The Keyboard Is Your Friend

OPBASSMAN1994 · #1 02-12-2011, 08:20 PM

So recently I've gained a new appreciation for the keyboard. It's fueled a good amount of creativity on my part. It's helped develop lots of nice little bass parts recently, and it's a great musical medium to help start a song from the ground up. Anybody else feel this way?

waleross · #2 02-12-2011, 08:52 PM

I've been studying with a great jazz/classical teacher and its assisting me in all musical areas. Of course I took piano lessons many years ago just to pass my piano proficiency test and finally get my music degree. Now, its for me and I am seeing the big picture and having a lot of fun at the same time. . .

FretlessMainly · #3 02-12-2011, 08:52 PM

Absolutely. Of course, I traded my 1980 4001 for a Roland D50 and Fender Stage 185 in 1997 (I didn't say I wasn't stupid), so I may have a vested interest.

The keyboard is so nicely laid out that it helps with theory and it allows you to create chord changes with only a few finger movements. Another thing I do is to put a chair leg on my sustain pedal and play a triad. Then I practice playing various melodies on bass using different modes over that triad.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #4 02-12-2011, 09:07 PM

You know, that's an awesome idea, I think I'll try that sometime!

Stumbo · #5 02-12-2011, 11:46 PM

+100

I've seen many "keyboard" threads over the years.
Here's one of them: Buying/learning/playing keyboards

Muzoid · #6 02-12-2011, 11:48 PM

I'm a bassist/keyboardist....I don't know why all bassist don't play keys.

I hear ya buddy!

MysticMichael · #7 02-13-2011, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

Anybody else feel this way?

Oh yes! In fact, I've long admired keyboards in a band environment - but too seldom have had the opportunity to actually play with a good keyboards player.

At length, I've finally been able to buy a keyboard of my own - a brand new Roland digital stage piano & MIDI controller - and I couldn't be more pleased. When time comes that I'm solid on the basics, I'll probably be ready to get a workstation and/or arranger too - and sooner or later, a couple of synths as well.

I LOVE keyboards! Very cool stuff!

MM

slaphappywoman · #8 02-17-2011, 07:09 AM

Keyboards are great to have around.
You can set the drums going and come up with some great
lines when you don't have a drummer. (and it doesn't speed up or slow down, like most drummers I know)

.
Love the accompaniment settings too. Just hit a key and it will play chords for you.
I sit on the stool with my bass in front of the keyboard and I Feel like Geddy Lee or something. LOL.
I got a Yamaha for Xmas. My son has a Casio and honestly I like it a lot better. Had a lot more drum patterns then this one. Still great for songwriting.

Roy Vogt · #9 02-17-2011, 07:12 AM

So true! It's great for hearing upper extension of the harmony (9s, 11s, 13s) and in general understanding Music. I wish I'd practiced more in Music School!
These days I do most of my transcribing at the keyboard rather than with bass in hand-even with bass lines and solos.

Joe Nerve · #10 02-17-2011, 07:24 AM

I'm currently putting hours of work into some keyboard stuff. Playing in a Zep tribute that wants to do the keyboard songs. Learned the flute part to Stairway, and I'm working now on No Quarter.

It's frustrating to be honest, but I'm learning that patience and the same rules that apply to learning difficult things on bass also applies to keys. I'm setting my metronome at 50 - 55 BPM and playing little sections over and over, relentlessly, until my body memorizes them. What seemed hopeless on day one of No Quarter, is almost there completely now. I can play along to the song (up to solo section) with just a handful of mistakes. I plan to put at least 2 - 3 solid hrs. practice in today.

This better make me a better bass player.

In a slight derail... I'm currently learning, playing on a casio. Using a yamaha synth at the studio. When we start gigging I was planning on getting this. M-audio Venom. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Venom Any thoughts? Looks sweet.

Gas comes in more varieties than bass.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #11 02-17-2011, 03:20 PM

Case in point today: I've come up with an awesome keyboard intro/outro for a set of lyrics I wrote recently, and this lead to me writing a 6/4 bass part that I think will be very nice. Finally I've got the backbone of the song's music (hopefully. You never know how much things'll change!) Yes, the keyboard most certainly is your friend.

tangentmusic · #12 02-17-2011, 03:25 PM

bass players who also play keyboards are cool

OPBASSMAN1994 · #13 02-17-2011, 03:31 PM

Geddy Lee

Adam Clayton

John Paul Jones

Need I say more?

OPBASSMAN1994 · #14 02-17-2011, 03:39 PM

Btw, Tangentmusic, We had a show at my church last night and it went really well. House mix was a bit off (drums echo in old church buildings....), but everyone was in the system, including our drummer who had 2 overhead recording mics, and we recorded. I'll email you the files once I get them. It was still a great show, and people said we did a good job either way.

Favorite moments:

-When someone in the crowd (probably my other drummer, from my Youth Praise band there at the church) screamed "Play some Rush!!" during one of the moments I talked to the audience.

-A buddy of mine (a fellow bassist), and several of my youth friends were yelling stuff like "awesome" "Go man!" "Alright Daniel!" etc. when I started playing some faster more intense riffs.

-Another friend in the crowd yelled "Freebird". I said "No." and it all made it on the recording!

-THE MIX IN THE MONITORS DIDN'T SUCK!!!!!

tangentmusic · #15 02-17-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

Btw, Tangentmusic, We had a show at my church last night and it went really well. House mix was a bit off (drums echo in old church buildings....), but everyone was in the system, including our drummer who had 2 overhead recording mics, and we recorded. I'll email you the files once I get them. It was still a great show, and people said we did a good job either way.

Favorite moments:

-When someone in the crowd (probably my other drummer, from my Youth Praise band there at the church) screamed "Play some Rush!!" during one of the moments I talked to the audience.

-A buddy of mine (a fellow bassist), and several of my youth friends were yelling stuff like "awesome" "Go man!" "Alright Daniel!" etc. when I started playing some faster more intense riffs.

-Another friend in the crowd yelled "Freebird". I said "No." and it all made it on the recording!

-THE MIX IN THE MONITORS DIDN'T SUCK!!!!!

I look forward to hearing it. Please keep the between songs chatter also... I love hearing the vibe of a live environment

Snarf · #16 02-21-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

Anybody else feel this way?

yes

zachoff · #17 02-21-2011, 11:12 PM

I dislike keyboards in almost all respects. It's just one of those things... I do, however, enjoy a Hammond/electric organ ala Procal Harum, ELP, Deep Purple and Booker T.

groooooove · #18 02-21-2011, 11:18 PM

college music majors have to take keyboard harmony classes.

its a very important skill.

BluesMan1 · #19 02-26-2011, 12:25 PM

Another keyboard thread:

Bassists who double on keyboards