'I Want You Back' - Grade?

[Mr Antt]

Hi there.

I'm assuming this is the correct section for this. (If not, please feel free to move it).

I'm currently in the process of learning this classic by the Jackson 5, I plan to perform it for my recital in April. A-level music at my sixth form, but I have to perform at least grade 5 standard and I'm unsure of the actual grade of this piece.

If anyone could shed some light on this that'd be great.

Also, without sounding rude could anybody suggest some pieces that would contrast with this.

Thanks a lot, Anthony.

[wemmick]

With talk of A-level, I'd guess that you're not in the US. It'd help some of us if you'd translate that into a question that's a bit more generic.

Education in the US (and likely other places) use different terms for achievement than are typically used in the UK.

[bassybill]

Here's a sample of grade 5 music:



In comparison, I want you back has more semiquaver (16th note) phrasing, but doesn't have the odd time signature changes. They're probably similar in difficulty level, in my opinion.

[bassybill]

There's a decent transcription of the Jackson 5 number here (and Stefan has done many other tunes, too - check 'em out).

http://www.stefanredtenbacher.com/pd...antYouBack.pdf

Bass Charts

[bassybill]

And here's me rocking the part in the middle number of this medley...

The notorious EBO knocking out some tunes... - YouTube

[Mr Antt]

That medley is simply awesome! Our college band does things like this. Currently we're working on 'Music for a Darkened Theatre' (collection of Danny Elfman pieces) and 'Lady Gaga Dance Mix'. So much fun. I love being the bassist for a sort of mini orchestra..

But anyway, thanks for the replies. To make it generic I'd say grade 5 is anywhere between intermediate to difficult? I really don't know how I could generalise that properly, I do apologise.

Funnily enough I actually already have that exact piece of music, but thanks anyway I also have one with tab that I found somewhere. Which is ideal as the examiner is usually a classic player of some sorts. So having both tab and notation is excellent.

I've discussed this with my teacher and she's thrilled I'm looking at this song. I'll ask the guitar/bass instructor who comes in on Tuesday's what he thinks, and will go from there.

Either way, I'm learning this song anyway. I love it!

Thanks, Anthony.

[mflaherty]

Have you heard this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z91l_...e_gdata_player

[Mr Antt]

Originally Posted by mflaherty

Have you heard this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z91l_...e_gdata_player

I have, yes. It's proving rather useful, thanks. Have it on my iPod to learn section by section. I want to nail this piece. I failed my performance last year so I'm re-sitting. I'm determined not to fail this time round.

Anthony.

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by bassybill

And here's me rocking the part in the middle number of this medley...

The notorious EBO knocking out some tunes... - YouTube

Wow! That was great stuff!

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by mflaherty

Have you heard this?
Wilton Felder's isolated bass on "I Want You Back" - YouTube

It sounds so easy when he plays it. I find it challenging.
Awesome, awesome bass line.

[Mr Antt]

Day by day I get that little bit closer to being able to play it. Sooner the better, my repertoire (if you can call it that) is simply bare. Been playing for 4 years and can hardly play one song all the way through, gah! Once I knock this one out I'll start another, and another, etc. Therefore when the exam comes along in March/April time I'll be prepared with plenty of tracks. In theory..

Thanks loads guys, Anthony.

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by warnergt

Wow! That was great stuff!

Thanks, mate - nice to hear people saying that they enjoyed this. Cheers!

[Mr Antt]

Originally Posted by bassybill

And here's me rocking the part in the middle number of this medley...

The notorious EBO knocking out some tunes... - YouTube

I have literally fallen in love with this medley. It's just so cool!

You guys are incredible.

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by Mr Antt

I have literally fallen in love with this medley. It's just so cool!

You guys are incredible.

Well, thanks very muich! Let me know iff you want to book us for a gig!

[jusaplaya]

Nice song selection. I just startd playing my bass again after finishing grad school this summer. I have just started working on "I Want You Back" as well. Keep us posted on how you are progressing with the song.

I love the bassline. It is just plain funky!

[NCD]

Paul Wolfe has a free video for "I want you back". It may not be absolutely perfect but it'll get you 95% of the way there.

Trickiest parts for me were:

1) The run that forms the 2nd through 6th notes of the song (B-C-E-F-C#) because I have bear paws for hands and so I have to use my pinkie for the C#. This makes that move to the C# tough but my pinkie has more strength than my ring finger (tendon injury). Then again, perhaps I'm fingering it wrong.

I'm using 2nd finger (B), 3rd finger (C), 2nd finger (E), 3rd finger (F) and then 4th finger (C#).

2) The other part that can trip you up is what Paul Wolfe called a tongue twister. It got a lot easier for me when I broke it into 3 phrases. 1 is the first four notes, 2 is the next six notes for a longer phrase (note six is like a delayed end of the phrase) and then 3 is actually just the last two notes of the twister.

3) The variation to the G string in second chorus and also the other couple times it's used in the end.

Master those three and the rest should be easy as can be.

Good luck!

[Mr Antt]

Oh, another reply. Thankyou.

I've pretty much got this one done apart from the run near the end (The "bu- bu- bu- boom boom" part(If you know what I mean)).

But apart from that, this one's done.

Currently working on 'The Show Must Go On'. Lovely Queen number.

Anthony.