Rush YYZ song

[glenb73]

I can play it at 50% tempo, maybe even 75% tempo , but 100% tempo not a chance, its just too fast.

[Drop-D]

Just takes a lot of time working and gradually increasing the speed. It's definitely a toughie.

[glenb73]

Originally Posted by Drop-D

Just takes a lot of time working and gradually increasing the speed. It's definitely a toughie.

Would it be safe to say that if one could play "YYZ" in it's entirety, they could play almost almost any song there is in rock/pop music? In other words, is the the most challenging song you know of?

[FrednBass]

It's like riding a bike.
It takes some time to nail it, but after the first time you succeed it start to seem really easy.

[Drop-D]

YYZ is a fast fun song to play. But, I wouldn't exactly say you could conquer any song. You'd certainly have quick hands though.

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by glenb73

I can play it at 50% tempo, maybe even 75% tempo , but 100% tempo not a chance, its just too fast.

MASTER it at slow speeds, then you'll know it well enough that you should be able to play it at normal speed. You should do speed exercises, too.

[miguel master]

awesome song and can some what play 15%of it. in other words i suck...

[Epitaph04]

Originally Posted by glenb73

Would it be safe to say that if one could play "YYZ" in it's entirety, they could play almost almost any song there is in rock/pop music? In other words, is the the most challenging song you know of?

There is MUCH more challenging music out there than YYZ. I can play YYZ, but I still pretty much suck at playing bass.

[LegoBass]

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

There is MUCH more challenging music out there than YYZ. I can play YYZ, but I still pretty much suck at playing bass.

YYZ really isn't all that difficult when it comes down to it. Yes, it is lighting fast, but it all revolves around the same riff and fills. It took me quite a while to master, but is not the be all end all song people thing it is. It is still very worthwhile to learn though. Very fun and a great way to practice picking up speed.

[Epitaph04]

Definitely...it's one of my go-to songs whenever I play bass! Once you get it down its super fun to play.

[MrDOS]

Yes, I was playing YYZ years ago, and I am no master. Like folks said, keep playing it slower until the muscle memory kicks in.

It's by no means easy, but there's still so much to learn to play other rock tunes. Check out the "fast" section of Ram Jam's "Black Betty." Whew!

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by glenb73

I can play it at 50% tempo, maybe even 75% tempo , but 100% tempo not a chance, its just too fast.

Rush no longer plays it at full speed either ...

They play 90% to 95% speed of what they used to play it

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by glenb73

Would it be safe to say that if one could play "YYZ" in it's entirety, they could play almost almost any song there is in rock/pop music? In other words, is the the most challenging song you know of?

I think it's true that if you can learn to cover YYZ well than you can probably cover most rock bass lines. There are tougher, but most rock and pop is easier than YYZ.

However, being able to play a fast complicated line does NOT make you a great bassist! (In my opinion, anyway).

To be a great bassist (at least good enough for, say, session work) you have to have a broad set of skills. A rock solid sense of rythm and timing. An instinctual feel for music and the ability to write and improvise to a song you're hearing for the first time. The ability to understand why a good bass line, or any other part of a song, works with the song. And for good measure, throw in some reading skills.

YYZ is good for practicing speed and precision. I like to warm up with it.

But if you had to sit in for Geddy one day in 1980, would you have been able to write that line? I sure couldn't do that. I still have a lot a learn before I can call myself truly competent. One of the best things about music is that you're never done learning.

[jgroh]

Its a great song on bass to play, we usually play it once at each practice just for fun. There are technically "harder" songs out there but thankfully, this isnt a sport. Its easy to play (and critique) other peoples songs

[Tupac]

You ARE raking, right? This song is not possible to do alternating, that would be a lost cause.

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by Spectrum

if you had to sit in for Geddy one day in 1980, would you have been able to write that line? I sure couldn't do that.

Good point ... +1

[GOX42]

The hardest parts are the doubling after yhe opening riff and the solo fills. Other than that it is really just 3 riffs. At first listen (about 3 months ago yes i had never listened to it before that) i was thinking, What have i got myself into. But i came along quickly sadly our guitard would not learn it. Needless to say the drummer and i were ticked

[Tupac]

Anyone else find it impossible to dig in with this song? So much raking, I have no idea how Geddy gets that sound with it. I can only pull it off my gentle tickling the strings, I can't dig when raking.

[francotedescoga]

YYZ is a fun song to play, it tried to learn it after playing the bass for a little more than 4 month. I obviously had to give up . After some years without learning any Rush, I decided to give it a try, this time it was easier, but definately a piece of cake.
I like to practice it alternating fingers in my right hand, it really helps me to strengthen my 3 finger technique.

[lamond30]

I'm actually playing this in one of my
Performance classes this week! It's a killer. But it's only the first song of the quarter...gulp.