How Do You Guys "Learn" to Play Bass Lines

[Dave12]

Hi friends, I'm a limited poster, but frequent reader. Bear with me on this, because it’s hard to put into words. I’m wondering if you fine people have any tricks or practice hints to “learn” and “feel” intervals on the bass. I have a knack for “hearing” a bass line… meaning if I’ve heard a song once, I can hum the bass line, and can painfully figure it out on the neck after a bit. I bought a Tascam Bass Trainer, but found I really don’t need it… hearing the bass line is not my problem. Taking some time, I can figure out how to play it. But I notice accomplished bassists (which I am not) seem to “feel” the interval to the next note.

I can kind of play the guitar, and am reasonably accomplished on keyboards, but I long for the comfort of being able to feel where to put my finger on the neck for the interval I “hear.”

Sorry, guys, (and ladies) if this is confusing, but I have got to believe some of you are like me… you can hear it, but playing it is a tougher challenge.

Thanks for listening, and any suggestions you have.

Regards,
Dave

[KingRazor]

It's taken me 3 years to be able to play just parts of bass lines by ear.

I think the "feel" aspect just comes with time...

[grendle]

Listen, play, rewind, repeat ..

[nostatic]

I'm working on this one right now.

Chick Corea, Spain, transcription | My JazzArt

I need the chart and this:

Download Transcribe!

That was suggested by my current mentor. Playing the track at about 70% speed makes is viable (the original Chick Corea track, not the mp3 that is linked on the site - that one is a fair stretch slower than the original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_OEJ0wqt2g)

[Bufalo]

Start singing the intervals. Play it on your bass, then sing it. Before too long (if you've got a good ear) you'll start to not have to think about what the interval is, you'll just hear it. If you force your brain to do the singing, it'll get into your head more completely. It's similar to learning lyrics to a song by writing them down or typing them out. As you're singing, envision how you'd finger the jump from one note to the other, after lots of practice and listening and humming and singing and envisioning, it just starts to sink in.

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Pick a "root" note. Any note. Sing it and say "1". Then play various intervals. Play the root, then a major 3rd, and sing the notes as "1" and "major 3rd". Do the same for all the common intervals. Do this exercise daily for at least 10 minutes.

After a week of doing this daily, add this exercise: Grab your bass and pick a root note. Play that note and sing it. Then sing a short musical phrase that begins on that note. Then try to play that phrase on your fretboard.

You can also try to identify the intervals of the phrase before you touch your bass. Sing the phrase, then try to name the intervals by ear. Sing the phrase again using interval names, then test yourself on your bass.

For example, right now I'm thinking of the famous tune from "Jeopardy". I have never played it on any instrument. I just hummed the first 7 notes. To my ears, it sounds like the following:

1, 4th above, 1, 4th below, 1, 4th above, 1

Can someone grab their bass and test? I don't have one handy.

[Dave12]

Good suggestions, Bufalo and Dan... I will try. Any more out there?

Dave

[Jazzdogg]

Interval Ear Training

[Cannabass]

certainly take as much advice and figure out all the tricks you can, but also don't worry as it will come with time.. things will start to feel more and more automatic

my advice is play live music

[stratovani]

Get yourself a good teacher, learn music theory, listen to as much jazz as you can stand, learn Phrygian, Mixolidian and Aeolian modes, hang out with older musicians, and you'll then be able to play bass lines.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Jazzdogg

Interval Ear Training

+1

~Ear training
Goodear.com
Free downloadable ear trainer (basic/advanced) Solfege. Xlnt program
Trainers/tutorials. Music theory, ear training, read music, chords, intervals, etc.
Online Visual Beginning Theory, ear trainer

[Jazzerbone]

Woot. Great ear training site!!!

Here's a guy I love (platonically)

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