Is there a technique you did/do but are considering dropping?

[Blackbird]

I was very amused by the thread titled "I can't slap" because while I can, I don't use the technique at all. I find I express myself better using muted/dead notes and raking the strings.

Anyone else?

[BassAche]

Tapping.

I can do it to an extent, but it seems to never fit in any song...

[Melf]

Slapping. Maybe it's because I play a Squier and MTD, but what rudimentary slapping skills I have, I decided to give up because it just doesn't sound good to me when I slap.

[Matt Till]

I don't think you should give up on any technique... each technique is like a tool in your bassist toolbelt. I think the best bassists try to be proficiant in every technqiue available to them.

[James Hart]

Originally posted by StupidMatt
I don't think you should give up on any technique... each technique is like a tool in your bassist toolbelt. I think the best bassists try to be proficiant in every technqiue available to them.

Dude, I thought you were stupid? What gives??!?



Great advice!!! I gave up slapping in 1996 because I wanted slick jazz/funk but after a decade I got simplistic, uptight, boring Claypool wannabe noise

I got my new bass and BAM! I'm slapping again

I think limiting the use of techniques that aren't you would be better... you never know when you'll need to pull a pop or 2 out of your hat.

[Blackbird]

Originally posted by speddling


Dude, I thought you were stupid? What gives??!?

He did misspell "proficient".

[alexclaber]

Originally posted by StupidMatt
I think the best bassists try to be proficiant in every technqiue available to them.

I don't think they do - I think they try to be proficient at playing bass. Did Jaco slap, does Bootsy use a pick, does Rocco tap? Did Jamerson use two fingers?!

Far better to be a master of one technique than a jack of all...

Alex

P.S. But do any great bassists solely play with a pick? (Not a flame, just curious - how about Jack Casady and Bobby Vega?)

[Nick Gann]

Originally posted by alexclaber

Far better to be a master of one technique than a jack of all...

Sorry, but I have to disagree with you on this one. It might be better if you are famous for thatone thing, but as a working musician, it is much better to be versatile. Having at least basic proficiency at each technique is much better (IMO) than being the master of one, unless you are one of those you mentioned.

But who's to say, they all could have busted out a pick or some slap grooves when the camera wasn't around

[Blackbird]

Maybe I should clarify.

I mean dropping a technique from your "A" list of techniques. I suppose I'd be less dismissive of slapping if I played a style that required it, which may well happen someday.

I think it's a bad idea to use a technique just because you know how to do it.

[Christopher]

Never give up, never surrender.

[thrash_jazz]

I didn't use slap or tap very much except while noodling at home, but lately I have been working on ways to use those techniques tastefully in improvised songs.

My pick playing has gone to crap lately, because I don't get much call for it. I practice it maybe once or twice a month.

I'd have to agree on the "as many tools in the toolbox as possible" argument. If you are a master of only one techique, as Nick said, you are passing up a large number of musical opportunities.

Besides, there will eventually be diminishing returns if you practice one or two techniques exclusively.

[john turner]

i used to tap a lot - when i was in college i was really into the whole billy sheehan thing big time. i gave that up, though, about 11 years ago. just not into it anymore.

[Matt Till]

Originally posted by Blackbird


He did misspell "proficient".

tada... there it is.