skills that an electric bassist needs to know

[solutionbassist]

I've been playing electric for about two years and upright for six. I'm really interested in mastering electric but I have a feeling most of the suggestions I've gotten are not going to help me get better. What does a good electric player really need to know?

[tangentmusic]

What the best bass for metal is....

[Skitch it!]

Need to know about what in particular?

[80'sRocker]

How to set up your bass when needed instead of running to GC (I just puked in my mouth over those 2 letters)

[solutionbassist]

Originally Posted by Skitch it!

Need to know about what in particular?

theory in particular. the people ive talked to say the way to master an instrument is to learn a bunch of different songs. ive tried some of that but i don't think its helping.

[Lesfunk]

Know how to play as many styles as possible. rock, R&B, Country, Jazz
Play with as many people as possible and learn a gazillion songs. That's how you really learn how to play. From learning other bassists lines.
learn some harmony and how to apply it to your fingerboard.
Know how to read a chart.
Don't overplay. simple is better
Slapping and Flashy Victor Wooten style playing is fun; It will never get you a gig though it may lose you one.
Learn how to sing and play
Learn how to play with one hand so you can get a drink during mid song.
Relax and remember to breathe

[Lesfunk]

Try to put some music into everything you play...even scales and exercises.

[silky smoove]

How about the things that tend to keep people in bands but are often overlooked by musicians:

How to be a team player
Songwriting ability > Crazy chops
How to promote/advertise
How to build a website, facebook page, myspace page, etc.
The ability to drive (and possibly own) a van

I know my response is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it's also a very real thing that a lot of players experience when they get out and start dealing with all of the non-playing aspects about their band(s).

[drnknmstr]

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

Try to put some music into everything you play...even scales and exercises.

All very good advice!

[Skitch it!]

Originally Posted by solutionbassist

theory in particular. the people ive talked to say the way to master an instrument is to learn a bunch of different songs. ive tried some of that but i don't think its helping.

At the same time it won't hurt your playing ; )

I think one of the most difficult things to do for a lot of musicians is to be honest with themselves and attack their weaknesses, it's very easy and comforting to fall back on what you all ready know and do well.

If you need the information there is stacks of great tuition stuff that loads of TBer's can recommend, but you need to be a bit more specific, scales, modes, technique, musicality? How much theory/technique/ear training do you already have?

[Dirty Basstard]

Generally speaking, whenever you hear a bass drum, you should also hear a bass guitar note. There are exceptions to every rule.

[plangentmusic]

I think people may be missing the OP's intent here. You've been playing upright for 6 years and want to know what you need to know on electric that's different form upright? (I presume that's what you meant).

Electric s a different animal in that there are more variables in tone -- both through electronics and touch. A strong groove is expected in a different way than it would be played on the upright. That's a mtter of listening to and understanding the great groove players.

Note placement is more precise on an electric. Try recording a simple 1/V pattern and then example exactly where each beat falls. As simple as it may appear, making each note exactly on the beat with the same length, intensity, volume and duration, every time, is not so easy.

Embrace the sustain and volume. It's a part of what makes the instrument powerful. That doesn't mean just playing loud -- it means controlling the volume and using it as a sonic palette.

Those are just a FEW things.

[mcm]

if you are playing anything blues based, meaning blues, rocknroll, country, or jazz, learn how to walk a walking blues bassline. despite what people think, most cant.

[Nev375]

One. Protect the singers huge overinflated ego.
Two. Nod knowingly when the lead guitarist starts spouting advanced theory you don't have a clue about.
Three. Encourage the rhythm guitarist when he starts looking dejected and alienated.
Four. Keep the keyboardist busy and distracted. For God's sake don't let him speak his opinion.
Five. Keep a close eye on the drummer. Make sure he is well fed, not drinking too much and has gotten laid recently. Get hookers if you have to.
Six. Make sure everyone knows who the club owner is and to be nice to him.
Seven. Duct Tape. It should be able to solve any other potential problems.

[sleeplessknight]

Hie thee hence to your favorite online retailer and pick up a copy of Ed Friedland's "The Working Bassist's Toolkit". You'll thank me later...

[Jpeachbass]

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

Slapping and Flashy Victor Wooten style playing is fun; It will never get you a gig though it may lose you one.

Relax and remember to breathe

Not quite.
It can get you gigs and i have never heard of some one loosing a gig by using said techniques. What will have you fired is not knowing where to place it, doing it to much and or not knowing when to stop. Also if you don't do it well, leave it alone on stage.

[Lesfunk]

same thing. You're just nit picking my post

[Edward G.]

An electric bassist needs to understand that he/she doesn't need to be the loudest player in the band. Balancing out the ensemble will always make you loved and appreciated. I mean, you can't count on the drummer or guitarist, can you?

[Jpeachbass]

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

same thing. You're just nit picking my post

You said it will never, i said it can. Not the same. But I apologize for nit picking. Wasn't the intention. Have a good one les.

[Beginner Bass]

Given that this in the "Technique" section, I'll list some "technical" stuff:

• Fingerstyle with even tone across strings - Even the greats still do open-string exercises
• Pick with even tone across strings
• Slap - As others have said, playing "U Can't Hold No Groove" at light-speed may impress some people, but is unlikely to get you in the door to a gig; learn how to use it in moderation. It can bring a groove to life, or it can make it crash.