Playing the blues with feeling..

[nickonbass]

Similar to what other people have said - really listen to the other players and play to compliment them and to lock in your groove and feel with theirs (especially the drummer). eg play with the bass drum for a bit, move away from it, go back to it. Have rhythmic conversations with the bass drum and so on.

Also - do you go out and watch blues? Do you listen to the blues?

For me, if I put on Texas Flood (stevie ray vaughan) then I have an experience with music that is very powerful - I can't describe it. Same with so much of Stevie's playing. Guitar wise and vocally. I really pay attention to it and have for so many years.

I think that type of listening and hearing and feeling has spilled over into my playing. I try and feel that when I'm playing, I try and groove like that when I'm playing, I try and sing from my soul when I'm playing - I just really go out for feeling.

I am the singer in my band - if you listen to me vocally on a cd, I am sure you'd say I'm not a singer. I'm not. If you came to a gig - you'd feel it. I'll swap feel for musical perfection any day.

It's about the vibe man!

[nickonbass]

ps - I'm not sad/don't have to be sad or blue or down and to put myself in that space. For me it's about loving the music.

Play it from your heart.

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by nickonbass

Also - do you go out and watch blues? Do you listen to the blues?

I'm fairly new to playing bass (about 2 years), but have been a keen blues fan for the last 30 years. I'll just have to absorb all the good advice given, and be patient I guess

Originally Posted by nickonbass

ps - I'm not sad/don't have to be sad or blue or down and to put myself in that space. For me it's about loving the music.

+1


Thanks nickonbass, and to all who replied. I'm going to sent the link of this thread to the other band members.

[jonster]

Hey, Stumbo! Thanks, once again for your "seal of approval" on my Blues Bass book. Take care, brother!

Copy other people's licks

[Lou Red]

Originally Posted by emor

One-Eyed Willie Johnson?

Willie 'One-Eye' Johnson

[zenrad]

Blind Kiwi Clinton?

[Jim Nazium]

Originally Posted by Oraflora

The key, in my opinion, is this:

Timing.

I agree completely. Listen to some great recordings and pay attention to exactly how long the notes are. Hear where they end, as well as where they start.

[Jim Nazium]

Chester "Carpal Tunnel" Carter.