Playing with the drummer

racket · #1 03-24-2010, 09:34 PM

Hello, I have some questions about playing with the drummer.
Some back ground on me...I used to be a good rhythm guitar player, but had my hands messed up where I couldn't hold chords anymore, stopped playing, and sold all my gear. When my hands healed up I ended up on bass. Because I can't stretch my fingers out on my fretting hand and have no feeling in my thumb, forefinger or middle finger on my picking hand, I have had to work on my technique, both fretting and finger style playing. I have sat in at blues jams and done ok. I consider myself a blues player. I have been told I have good timing, and feel. And I can play most any type of shuffles, 12/8's, dunta-dunta's, etc. So now that I can get around the fret board. I want to learn more about playing with the drummer. I know there is a lot more to laying down a solid groove with the drummer then just getting up there and thumping along to the beat. For as long as I've been playing bass I should probably know this but it's not in any books. And as a former guitar player I worry about over playing, not locking in with the drummer, and playing in the pocket. I always feel like I'm winging it when I sit in. So...could someone give me some general guide lines. Do I play only with the kick or the kick and Hi-Hat?, or?. Down beats when playing with the kick?. Stuff like that.

Thanks in advance...John

Cannabass · #2 03-24-2010, 10:12 PM

dunno man, just listen to the kind of music you're talking about and see what the bass player does

Codymb · #3 03-24-2010, 10:18 PM

Usually, locking in with the kick and snare will produce a tighter sounding rhythm section.
Usually that is. It depends on what kind of music you're playing, but following the kick and snare is a good rule of thumb most of the time.

Also, Blues is not a very flashy style of music, so it can be very easy to over play. If you find yourself getting bored with root notes and fifths, instead of getting "noodely" I recommend taking on a more percussive approach. Try some carefully placed left hand muting and subtle rhythmic changes.

JimmyM · #4 03-24-2010, 10:52 PM

every different song calls for a different approach. there are times when strictly following the bass drum will be appropriate, and there are times when totally ignoring the drums and stepping all over them will be appropriate as well. and everything in between. just keep good time and always think of how you can best serve the overall picture on a case by case basis.