Noobie Question Regarding Location of Notes on Neck

[Ed Fuqua]

It's not just hearing if you're in tune or not in tune, it's about having an expectation of pitch. What is that next note supposed to sound like if it's a whole step away? A minor third away? It's gotta be in your ear before you play it or you'll never play in tune.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

It's not just hearing if you're in tune or not in tune, it's about having an expectation of pitch. What is that next note supposed to sound like if it's a whole step away? A minor third away? It's gotta be in your ear before you play it or you'll never play in tune.

+1. Indeed. I guess I consider this part of the equation.

[Clarkybass]

With respect guys, your ears-only approach could frighten off some newbies (not all, obviously). Were it not for the 'cheating' dots-on-side-of-neck (which lets face it are used by a gazillion electric bassists) or lines on a fretless (championed by Marc Egan, no slouch: "Intonation is so important on a fretless bass, because it's up to you. You really need to have inlaid markers on the neck in order to visually be in the vicinity of the pitch") plenty of players would probably never have had the guts to get up on stage. I for one would probably not have gigged double bass for the first time at 47, having played electric bass for 20-odd years without the safety net of some side dot markers.

What you say is of course technically correct but for some - me being a prime example - visual references give the confidence to play in front of people - and that after all is what its all about, surely? Developing the full range of skills (including proper ear training) can follow as its a life-time of learning!

[Marc Piane]

There is certainly no shame in markers. Part of teaching to me is not being overly dogmatic and doing what works best for the student. That said it is also important to have convictions behind the methods you are teaching. I have my reasons for being tough about the ear only thing.

[Ed Fuqua]

Generally with anything that's a "do it now or do it later" I always recommend do it now. Personally, I "did it later" and the amount of work I had to do to unlearn ingrained bad habits of approach and technique was far greater than I would have had to put in learning it correctly in the first place.
And I would say, no, "playing in front of people" is NOT what it's all about. Playing with meaning and intent, actually making music and not just "going through the motions" is what it's all about. Being on the stand and actually being able to communicate in a meaningful way with the other musicians you're playing with AND the folks in the audience, I'm not a big fan of "fake it till you make it"...

[swervy jervy]

Nice post, Ed.

[chicagodoubler]

Easy there, Clarky. Some of us "traditionalists" like the Ramones, too. The principle bassist of Cincinnati apparently plays drums in a metal band, and if I recall correctly, is into Suicidal Tendencies, VanHalen, and Brahms.

It's a given here that if someone asks for advice on double bass technique or pedagogy, they're going to get responses from established players with very inside-the-box perspectives.

Also, remember this is the jazz forum. Competence is seen around these parts as a *prerequisite,* especially among the bulk of us who work professionally in the field.

[Clarkybass]

Apologies, I did not mean to muddy the waters. My post is now deleted.

[chicagodoubler]

Clarky,

Your opinion is perfectly valid but if you've spent any amount of time around here, you know we curmudgeons like our approach nice and traditional, and see it as gospel truth. Part of this has to do with the fact that without proper guidance from the tradition, many bassists have seriously hurt themselves.

Your comment on punk rock did make me smile, because some of the most amazing young orchestral and jazz bassists I know grew up listening to heavy music!!!

[Les Fret]

Originally Posted by Marc Piane

There is certainly no shame in markers.

Edgar Meyer has fretboard markers on his bass for the high positions.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Originally Posted by Les Fret

Edgar Meyer has fretboard markers on his bass for the high positions.

Fretboard? Take it back!

[chicagodoubler]

If you want to discuss fretboard markers, I believe there is a dead horse asking to be beaten on the Orchestral side...

And yes, Edgar Meyer's Gabrielli has boxwood markers mounted all over it, I believe as low as C on the G string. If it's good enough for Edgar, it's good enough for me (when I'm playing Bach.)

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Generally with anything that's a "do it now or do it later" I always recommend do it now. Personally, I "did it later" and the amount of work I had to do to unlearn ingrained bad habits of approach and technique was far greater than I would have had to put in learning it correctly in the first place.

Same and I regret it. I'm sure that has shaped my teaching.

[Marc Piane]

Originally Posted by Marc Piane

This is NOT a statement about markers in general. Just for students that are learning the bass. That said I've had students say things to me like "I'm right on the tape, why doesn't it sound right?"

Dammit. I hate quoting myself.


BTW I love Tool. I cleaned my house to King Crimson yesterday and Ride the Lightning is in the CD player in my car.

[Clarkybass]

There's always this:

http://www.gbase.com/gear/rickenback...ight-d-1935-b#

[Matt Ides]

Originally Posted by Marc Piane

Ride the Lightning is in the CD player in my car.

Cliff plays some mean bass on "The Call of Ktulu", for sure. Don't forget a melody bass line on for Whom the Bell Tolls.