Playing the acoustic bass solo way

[jenich CZ]

Hi there guys,

I wanted to ask if there are some players playing acoustic basses. I am devloping the way how to combine techniques like tapping, doublethump, slap, flamenco picking etc and even the percussions played on the body of the bass.

That is the point of this thread: I´d like to see and hear what are you guys playing, to get inspired and to find a new way how to play broader variety of percussions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtlYhov0Mwo

Thats how I do it. I use techniques similar to cajon or tabla. Mostly four finger rolls A M I P.

Looking forward to seeing your methods.

[Sammy_L_D]

Well, when it comes to percussively playing an acoustic guitar, I don't consider it to be all that far off from a cajon at that point, so...

I guess my methods would be similar to yours in terms of tapping the body. Incorporating some techniques from cajon and udu. I also play conga strokes!

[alexei]

hey jenich, as an ex-drummer that I am, I really like your playing. Been subscribed to your account and following your vids in youtube since last year.

You have many ABG's or you deffretted the only one you have?

What are those black strings you have in that ABG?

[jenich CZ]

Sammy: I play with a great tabla player (he studied in India, by the guy who played with Zawinul - he´s really great.), so I try to get the feel of the rythm and techniques also. I guess it is the best way.

Alexei: thx, man. I got only one ABG and i never thought of playing fretless..I bought fretted acoustic to broaden the contact with the instrument. I defretted it just like Jaco did One mornig i woke up and pull out all frets, because i like challenges, but playing fretted acoustic with cheap pickup is very VERY hard if you want good tone

Those strings are Galli black nylon... Try them...they are great - its like touching a paper (i dont know how to explain the feeling more closely ).

[vinpous]

Man, that's some amazing stuff on your youtube site. Really dug the "who ripped the frets out" thing. Very cool.

[Kalyptic]

whoah man, i very muchly enjoy your style, ive never seen things quite like it.

[jenich CZ]

thx a lot, guys I am glad you like it.

[MikeVQ]

Originally Posted by jenich CZ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtlYhov0Mwo

Wow. Just...wow. I've never seen anything like that. Sensory overload

[alexei]

Originally Posted by MikeVQ

Wow. Just...wow. I've never seen anything like that. Sensory overload

LOL

[Ben Rolston]

check this out : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO7spLjad3k

I know it's not a bass, but you could probably take something from it anyway.

About half way through (2:40ish) he gets into the percussion stuff.

[jenich CZ]

Originally Posted by Ben Rolston

check this out : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO7spLjad3k

I know it's not a bass, but you could probably take something from it anyway.

About half way through (2:40ish) he gets into the percussion stuff.

heh...i mostly study saxo players, pianists, guitar players and drummers. bass is the last instrument where to go for inspiration

yeah! thx...thats really cool - a new thing.I dont know why i dont hit the bridge with the piezo, to get the deep sound..its so obvious

[Lokire]

Very cool! I don't really do that kind of percussive stuff on acoustic bass, but I do play solo. Usually more jazz and melody based stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5wN1IX4w7Q

There doesn't seem to be many solo acoustic bass guitar players out there...I love it though!

[jenich CZ]

hey bro... i watched your stuff previously today its great! You have really nice tone.

[ryan06]

How do you get good at this sort of percussive stuff?

[jenich CZ]

Practising and thinking about practising and playing...playing all kinds of rythms... i play everything from funk to flamenco (4/4 to 12/8 compás)...not just alone, but with the bands, because there is a real challenge - you have to stay locked in the time meassure.

I also like to play drum solos on bass. Take Gavin Harrison´s drom solo on youtube and play it on the bass.

[MikeVQ]

Do you play ABG exclusively?

[MikeVQ]

Originally Posted by Lokire

Very cool! I don't really do that kind of percussive stuff on acoustic bass, but I do play solo. Usually more jazz and melody based stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5wN1IX4w7Q

There doesn't seem to be many solo acoustic bass guitar players out there...I love it though!

Is that a Kinal you're playing? I want to get an acoustic and he's based out of my home town.

[dlmarquez]

Thats marvelous! It reminds me very much of Gabriela's (from Rodrigo Y Gabriela) unbelieveable rhythm guitar technique
AMAZING!!! what kind of ABG are you playing? Can you give an evaluation of the Galli's vs the LaBella tapewounds. I've never found a source for the Galli's in the USA

[Lokire]

Originally Posted by MikeVQ

Is that a Kinal you're playing? I want to get an acoustic and he's based out of my home town.

Yeah, Mike Kinal built it for me last year. The first 6-string acoustic bass that he's done. Came out great! And I'm in Seattle, so I just drove up to pick it up in person. Love it!

[jenich CZ]

Originally Posted by MikeVQ

Do you play ABG exclusively?

well no... I´d love to, but people aren´t used to it - musicians especially. I play the electric too, its sometimes fun though. But when it comes to practising - i practise only on the fretted (electric) one.

dlmarquez: thx...gotta look up that guy on youtube. Well the bass is Steiner, i guess you can´t know it - i bought it on e-bay for 100 euros a year ago Iam now planning to buy a new one - cort seems to be the one. Here (in Czech Republic) is also almost impossible to buy Galli´s on store... they got to request them directly from the importer. Those Galli strings on my bass are the first tapewound set i bought - sorry.