Headbanging

[ClaytonMUSE]

I almost put this in the technique section as a joke.
How do you do it? The bass player in my favorite band, Chris Wolstenholme, headbangs a hell of a lot, I tried doing it (In my room when my parents were out ) And I can't do it at all! I tried it with Time Is Running Out by Muse, because I know that song in and out and I can play it perfectly each time so I thought it'd be easier to do without losing my rhythm, but my head tries following what my fingers are doing, it's really hard haha. Is it just a case of practicing and feeling like a fool?

[uethanian]

1) look down
2) look up
3) ???????
4)profit

[LiamPodmore]

Hm.... To me it just comes naturally? You gotta get your head to move with the beat, not your playing, it seems hard at first but once you get it for one song you'll be set for life, remember to beware of tables and cabs though... Ouch

[Klopp18]

it just comes to me when im jammin with my band. otherwise i cant do it.

[SMILEYSIXX]

It's a natural movement. Either you do it or you don't. I personally have to headbang when playing... which gets a little awkward in jazz band... but people keep tempo in different ways... maybe you're not a headbanger. Just find the beat and move your head up and down.

[Jones_Stuff]

It's just like tapping your foot, but with your head...

Might have a few problems trying to sight read while doing it though.

[Musiclogic]

Just like trying to teach funk(another thread) it's something inheirently natural, not something you learn. Give it time, it will develop as long as you feel the vibe of what you play.

[fractiouslowend]

if you got long hair, especially if it's dreadlocked, all you have to do is one windmill, then let the momentum carry you!

i wish i hadn't cut them off now

[Nic.]

Somehow I just end up doing (and overdoing) it unless I consciously control my head.

Anyway, I think headbanging comes naturally, but good headbanging needs practice. Just saw a band recently where all the guitarists and bassist huddled together and headbanged together.... all at different speeds. Really needed work.

[MrGotBass]

Practice like Cliff Burton and headbang in half-time

[tycobb73]

As much as I like muse they don't lend themselves to this. Look to the big 4 of thash, machine head will work too.

[Yerf Dog]

I believe you need about a dozen brutal looking candles.

[RestInPieces]

That reminded me of a story. A few years back when I was still in high school, I was sitting in front of my classroom with my buddies talking sh1t and one of my friends (who is a huge death metal fan) starts headbanging like a maniac for some reason, maybe for attention, and the guy next to me raises his foot a bit and BAM. Foot and head collision.
Haven't seen that guy headbanging in public after that day.




(no death metal fans were harmed in this story: really, he was ok )