Criticism

Ferniff · #1 02-01-2011, 03:59 PM

Not sure if this is the right sub forum, or if it's even aloud. I want to ask you guys a favor and review my bass covers on my youtube account. Earlier today some A-hole left a bunch of negative comments("You suck" "You fail" etc). I'm doing my best just to ignore it and honestly, I think he's just being a prick just to be a prick. I know I'm not Paul McCartney or John Entwistle but I'm not some slump banging away on the strings either. I've been taking classes for months now and practice as much as I can. I don't think I"m a good bass player, but I believe I'm on my way to being one if I keep working at it. So if you guys have the time, please let me know what you honestly think.

I've been told that I "rush" while playing, and I'm trying hard to work on that.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FerniFF?feature=mhum

Art Araya · #2 02-01-2011, 04:09 PM

Honest criticism is that you do rush at times and get off track from the song. But it's not all the time. You can probably listen back and pick out the spots yourself. Your feel of the music can get stronger too. There's hitting the notes on time and then there's nailing the feel of the song. As a beginner you may not even be able to tell the difference between the two. But as you play and listen more and study your own playing videos, you'll hear it better.

But you don't suck bro. That's not accurate at all! You have stuff to work on as do we all. Most of us could post videos of ourselves that could be picked apart.

You sound like you're on the journey to being a good player.

Keep up the work bro - you're on the way!

(You want to work on your right hand technique...)

hrodbert696 · #3 02-01-2011, 04:12 PM

Nice ric! I didn't go through all your videos and I didn't see the flaming that you mention. I should also say I'm no teacher or pro myself. But when I watched your videos -- yes, I could see and hear errors. You get off the beat sometimes. I'm also a little worried about your right hand position in some of the videos, it looks like you're going to damage your wrist sooner or later letting it hang at that position. But it looks like you do understand how to play and do a reasonably competent job, so I wouldn't listen to anyone going off flaming that you "suck" or anything. Keep at it!

plangentmusic · #4 02-01-2011, 04:16 PM

If you've only been playing a few months it's fine. I have no direct critique other than to keep playing -- and if you want to play with a pick, you MUST do downward and alternate picking. If you just pick with upstrokes you'll be very limited and your sound will be weak. Best of luck and enjoy.

Ferniff · #5 02-01-2011, 04:21 PM

I deleted the comments and blocked the user. I think a problem I might have is that I'll focus too much on the sound of my bass that I'll lose track of the song. I still need to get myself use to the fret distances so whenever I look away, I would miss and hit a fret, so I definitely need to work on that. I'm going to stop learning any new songs and focus more on my timing. How would you suggest I play the Rickenbacker, I'm finding it hard to find a comfortable spot for using the pick or my fingers. And thank you guys, I really appreciate it.

martyman5000 · #6 02-01-2011, 04:24 PM

I don't mind constructive criticism...you have to "ALLOW" yourself an open mind and take what you can from it...sometimes people are just A holes and other times they are just trying to help.

Ferniff · #7 02-01-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyman5000

I don't mind constructive criticism...you have to "ALLOW" yourself an open mind and take what you can from it...sometimes people are just A holes and other times they are just trying to help.

I'm open to critcism, but there's a difference between "You need to work on your timing" and "You suck at bass, just give up"

OldDog52 · #8 02-01-2011, 04:28 PM

My mom made me take guitar lessons when I was about 12 and I hated it. After about the 3rd lesson, the instructor said "You really don't want to be here or do this, do you?" He had a talk with my mom and that was my final lesson.

So a couple months ago I decided to try and learn bass. I know I will never be any good but I'm having fun trying and it's very rewarding. I will probably never have the stones to put up a video of me "playing" because I'm a coward! You on the other hand have the courage to share your bass-learning journey with us and you invite constructive criticism. For that I salute you.

I can't give you any advice (because I'm unqualified!) except to note that as you said, you may be rushing it a little. I have a tendency to do the same thing.

waleross · #9 02-01-2011, 04:46 PM

When you put yourself out there on the .net you have to be ready for this type of feedback. I don't know if you are in a band but getting into a band would help you a lot. Playing along with songs can be tricky at times. If you were in a band it might help and then when you recorded yourself you would sound better..................I got my first dose of criticism in the early groups I got in or auditioned for. Good luck ..............Oh by the way , nice bass...........................................

Plays_For_Dog · #10 02-01-2011, 04:49 PM

Ignore the d-bag. You're doing fine. Keep at it and keep it fun!

DeathFromBelow · #11 02-01-2011, 05:03 PM

Keep playing,ignore the haters! I hear the rushing issues,but I think thats pretty common with beginners. I have never played a Ric,but I play alot of pickstyle and i usually find playing quite close to the bridge is what works best,try it. And also, like stated in one of the posts above,alternate picking is absolutely something you should learn. Just stick with it man,you are well on your way!

JimiLL · #12 02-01-2011, 05:09 PM

This is why I cant stand youtube.....too many asswads will write anything they can as a comment

plangentmusic · #13 02-01-2011, 05:16 PM

Hey, I got 4 thumbs down on this remake of an old classic where I play all the parts. Is it THAT bad? Some people just love the chance to be DB's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acHCWIIiNfA

jazznfusion · #14 02-01-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

This is why I cant stand youtube.....too many asswads will write anything they can as a comment

Yeah, and theyre comments are always wrong..

DeathFromBelow · #15 02-01-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

Hey, I got 4 thumbs down on this remake of an old classic where I play all the parts. Is it THAT bad? Some people just love the chance to be DB's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acHCWIIiNfA

Mmm,female parts...

OldDog52 · #16 02-01-2011, 05:53 PM

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but any version of Telstar is by definition a good version.

You should add "Joe Meek" to the tags, might get more hits for you.

plangentmusic · #17 02-01-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDog52

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but any version of Telstar is by definition a good version.

You should add "Joe Meek" to the tags, might get more hits for you.

It really is a cool song, isn't it? (Though I've heard some versions that should never have been recorded!)

I'll add Joe's name. Good call. And Bellamy, the guitarist -- father of Matt Bellamy from Muse!