I need tips on improving

dukeisdog · #1 07-31-2008, 10:40 PM

Basically, I have a problem.

I got invited to go to the University of Manitoba this summer (starting on the 17th of August), to go work with some jazz teachers. I'm obviously going to be working with some bassists. They have auditions to help them decide what group you're going to be in, based on skill, but I can't improv on upright, and that is part of the audition. I have to play a song that displays skill, and play an improv Bb blues bass line, but I've never had to improv before on my DB.

I can improv quite well on my 'regular' bass, but not at all on my DB. I don't know what it is, maybe it's just nerves, and thinking that I'll totally bomb it, but I need to fix it soon, because I don't want to get stuck in a group with kids that aren't as skilled as me because I can't do something good in the auditon.

I understand that all of this comes with practice; and I do practice, but I really need to nail the audition so I can be playing with other musicians that can help improve my skill. I need help just getting the feeling of the music, and some basic skills needed to put together a decent Bb blues line. Thanks.

Dogbertday · #2 07-31-2008, 10:47 PM

Just try to connect the chords smoothly. Your note choices on your electric should be the same as they would be on upright in a given situation.

If jazz improv is something you need to work on and is fairly underdeveloped in your playing (as it is in mine too) maybe being put in a more introduction to improv style group would be more beneficial to you then being thrown to the sharks right away. I only say this because improvising a Bb blues walking line is a hell of a lot easier than taking a chorus on a standard (what the more advanced classes will most likely be doing right out of the starting gates)

aside from that i'll give the generic advice... listen to the greats and learn their lines and then study why they work, not just how

dukeisdog · #3 07-31-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogbertday

Just try to connect the chords smoothly. Your note choices on your electric should be the same as they would be on upright in a given situation.

If jazz improv is something you need to work on and is fairly underdeveloped in your playing (as it is in mine too) maybe being put in a more introduction to improv style group would be more beneficial to you then being thrown to the sharks right away. I only say this because improvising a Bb blues walking line is a hell of a lot easier than taking a chorus on a standard (what the more advanced classes will most likely be doing right out of the starting gates)

aside from that i'll give the generic advice... listen to the greats and learn their lines and then study why they work, not just how

I like how you think.

My only problem with that, is that this isn't just for improv. There's going to be a concert at the end of the week, and I'm guessing there will be solos. I don't want to have to do a solo because I'm really not that good at them. Anyway, I just don't want to be stuck with an un-advanced band when my improv may not even be needed outside of the auditions, you know?

MingusAmongUs · #4 07-31-2008, 11:16 PM

Jazz = improvisation

They won't likely demand virtuosity from a student player but as a bassist, especially in jazz, improvising bass lines is part of your job. If you're ok with it on the slab, but not on DB, it sounds like you just aren't comfortable with the instrument yet. Give it time and lose the nervous baggage. Easier said than done, I know. Two weeks is not enough time for that. So, do what you can in the meantime. Listen to records. Play along with them. Work on your own or with other players through blues changes, rhythm changes, etc. Get comfy with the tunes and the fingerboard. Don't be afraid to hit a few clams now and then. Sometimes it's not about playing perfectly. We all make mistakes, how we handle them is what sets us apart. Relax, play your best. Good luck.

Eli_Upright12 · #5 07-31-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

Basically, I have a problem.
I can improv quite well on my 'regular' bass, but not at all on my DB.

Bad word choice

dukeisdog · #6 08-01-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eli_Upright12

Bad word choice

Hence my apostrophes.

hdiddy · #7 08-01-2008, 12:32 PM

IMO, just like a walking line, stick to the chords. Don't get fancy. If you can't think of anything just play chord tones... walk your solo even. There's absolutely nothing wrong with playing just chord tones. As a matter of fact, a decent soloist should be able to make a decent solo out of just chord tones. It'll get a little funky chunky after a while but it's a good target for a beginner. Hammering out the chords on a chart is more important as a bassist and can be part of the process of any particular solo.

Just think fundamentals.... nothing bur fundamentals at the start.

baloba · #8 08-07-2008, 06:37 AM

just explore your skills...

never give up...

practice makes better...

exposure makes perfect...

thanks bro...

sonix · #9 08-07-2008, 06:51 AM

why don't you try writing down your Bb improv? try to come up with an idea on the bass, write it down, and keep moving between paper and bass. try a couple choruses and it should help you in coming up with an original line in the future that probably will use elements of what you wrote.

jazz != improvisation
jazz == preparation + dedication + "improvisation"