ahead, on, behind the beat -concrete examples?

mambo4 · #1 05-30-2009, 11:00 PM

the idea of playing "ahead of the beat" and "behind the beat" has always eluded my technical mind. I've always gathered it's a much more subtle "feel" thing than something you can point to on the metronome, or notate on the staff.

but, today at rehearsal, my drummer asked me to try playing more behind the beat...which i tried to achieve by listening more closely to the ride cymbal's steady 8th notes and just relaxing a little...seemed to so the trick, but I'm still a little vague on the idea, after decades of playing.

People have cited recordings to me before " blah blah is a classic example of playing behind the beat..." but that gives me nothing to contrast for the sake of understanding.

So I'm wondering if there's maybe a you tube video or some other concrete example of the same bass line being played ahead , on, and behind the beat? Are there specific exercises one can do to help "get it"?

Phil Smith · #2 05-31-2009, 06:42 AM

I have some recordings that illustrate the 3 relationships to the beat that you can download and listen to. If you listed to the on the beat followed by behind and ahead it may make it clearer for you but keep in mind different people have different ideas about what these things mean plus there's rushing and dragging.

http://www.mycontent.us

user = talkbass
pass = doublebass

mambo4 · #3 05-31-2009, 02:30 PM

thanks for the examples, that's exactly the thing I was hoping for.
I must confess on first listen that I can't really tell the difference.
I guess I'll have to spend some time with them.

Lichtaffen · #4 06-01-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambo4

thanks for the examples, that's exactly the thing I was hoping for.
I must confess on first listen that I can't really tell the difference.
I guess I'll have to spend some time with them.

Don't feel bad. I can't really tell either.

JimmyM · #5 06-01-2009, 01:29 PM

The idea of it isn't to make it sound like it's ahead or behind the beat...the idea is to make it sound more natural. And that's why the examples don't just jump out at you as obviously one or the other.

Stumbo · #6 06-02-2009, 01:56 AM

You might to check out this previous TB thread on the same topic. There are some song references there as well.
what is in front of/behind the beat?