Recommended songs to learn better technique

DJS · #1 04-13-2010, 12:11 PM

I'm fairly new to playing - less than a year of lessons under my belt, and am loving it. What are some good "learning" songs which would help develop techniques and other building blocks good for learning more complex songs? I like anything with a good bass riff, and have learned mostly folk/bluegrass (Turkey in the straw, old Joe Clark, etc.) with some classic and modern rock mixed in here and there.

santucci218 · #2 04-13-2010, 01:32 PM

any specific techniques you are looking for?

DJS · #3 04-13-2010, 02:29 PM

Honestly - just about everything. Probably I'd like to improve fretting and muting, and get my speed up a little.

XtheDeadPawn · #4 04-13-2010, 02:34 PM

For muting proably Cross Canadian Ragweed (due to your style) but, don't tell anybody I like 'em.

JimmyM · #5 04-13-2010, 03:21 PM

instead of learning songs per se, i'd recommend stepping up to the next level and get lessons from a teacher who will teach you some jazz concepts and techniques and get you on the road to being able to play songs you hear a lot easier and making up your own basslines and songs. in the meantime, just listen to anything you can get your hands on. it's all good.

**Pacman** · #6 04-13-2010, 03:23 PM

Moved to Technique.

DJS · #7 04-15-2010, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

Moved to Technique.

OK - is this Technique? I'm not sure what you mean.

Hutzbordello · #8 04-15-2010, 09:52 AM

The Beatles/Thread

Jazzdogg · #9 04-15-2010, 10:06 AM

**Pacman** · #10 04-15-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJS

OK - is this Technique? I'm not sure what you mean.

We have many sub-forums at Talkbass, one dealing directly with technique. Obviously, a thread about songs to learn better technique belongs in that forum, so I've moved this thread there.

JimK · #11 04-16-2010, 04:41 AM

Try "Full Compass" by George Benson (from Bad Benson).
It's guitar-meister Phil Upchurch playing the bass...it is like a mini etude.

DJS · #12 04-16-2010, 10:20 AM

Thanks - still trying to learn my way around here. So much to read!

deckard · #13 04-16-2010, 01:59 PM

I'm going to shill for 6-string basssist and teacher Todd Johnson and recommend you get his "Technique Builders" DVD (either alone or with the book).

Easily THE single best resource for... building your technique (go figure). Not cheap, but well worth every single penny.

Todd's on-camera manner is very supportive and easy-going, kind of like having a buddy help you out - and he has his own forum here on TB if you have any questions.

He is strictly a finger-style player guy (i.e. no slapping), so keep that in mind... and the DVD is applicable to 4-, 5-, and 6-string instruments.

This one DVD made a very real difference in my own playing, & I keep referring back to it, fine-tuning the techniques Todd demonstrates.

JMHO

p.s. - as a "bonus", you get Todd explaining/demonstrating the "floating thumb" thing, which has *finally* become my "normal" mode of playing: now when I pick up my bass, my right hand automatically goes into floating thumb position/mode as natural as you please.

petergp · #14 04-16-2010, 10:20 PM

Try the "Bach on Bass" Book!
Its classical, obviously, but learning 2 or three of them will fairly improve your technique, lots of complex phrasing, double stops and really interesting harmony issues around there

4Strings46 · #15 04-16-2010, 11:06 PM

I would recommend Carol Kaye. She has a bunch of Tutors for beginner to advanced. She covers it all.

Lichtaffen · #16 04-23-2010, 11:28 AM

I've been working on the Prelude to Bach's Cello Suite. I found sheet music in G major online, which is not ideal for bass guitar, but it forces me to play most of it in the first and second positions. It has become a technique builder for me and a serious workout. I enjoy it more than playing scales and it sounds impressive when you start "gettin' it".

fearceol · #17 04-24-2010, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckard

I'm going to shill for 6-string basssist and teacher Todd Johnson and recommend you get his "Technique Builders" DVD (either alone or with the book).

Easily THE single best resource for... building your technique (go figure). Not cheap, but well worth every single penny

+1 for Todd's DVD.

Also, I fail to see how songs can help with technique. I always assumed that this was something you worked on seperately, then applied it to songs.

shadow_FIX · #18 04-26-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

+1 for Todd's DVD.

Also, I fail to see how songs can help with technique. I always assumed that this was something you worked on seperately, then applied it to songs.

Music frequently demonstrates technique. They are one in the same if you look at it the right way. Say there's a bass line in a song you love that is KILLER and is based on, say, 3rds. Then when you learn the song, you've come away with something you didn't know before.

Yes, you want to work on technique separately, but learning music/songs also can teach technique-based concepts.