have practice things quite a bit. I dont plan to quit playing, so im looking for tips. We play heavier music so the riffs are faster and I just aint picking them up as fast as I would like too.

Any tips for getting things on the spot would help.

[Mr.Phil]

I know this is going to sound boring, but you need to practice your scales/modes. That's the best way to quickly map out the fingerboard and learn to hear the shapes of those riffs. Best of luck!

[cnl83]

How can you apply scales to drop tunings? Everything moves down the frettboard.

[dougjwray]

Originally Posted by cnl83

How can you apply scales to drop tunings? Everything moves down the frettboard.

I think that's irrelevant... the point is that you want to practice getting around your fingerboard in whatever "universe" you live in to play your band's material.
So, for example, you could drop tune your bass, and then: 1)turn on the radio and play along with every song that comes on, or 2) try to noodle around on the bass while simultaneously singing the notes.
Anything to connect your ear and brain to the notes on the neck.

[cnl83]

Preciate it, and thats what I will do

[BassMan7530]

I used to have the same problem, but I've been slowly overcoming it. What I did was look at easy songs with prevalent basslines, like some Black Sabbath songs. Learning a lot of Sabbath tunes helped out a lot with the basics. As you get better you can try learning harder things as well. As I have been getting better, I've started learning Dream Theater and other similar music by ear. It will come with experience, and you'll get better and better at it.

I would also agree with Mr. Phil. Knowing your scales will help out tremendously. Also a good idea to learn all of your scales/modes to better your improvisation.

One last thing I can think of that would help is learning Intervals, and even chords. Once you can idendify intervals and chords, you will have a much easier time learning music by ear.

Hope some of this helped
Brian

[Mr.Phil]

Originally Posted by cnl83

How can you apply scales to drop tunings? Everything moves down the frettboard.

I'm not sure I understand your question. I guess the starting point would be different, but a c major scale is always comprised of the same intervals.