Tips for playing in a rock trio

walknbluez · #1 11-05-2007, 05:07 PM

This may be a vague question and I really don't know how to elaborate probably because I don't know what the answer is or if there is even a tip. But when playing in a trio, are there things that a bass player should do differently or adjust? For example, when the guitarist takes a solo, how to keep the sound from just dropping out or how to make the sound fuller. Maybe there are no differences?

Vengoropatubus · #2 11-05-2007, 06:07 PM

I suggest pedaling. It can really fill out the low end, and if you're comfortable with string skipping you can have a pretty steady stream of eighth or quarter notes to lie under a line in a higher register.

Other ideas would include double/triple stops.

If your tapping is solid you can always apply a bit of two handed tapping to throw down chords with one hand and a bass line with the other.

walknbluez · #3 11-05-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vengoropatubus

I suggest pedaling. It can really fill out the low end, and if you're comfortable with string skipping you can have a pretty steady stream of eighth or quarter notes to lie under a line in a higher register.

Other ideas would include double/triple stops.

If your tapping is solid you can always apply a bit of two handed tapping to throw down chords with one hand and a bass line with the other.

I'm not a total beginner but at the risk of sounding like a total noob, what is pedaling (I think I'm doing that and can guess what you mean but I just want to be sure) and can you give me an example of that as well as double and triple stops?

plastik-bass[?] · #4 11-05-2007, 06:16 PM

my band is currently and trio...this happended last practice after letting a guitarist go and i dont find things much differnt i find i can make my bass parts more comples which i love and that i get more time in the light rather then just the guitarists..it works our great!!

phat daddy · #5 11-05-2007, 06:25 PM

There are more than a few ways to assume the duties of bassist/rhythm guitarist in a trio setting, which is more or less what you do in a trio. Bass chords work well, steady rhythms during solos while they are more sparce out of the solo, study the rhythm guitar lines in the songs as well as the bass lines and tie them together, playing more complex lines than what was originally intended, etc. Also don't shy away from the usage of effects. Good chorus, envelope and synth sounds go a long way when there's no rhythm guitar.

visa · #6 11-07-2007, 09:37 AM

playing in a 3 piece, for me, is the most fun a bass player can have

51m0n · #7 11-07-2007, 10:32 AM

Listen to motorhead alot!

dvh · #8 11-07-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by visa

playing in a 3 piece, for me, is the most fun a bass player can have

+1. Ironically (because intuitively you might think otherwise) it gives a lot of space and freedom. That then presents the challenge: maintaining the groove while doing something creative with that space and freedom.

Hence the fun

MysticMichael · #9 11-07-2007, 10:50 AM

Unlike with larger ensembles, it's tough to even approach the threshold of "overplaying". Let 'er rip...

MM

McGroovin' · #10 11-07-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walknbluez

I'm not a total beginner but at the risk of sounding like a total noob, what is pedaling (I think I'm doing that and can guess what you mean but I just want to be sure) and can you give me an example of that as well as double and triple stops?

By pedaling they mean using effects pedals: chorus, distortion, etc.

Double stop is playing two notes simultaneously. Triple stop is the same as double, but with 3 notes being played.

TheBassBetween · #11 11-07-2007, 11:45 AM

Triple stops are your friend! You can get in a low note on the E and throw in 2 higher notes on the D and G strings, and it will sound very full.

When the guitarist is soloing, it's supposed to sound a little less "full", and you shouldn't aim to be the rhythm guitar when the guitarist is soloing.

Just my 2 cents.

walknbluez · #12 11-07-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBassBetween

Triple stops are your friend! You can get in a low note on the E and throw in 2 higher notes on the D and G strings, and it will sound very full.

Can you give me an example of the fingering?

MysticMichael · #13 11-07-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McGroovin'

By pedaling they mean using effects pedals: chorus, distortion, etc.

"Pedaling" refers to sustaining the root. As when playing the piano and keeping a pedal engaged...

MM

son_of_mogh · #14 11-07-2007, 02:31 PM

I don't feel the need to fill up space all the time, but you can get a lot of mileage in some songs/pieces by just pedalling a root note in drone-style at strategic spots. Other times, I syncopate root notes and higher chords. Just a couple of ideas.

ThunderLizard · #15 11-07-2007, 02:40 PM

Walkin'
The 'space' between your notes are equally important. Make sure you're at a solid volume and let each note and space support your groove.
Good Luck To You!!

heroincredible · #16 11-07-2007, 02:54 PM

Using octaves can help fill out the sound (I find). Playing in a three piece is awesome, especially when the guitarist is a rythm guitarist - yay bass solos!

walknbluez · #17 11-07-2007, 03:35 PM

At first I wasn't all that excited about doing a trio project but you're right it has turned out to be alot of fun. Big difference in sound when I did one song pedaling vs. not pedaling.

However, don't you think it reduces the possibility of certain songs if you're doing covers? For example, certain bands that have keyboards in them like Pink Floyd....or am I off base here?

TrevorOfDoom · #18 11-07-2007, 03:42 PM

a tip i read from a Tommy Shannon interview... when the guitarist goes for the solo, try walking up into the solo with them, then when you drop down to resume your line, it'll sound full again. and as we all know, higher notes are more emotionally compelling, so the walk up will tell listeners that something exciting is coming, so they better listen up!

emblymouse · #19 11-07-2007, 03:46 PM

Well yeah, but with any band you've got to pick proper material. This is where it can get fun though, when you can be original in your interperation of a cover song. For example, in my trio, we do 'Wish You Were Here'. and I use my 8 string. It sounds just right, gives the impression of the guitar sound on the track and lets the guitar player concentrate on the solo slide stuff. Hell, we do Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein' w/ no synth. Just get the core feel and rock it!

fenderhutz · #20 11-07-2007, 03:49 PM

Learn to sing backup very well or learn simple harmonies. You can also put a simple Casio keyboard beside you and learn simple arpeggios to really spice up quiet parts in songs.