Country bass

[BillyRay]

I've been transcribing lines for an audition and most lines are not hard at all, but what I find though is to get the feel and "walking" part right when playing them. Any pointers on how to achieve this ? It's like a "rigid"/steady swing that pulses with the snare and it just gets me that I can't quite nail it. Also the absence of chromatic approach tones in most of the stuff I've been looking at (Johnny Cash) has me puzzled for lines that "spices" things a bit, especially at the end of choruses.

Maybe its because it doesn't need any spicing up ?

[seanm]

It doesn't need spicing up. Generally you have both a lead and a rhythm guitar in country. So the bass doesn't do too many fills. A few passing tones and walk downs to the I.

But you have to get the swing right.

[Johnny Crab]

Originally Posted by seanm

It doesn't need spicing up. Generally you have both a lead and a rhythm guitar in country. So the bass doesn't do too many fills. A few passing tones and walk downs to the I.

But you have to get the swing right.

+1

Waylon and Johnny Cash are usually "as-is" for a reason.
They work!

You've sometimes got pedal steel and other instruments.
Another thing to note: sometimes "spicing" changes the feel, mood, and dance-ability of the tune. There are some actual country and some of what CMA gives awards to that is actually fun to play.

As far as the feel: this only comes with repeating songs(practice with CD's/mp3/whatever you got) over and over PLUS exposure to more "country". You may find some artists intentionally cut or add to sections of songs but timing usually does not change. A feel for that is the same as playing other forms(i.e. Rush with unique time changes everywhere....do it enough times and you got it).

We cover some(have to in Texas), Guzzlerize some, and have fun.

[JimmyM]

The key to country swing is sticking to using the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th of each chord. Put them in any order but stick to them. And always hit the root on the one. You can't nimbly float up and down the neck like a jazz player...you have to kind of plod through a country swing. Be real strong on the beats and don't use a lot of 8th notes.

[BillyRay]

How about chord tones, especially the 7th. In jazz, it's a given that you'll use it to walk (maybe not on an upbeat) to another root if the 7th of the first chord is the 5 of the second chord, ala:

D7 F7

But the more I think about it, the more it'll be about correctly subdivising beats and less about note choice. Different challenge from the usual music I play, where you are somewhat pretty free with your line as far as it locks with the time keeping aparatus (wether it be kick, hi-hat or vox at some point or another in the song).

It's fun though, trying to work within boundaries. Makes for exciting challenges.

[seanm]

I think you are over thinking the notes Here are the notes (as scale tones) for about 1,000 country songs:

1 5 1 (2 3)
4 1 4 (4 b5)
5 2 5 2
1 5 1 (5 4 2)

b5 = flatted 5

Hope that makes sense. Note that the walk ups and down are very short. Even the walk down at the end is truncated. Also note that many country songs have 4 chords, the fourth chord being either a 2 or a 6.

[BillyRay]

1 5 1 (2 3)
4 1 4 (4 b5)
5 2 5 2
1 5 1 (5 4 2)

Why isn't any of this making sense ? Well, it is making sense, but why are some notes in () while others are not ?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by BillyRay

Why isn't any of this making sense ? Well, it is making sense, but why are some notes in () while others are not ?

They're pickup or transitional notes and should only be used in transitions from one chord to the next.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by BillyRay

Why isn't any of this making sense ? Well, it is making sense, but why are some notes in () while others are not ?

Sorry, I was in a hurry. Devo James Brown has it right, the () shows the transition notes. Also, the other notes are basically quarter notes and the transitions have to fit in one beat.

Of the top of my head, Johnny Cash's "Ballad of forty dollars" fits this pattern.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The key to country swing is sticking to using the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th of each chord. Put them in any order but stick to them. And always hit the root on the one. You can't nimbly float up and down the neck like a jazz player...you have to kind of plod through a country swing. Be real strong on the beats and don't use a lot of 8th notes.

I agree. I moved into country music full time 9 months ago and its been a crash course so to speak. Most is easy with the older standards (Cash,Jones etc) on the 1,3,5,6. Some of the new country really rocks out and even 5 stringers are the norm now.

The problem i had to adjust to is country timing and feel .That was way diffrent then rock or blues i was used to.The blues did help in playing country with staying tight with the drummer and the kick/snare patterns. Country bass is real tight to the drums at least the old school is. listen to alot of old Cash , George Jones or most country really from the 70 up and you will here those patterns tight to the drums.

I enjoy country bass, I fill a huge role in our sound and if i drop out you know it right now. All those classic walk patterns with a tight drummer make me hum along and tap me feets. When i played rock the wall of sound distortion etc allowed me freedom to play loose and lose feel. In country no way its to tight too clean and my band depends on me to be there on each and every song..cool

[pbass2]

Originally Posted by bassbully

I enjoy country bass, I fill a huge role in our sound and if i drop out you know it right now. All those classic walk patterns with a tight drummer make me hum along and tap me feets. When i played rock the wall of sound distortion etc allowed me freedom to play loose and lose feel. In country no way its to tight too clean and my band depends on me to be there on each and every song..cool

It IS a blast isn't it? I always say, the two genres that have made me a MUCH better overall player are reggae and classic country. It's the same discipline and attention to space, note length, tone and feel. It's very Zen . . ..

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by bassbully

I agree. I moved into country music full time 9 months ago and its been a crash course so to speak. Most is easy with the older standards (Cash,Jones etc) on the 1,3,5,6. Some of the new country really rocks out and even 5 stringers are the norm now.

The problem i had to adjust to is country timing and feel .That was way diffrent then rock or blues i was used to.The blues did help in playing country with staying tight with the drummer and the kick/snare patterns. Country bass is real tight to the drums at least the old school is. listen to alot of old Cash , George Jones or most country really from the 70 up and you will here those patterns tight to the drums.

I enjoy country bass, I fill a huge role in our sound and if i drop out you know it right now. All those classic walk patterns with a tight drummer make me hum along and tap me feets. When i played rock the wall of sound distortion etc allowed me freedom to play loose and lose feel. In country no way its to tight too clean and my band depends on me to be there on each and every song..cool

You know, reading your reply makes me think that I used the wrong word when I used the word "plod." Playing tight to the beat and playing clean are better descriptors. In context, it kind of sounds like plodding, but probably not the greatest choice of words.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

You know, reading your reply makes me think that I used the wrong word when I used the word "plod." Playing tight to the beat and playing clean are better descriptors. In context, it kind of sounds like plodding, but probably not the greatest choice of words.

LOL In a way Plod fits. At least some songs in country that is

[Bardley]

Originally Posted by pbass2

It IS a blast isn't it? I always say, the two genres that have made me a MUCH better overall player are reggae and classic country. It's the same discipline and attention to space, note length, tone and feel. It's very Zen . . ..

+1

I dove into country a few years ago after playing a few country cover gigs and loved it. I've got a few friends who are players in Nashville and make a living playing country. I've learned SOOO much by just listening. I used to think it seemed easy because there were so few notes. Boy was I wrong. It's all about feel and note placement and it has made me a better player in all types of music.

[COOL AND DEADLY]

I also discovered many similarities between reggae and country bass. I love them both. I like older country like Johnny Cash, Merle, Willie, Waylon etc. The new country is way too poppy for me. Just ordered "The Lost Art of the Country Bass" to broaden my playing. Check out Leland Sklar if you get the chance.

[SmoothCountry]

It's great to hear from some country players on this site. I was beginning to think it was all metal and bar room rock.

[dulouz]

I too come to country from another place. I have had a lot of academic training in jazz, but I have learned so much more from playing country. Namely: Groove, Consistancy, and Feel. My "friends" give me a bad time because they think country is beneath them. At least I am playing good gigs, not just goofing around in the garage polishing my ego, oops I mean guitar... Plus I have a bit more change in my pocket.

[Jim Carr]

Playing country has allowed me to rediscover the pick. I use it on about 25% of the tunes my current country band does.

Also, we get work! People call US. Amazing. Who-da-thunk-it?

[Busker]

I'm on my second country band. I love it. Many of the songs, especially the newer stuff, have the bass more out front in the mix, playing a more prominent role. I'm not going to complain about that.

Wow, I just remembered. Third country band. I was in a female fronted country band last winter. The songs were great for the most part, but it became more obvious as time went on that they were in no hurry to get out of the basement, and I was driving about 45 miles one way to rehearse. I left after 4 months.

The 5 string may be the new standard, but there are only 2 or 3 songs on our set list that were obviously recorded with a five. I'm getting by with a four for the time being, although there will likely be a five in my future. Our singer is a stickler for doing the songs in the key recorded so they sound authentic (only a couple of songs do we alter the key from original), so I'm playing more in the keys of Bb & F and occasionally B natural, F#, Ab or Eb. Its good experience. And I'm starting to work in a fretless bass on a few songs.

Can you tell I'm Jazzed about Country? It Rocks.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Busker

I'm on my second country band. I love it. Many of the songs, especially the newer stuff, have the bass more out front in the mix, playing a more prominent role. I'm not going to complain about that.

Wow, I just remembered. Third country band. I was in a female fronted country band last winter. The songs were great for the most part, but it became more obvious as time went on that they were in no hurry to get out of the basement, and I was driving about 45 miles one way to rehearse. I left after 4 months.

The 5 string may be the new standard, but there are only 2 or 3 songs on our set list that were obviously recorded with a five. I'm getting by with a four for the time being, although there will likely be a five in my future. Our singer is a stickler for doing the songs in the key recorded so they sound authentic (only a couple of songs do we alter the key from original), so I'm playing more in the keys of Bb & F and occasionally B natural, F#, Ab or Eb. Its good experience. And I'm starting to work in a fretless bass on a few songs.

Can you tell I'm Jazzed about Country? It Rocks.

I dont dig a 5 string for country myself. I own and play 5ers but dont like it just give me my fender P and I'm happy One thing about country IMO is the bass is almost always in the upfront mix and a huge part of the sound. Old school country its right there in all the songs...think Cash, Jennnings Etc. Even todays country the bass is there and its a big part of the sound. A country bassist cant hide and must be strong and clear.I am on my second country band sorta. The first didnt last long one month and 1 gig before i was let go. I feel i was just brought in to fill in for the gig till they got the bassist they really wanted. I Love my current band. We mix originals and covers as well as light rock and a few oldies. We have two guitarists (both play lead w/vocals) A great steel player a solid drummer who sings real well and me on bass no singing thou

We cover songs like Kansas City, Make the world go away, Mountain of love, Someone had to teach you, Sweet home Alabama, Devil Woman, Walk softly, What I like about you. Alot of reg country Watermellon crawl, The Shake, Fireman, Neon moon,Were from the country, 1000 miles from nowhere etc. We mix it up and your right it rocks and its fun. Country pays well and gets gigs for sure.