Playing along with an upright bass

[Axtman]

I am currently playing in a church praise band. In that band there is also an upright bass player. She plays well but does not play fast. Usually she bows the strings but occasionally she will pluck the strings.

The question is what do I do when she is playing? If I play along at the same pitch sometimes there is a "beat" if she is a little sharp or flat to my note. Also sometimes there is too much bottom end when we both are playing the same notes. Sometimes I will play an octave higher but end up getting into the guitar range. On slow ballad songs I usually let her play and I sit out. On rocking fast songs, I play and she sits out.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Axtman]

Oh, I just thought of a few things.

Maybe I SHOULD play "her" part as a way of helping her find proper pitch of the notes.

I don't dare play fretless bass when she is there, though I really want to improve my skills.

[mr.hughes]

Maybe try playing along note-wise, but play to the kick drum rhythm. Or else try playing more melodically, in a higher register - small motifs at the end of vocal lines. Might be good to get into a non-bass player headspace for some ideas.

[LeftHandedFrog]

why 2 bass players? and if you have to be i d say share the repertoire but don t play on the same tunes.... Unless she bows upper part arrengement maybe

[MadMan118]

That sounds like a good idea, I often play with a trombone player, while I play upright, talk about an intonation nightmare.

[Jim Carr]

Play upright.

[kingbee]

Yeah, if you've got to play together, you have to play in different registers.

Personally, I think it would make more sense to just divide the tunes up rather than having to step on each other.

[dvh]

Originally Posted by LeftHandedFrog

why 2 bass players? and if you have to be i d say share the repertoire but don t play on the same tunes.... Unless she bows upper part arrengement maybe

Originally Posted by kingbee

Yeah, if you've got to play together, you have to play in different registers.

Personally, I think it would make more sense to just divide the tunes up rather than having to step on each other.

+ 1. One bass is all that is needed.

[Kirkowitz]

I've actually played along on a 6 string Danelectro bass a good bit here in Nashville with an upright player. It is a great sound. I tried to match the other bassist note for note, but even if it's not completely unison playing, the interlocking bass lines created a great propulsion and groove.
So if you don't want to pick up a Dano....maybe play with a pick in a higher register and palm mute to get the quick decay.
You could always sit out if it's uncomfortable for either of you, but it sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

[Kirkowitz]

Sorry, just read the OP again. My suggestions would not apply to the tunes with the arco (bowed) DB, but would apply to any tunes with pizz. (plucked) DB (upright)

[Axtman]

Why 2 basses? It's a church band. I was the 2nd to last to join. The double bassist likes me there because I relieve her of having to play every tune. She has some sort of tendinitis that flares up if she plays a lot.

I am very consistent about showing up, she and her husband (acoustic guitar/vocals) are not consistent about being able to make church services due to travel.

BTW, sometimes we have 2 acoustic guitars and 1 electric guitar. It drives me nuts when everyone is playing a different rhythm!

[squarewave]

Play harmonica.................................. Just kidding.

I think it pretty tricky to incorporate 2 bass into a small combo, even if one is a DB and one is electric. I say "take turns." Of course, I could be wrong.

[fusoid]

Not to oversimplify the problem, but its all good practice. Find out how not to step on each others toes personally as well as musically. Try to make it sound good, be polite and gracious. Make it about the music and remember why you are there.