When performing covers, who tries to learn the song note for note?

[mettec]

I was curious on how many players try to learn the exact basslines when performing cover material? I usually look at videos of the original artist to see where their hand position is so I have a good idea what notes and where on the neck they are playing. I also go see lots of concerts so I can see how a certain bassist plays.

[WillPlay4Food]

I try to learn the song as recorded. But, unless everyone else learns the song as recorded there's no way you can play it note for note as you might not lock in with the drummer, for example. Most people I play with also don't want to play a song note for note either.

[T-MOST]

I learn covers as close to the original as possible. For most covers thats 95- 100 %.way back when I first started playing back in the late 70's block parties were big in NYC. Every other block had a band. So if your band sounded like the record your band was considered to be very good. That style of learning proved to be very valuable ear training. It allows me to pick up totally new material very quickly. Even difficult pieces become a little easier because I can "hear" (deceifer) whats going on and then figure out how to play it. I will still inject my own style into the mix but not to the point where it changes the feel, vibe or basic groove of the song. Most situations I'm involved in now require the same thing from "all" of the musicians. Sometimes there might be a different arrangement or occassional "remix" but most of the time the "music" is dead on. I am usually put off (as many people are) when I hear a cover but it barely sounds like the original. people tend to think the bad isn't very good. maybe thats true... maybe it isn't. My thing is if you want to play covers then you have to make the song VERY recognizable. If you want to be creative... play your own stuff.

I play covers as close to the original as possible, without losing my own style/feel.


George

[mrwink]

I learn note-for-note for two reasons- - either the band specifically requests it, or if the song requires it... like under the bridge - sounds odd to just play the progression without the syncopated hits and stuff.

Otherwise I just play the song and add or hide depending on the instrumentation.

[seansbrew]

It really depends on the tune. If it is a song that, stylistically, is not at all the way I play, I my use my own style to play the tune. I at least make sure that the main parts of the song are exact so that it is recognizable.

I don't try looking at videos or life performances; I rely on my ear. I have an incredible ear and can transcribe most basslines to their exactness.

Sometimes if a bassline may be pretty close to the way I think, I will learn it verbatim

So in short, yes and no.

[NJL]

i'm either too lazy or too busy to learn note for note

[KeithPas]

I do learn some cover tunes note for note, usually the songs with more comlex changes. Also for tunes that are so recognizable that people would not appreciate another version of the tune. There are other tunes that have been covered by so many different people so many different ways that I don;t care to nail it exactly like the record. I do try to keep my groove consistant with the recorded part though.

[jimbob]

I prefer to pay tribute to cover songs then reinvent the wheel. If I see a cover band, I want it to sound like the original recording...that's just me. I do for-hire work for bands now so if I have enough notice, I'll try and nail the original recording. If the group I'm working with hands me a live recording of themselves, I'll try and make the band I'm working for comfortable by learning their versions.

[SteveC]

I start by learning the recorder version as close as I can. I don't shy away from adding my own flavor. I try to keep "signature licks" in there.

[Phalex]

Try to learn it note for note?? Yes

Play it note for note?? Not so much

[Vandelay]

I try to learn note-for-note first, then I start changing it to fit the groove that my band gives it. (If I may be so bold as to vote-spam, see the link in my sig for a good example).

I mostly just use my ears, and I think I have a pretty decent ear for picking things up. But if it's a challenging bass line, I'll also look for transcriptions, YouTube performances, whatever I can find to help.

[JimmyM]

Depends on the song for me. Signature and unison parts always get learned note for note. Non-sig parts get learned and "interpreted," which I define as "forgetting what I learned."

[Basshole]

I learn all the lines as recorded. What I play is an amalgam of that, and my own style.

[Fender32]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Depends on the song for me. Signature and unison parts always get learned note for note. Non-sig parts get learned and "interpreted," which I define as "forgetting what I learned."

Made I larf, that did!

[cowsgomoo]

Originally Posted by mettec

I was curious on how many players try to learn the exact basslines when performing cover material?

no... in any bass line there are the bits that need to be exact, and then the bits that are just there to fill up the background whilst people listen to what else is going on... the bits that need to be exact are always self evident

there are ocassionally times when the rest of the band plays something in a way that means your 'exactly like the record' line doesn't sit well... so I'll adapt to the circumstances in order to tighten things up

we really try to make our versions tighter, more dynamic & exciting than the originals, while still keeping the essence of the original recording... we call them 'bionic versions'

[SevenReasons]

I think the best approach is to learn the tunes verbatim and then try to use licks and fills that may not be like the record, but that are still within the players original style. Its also a good idea to try and match the tones and articulation from the record as well. It may not be the tone you will use in your everyday playing, but it will be come important in studio situations. Its a great way to become a more flexible player and it will improve your vocabulary in that particular style. Eventually you will piece together little bits from each player and that will become your style and sound. Becareful not to become a clone of another player along the way, and have fun transcribing!!!!!!!!!

[sobie18]

learn 'em and play 'em note for note.

As was stated previously, those "signature licks" need to be there. Vocal, guitar, and drum cues are sometimes built around these. Same goes for the "other" fills (guitars/drums, etc.).

[905]

That depends.
Take for example a sustained note; I will sometimes pluck it 10000 times instead of letting it ring, other times that sounds... not so great.

Unison parts and riffs need to be there, I think. Like... I'm learning Chameleon by Herbie Hancock in band practice now, and I couldn't just switch out the licks.

When I'm playing the Real Me by the Who, though, it's another situation because that part is crazy - plus, that song's signature is the high register bass playing, not the chorus (for example).

[Andysalt01]

Depends what means more to me- if i like the song, i try note for note with my own bits of expression etc on it.

If i dont like the song that much or it's not a favourite, then i have to build in the "how much do i want to piss of or scare my guitarist" factor!...then take it from there!