Improvised Lines

[Lazy]

I've done a search on this but haven't found anything that was of help.

I started playing bass after 2 years on the guitar because I thought bass would be easier with only 4 strings and all!! Technique came very easily to me and I find I have no problems with the fretboard,picking and even slapping! The problem is that I've somehow made it look like I'm alot better than I actually am! I can play all over the fretboard and solo and all that stuff and my timing is pretty good. So I have no problem playing with myself.

But when I'm playing with others, I just can't seem to play anything creative,just the same old root/fifth/octave stuff. I can hear the notes I wanna play in my head, but I can't translate them onto the instrument itself. My question is, is the solution to my problem going to come from more listening to others, fretboard memory, or more understanding of musical theory? I'm really hooped here and am way too stubborn to quit because of this.

P.S. BASS IS HARDER THAN THE GUITAR IMO.
someone help me get my foot out of my mouth due to my original assumption that it would be easier

[jazzbo]

Hey Lazy,

Welcome to the wonderful world of bass. Glad to see you converted! I'm not going to sweat you about thinking that the bass was "easier." A lot of people think this. My dad still does. At least a little bit.

My question is, is the solution to my problem going to come from more listening to others, fretboard memory, or more understanding of musical theory?

Well, all those things that you described are going to help you get better. You can't downplay, I believe, the importance of listening to others, whether it be recordings or live performances. Art comes from inspiration, and often that inspiration is by a fellow artist. Not only listening though, but if you find a particular passage that you like, transcribe it. Once you transcribe it, you can analyze what this or that person did. Besides which, you're also improving your ear. Take it a step further though, transcribe what the bass player is doing, but analyze against what the rest of the band is doing. Heck, transcribe the drum pattern, so you see how the bass is playing along with the bass drum, snare, or cymbals. See how it interacts with other instrumentalists, and also with the vocalists.

Fretboard memory certainly can't help, but I would probably encourage more of an aural fretboard memory, than a visual or kinesthetic one. In other words, it's important than your fingers will take you where your head or ears hear that dominant 7th, or that b3. Scales scales scales scales scales scales scales.

Theory will certainly help you wrap up all this information into a tight little package, but I very much believe, the most critical part to your development right now, is to GET A TEACHER!

A teacher can show you if your right hand or left hand technique is correct. They can help organize your practice routine. They can provide an objective ear to what you're playing. They can provide encouragement. They can explain things to suit your learning abilities.

Also, record your rehearsals and lessons. The tape doesn't lie. You'll hear how you sound to others, which often can be an enlightening experience.

These things take time and money. It's not going to come quickly, but the pursuit is a lot of fun and the rewards self-evident.

Either way, good luck.

[cassanova]

[quote]Originally posted by Lazy
But when I'm playing with others, I just can't seem to play anything creative,just the same old root/fifth/octave stuff. I can hear the notes I wanna play in my head, but I can't translate them onto the instrument itself. My question is, is the solution to my problem going to come from more listening to others, fretboard memory, or more understanding of musical theory? I'm really hooped here and am way too stubborn to quit because of this.

First off, let me say welcome to the Under World I always like seeing people make the switch to bass. I'll never understand why people think the bass is easier. But sad but true alot of people think that.

Now to answer your question:

IMO it's a combination of all three. The more styles your exposed to the more it will help your creative juices flow. But only if you develop an emotional bond with the style(s) will the rewards truly pay off IMO. If your hearts into the music then it'll come out more naturally and be easier for you to incorporate into you own style. At least thats IME and imho.

Like Jazzbo said, learn the line and figure out what he's doing. (The theory behind it all.) this will give you the knowledge to add more aproach notes that you can play to reach your target note. Which will give your lines a bit more life.

Thats where knowing your fretboard pays off, because you have to know where to go on the bass with it. Ya gotta know what notes to play right? Ive been wrighting the fretboard out on paper alot latly just running over scales (in the the circle of fifths order) in my head to get a better visualization of the notes and intervals of them. Or I just write out the scales from memory to memorize the notes in them. Then I'll use the fretboard diagram to grade my work. If I put a wrong note in the scale I rewrite that entire scale from memory again and and until I get it right.


Hoped this helped somewhat.

and definatly take jazzbo's advice and find a good teacher. i wish i did that when I 1st started out.