Forced into Upright. Help needed.

dyuaru · #1 12-02-2006, 03:44 PM

I just recently joined jazz band for my school, looking to be playing electric bass. At the first meeting I was told that I had to learn how to play upright bass and that electric bass would not be acceptable. So now I'm forced into learning upright bass. I've been wanting to learn it but not so soon and definitely not for a band. The size of it is really intimidating and as I dont have any experience with playing fretless, I'm probably not going to do so well early on.

I need some reccomendations on whats the best way to get used to playing upright bass in a jazz setting when my only background is electric bass playing. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

**Mark Wilson** · #2 12-02-2006, 03:47 PM

The best place you'll get help is in the DB fourm. But a good handfull of bassists here on BG can double on both.

The way I learned how to play upright was with a tuner. It was an electric upright, so I just plugged it in.

Practice Scales. Scales are the essence of learning intonation. There isn't a better way. And NEVER put it down. Just keep playing the thing. You don't need to be intimidated. Just show it who's boss.

winston · #3 12-02-2006, 04:03 PM

Hi dyuaru. Like Mark says you'll probably get a better response over on the "Double Bass" forum.

If you plan to start playing upright, take it slowly and find yourself a good teacher. It is very easy to hurt yourself if you don't have a good playing stance and a practical knowledge of body mechanics. Getting a good tone on upright involves using the large muscle groups of the back, shoulders, and arms, not just your fingers/hands. I find it helpful to practice in front of a full-length mirror

Warmup and cooldown exercises are helpful, and in the beginning it's a good idea to practice for no more than 15 minutes at a time, taking 5 minutes to rest before continuing--even if you feel fine. Be prepared for blisters until you develop gnarly calluses.

If you really don't feel like you want to play upright at this time (the word "forced" doesn't bring any positive connotations to mind) tell your teacher that there are some great electric bassists who play/ed jazz. Monk Montgomery, Bob Cranshaw, Anthony Jackson, Steve Swallow, Jaco Pastorius, Ralphe Armstrong, Will Lee come to mind. That said, most of these players played upright at one time and all of them thoroughly immersed themselves in the playing of the great upright masters and jazz history.

Minger · #4 12-02-2006, 04:10 PM

Yup, first few days are going to suck - your fingers need time to build callouses. And if you thought the BG strings were bad, you're in for a surprise.

That, and it just takes a little while to get used to whe re all of the notes are and the positions - you'll get it eventually.

dyuaru · #5 12-02-2006, 04:11 PM

Thanks for the help, Ill post in the double bass forum and see what tips I can get. Ill start playing some scales as soon as I can but one thing I have to point out is that its mainly either quit jazz band or play upright, so I cant really tell the jazz instructor that I want to play electric as its already set in stone that the band will only have upright. Anyways thanks for the help, and if anyone else has some tips, it would also be appreciated.

ryco · #6 12-02-2006, 05:34 PM

You, of course, realize you may just be the luckiest person in the world!

Find a good teacher and go for it! This is a BEAUTIFUL instrument! I gave up DB in the 8th grade about 100 years ago and have regretted that decision ever since. Too old to start now. At least give it a fair chance. A bitch to lug around though - I'd give you that.

Play both!! DB & BG

dyuaru · #7 12-02-2006, 05:46 PM

Thanks and yeah I've been wanting to get into upright but I've been getting into slap and funk bass so I'm going to have to transition from funk to jazz everyday as I practice. Anyway, I want to learn upright, just seems a bit challenging.

Also how is this bass for beginners? I've been looking around the boards for recommendations. I'll be going around to some stores soon but I was wondering if this bass is good for the price.
http://bassesonline.com/czechply.html

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #8 12-02-2006, 06:06 PM

One thing I always tell electric bass players who want to start with double bass is: LEARN TO PLAY WITH THE BOW. No matter if you're only interested on pizzicato playing. The BEST education for a DB player is the bow. Let's say you're playing a C major scale: The notes decay really fast on the DB and, unless you're using a really good tuner, it's difficult to determine if you have good intonation. On the other hand, if you play the same scale with a bow and a metronome, making each note to last at least eight beats at a really slow tempo, you're doing a big work on intonation, tone and endurance. Again, it's up to you if after getting good with the bow you only want to use it to scratch your back, but trust me, you've gained lots of valuable assets as a DB player.

bongomania · #9 12-02-2006, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

...if you play the same scale with a bow and a metronome, making each note to last at least eight beats at a really slow tempo, you're doing a big work on intonation, tone and endurance.

That sounds like excellent advice. I'm about to start learning DB myself, and it is intimidating, but I feel certain it will be worth it. I had not considered learning arco yet, but your point about intonation practice is spot on.

**Pacman** · #10 12-02-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

One thing I always tell electric bass players who want to start with double bass is: LEARN TO PLAY WITH THE BOW. No matter if you're only interested on pizzicato playing. The BEST education for a DB player is the bow.

Fantastic advise!

Get a teacher. Go slow. Don't think about electric technique on the upright - it just ain't gonna work. Enjoy the journey. Listen to great acoustic bassists. When you play swing, pluck HARD - it drives the band. Listen. Listen. Listen. Practice in front of a mirror. Get a teacher.

Did I mention you should get a teacher?

dyuaru · #11 12-02-2006, 06:30 PM

Haha yeah I got a lot of advice from the double bass forums and theyre telling me to get a teacher as well. Im going to work to find myself someone close wholl be able to teach me.

Also as for learning to play arco, I'll try my best to get into that too as it does sound like it'll help me alot.

Thanks.