Opinions on a short recording

[5string5fingers]

I'm posting this on here,fully well knowing I'm going to get torn a new one,which is the point. I'm trying to learn more about myself and what needs to be improved. So I came up with a pretty short little recording of a little groove I just made up 10 minutes ago. My recording set up is super lo-fi using a computer mic,but it works.

Just would like your thoughts on tone,execution,timing,and anything else you can pound me for. This is me,no metronome,no drum track,just my natural feel,exposed.

Helps if you open the link and press pause to let it load for a minute or two before playing.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/8502230231a8dc12/

[5string5fingers]

bump

[Spin Doctor]

Well these are just my opinions, but I think that your timing needs to be cleaned up. When you practice, always use a metronome or drum machine. Always have it on, unless you are working on playing along with CD's as It will make your internal clock very solid. I know there are people that don't subscribe to that idea, but whatever.... Just use it.

Also, don't loose the groove in order to chase some fill notes. Never fail to hit the "one". I could tell from listening to the track that you are playing some groove based on a 3rd degree pentatonic scale. Get more familiar with pentatonics

You might want to adjust the relief and/or raise the action on your bass as I can hear some strings rattling on your sustained notes, but then, some people like that effect. That's more of a personal choice I think.

There's a book called "Groove Mastery" out there and I can't rememebr who wrote it, but a google search will tell you. I have it and it's pretty good.

As an aside, these are things that I have to work on myself, so it's not a dig or anything. Just some observations.

[5string5fingers]

Originally Posted by Spin Doctor

Well these are just my opinions, but I think that your timing needs to be cleaned up. When you practice, always use a metronome or drum machine. Always have it on, unless you are working on playing along with CD's as It will make your internal clock very solid. I know there are people that don't subscribe to that idea, but whatever.... Just use it.

Also, don't loose the groove in order to chase some fill notes. Never fail to hit the "one". I could tell from listening to the track that you are playing some groove based on a 3rd degree pentatonic scale. Get more familiar with pentatonics

You might want to adjust the relief and/or raise the action on your bass as I can hear some strings rattling on your sustained notes, but then, some people like that effect. That's more of a personal choice I think.

There's a book called "Groove Mastery" out there and I can't rememebr who wrote it, but a google search will tell you. I have it and it's pretty good.

As an aside, these are things that I have to work on myself, so it's not a dig or anything. Just some observations.

awesome. Really appreciate the input. I think I need to get some frets leveled as it only buzzes in certain areas and my action is not super low.

[Spin Doctor]

PM me with your e-mail and I'll dig up some of the groove lessons I recorded with Anthony Wellington and send them to you. They will be my personal lessons, but there will be stuff you can use there. Actually might be easier if I snail mail some to you. It will depend on how big the files are...

[Spin Doctor]

Files on the way.

[Thor]

I don't expect anyone should tear anyone a new one who is
seeking advice on self improvement.

The people who stop seeking constant self improvement are
the ones I worry about. Unfortunately, I know some of those.

I don't have speakers here, but (subbed) will try to listen later.

Believe it or not, after 35 years of bass playing, I am still not
satisfied with all aspects of my playing. Knowing what to work
on is helpful and sometimes it tkaes another set of ears to help you identify the areas that will give you the most bang for the work you put in. And yeah, after 35, I am still putting in work.