Playing and singing

grassjunkie · #1 03-01-2006, 03:04 AM

I am new here, this is such a cool website.

I have a huge problem with playing and singing, I tend to let the bass follow my voice too much. Any practice techniques to correct this?

Lazylion · #2 03-01-2006, 10:51 AM

I can tell you what works for me: get the bass part together first, then the vocals. I think it's hardest to do both at once from scratch. I sing a lot of harmonies, and even after 35 years, I still have to play first, then sing.

One piece of advice: don't give up. I've heard many many times how hard it is to find a singing bass player. Be one!

jive1 · #3 03-01-2006, 11:00 AM

This question has been asked often, so here's a helpful link.

Bassist's Guide to Singing

**MAJOR METAL** · #4 03-01-2006, 12:15 PM

Practice is the key !

Peter Squire · #5 03-01-2006, 03:49 PM

Yup - practice. I find that when I'm trying to get vocals and bass down, I practice both together, exactly like I will be playing it. I find if I work on it together, the vocal line becomes part of the natural instinct to play.

WalterBush · #6 03-01-2006, 04:08 PM

I find that if I can clearly imagine both the singing and bass part in my mind, and not focus on one or the other, I can play and sing the part. This allows me to practice somewhat inside my own head. Sounds wierd, I know, but it works for me. Other than that, practice, practice, practice. First one part, then the other. As has been said before, if you try playing both parts from scratch, you're probably hosed. Master one part, and then move to the other.

grassjunkie · #7 03-02-2006, 01:01 AM

Thanks I needed the encouragement. I play bluegrass, I don't have a drummer to lead me. If I'm off we all fall on our faces.

grassjunkie · #8 03-02-2006, 01:02 AM

Thanks I needed the encouragement. I play bluegrass, I don't have a drummer to fall back on. If I'm off, we all "hosed"

The Golden Boy · #9 03-02-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jive1

This question has been asked often, so here's a helpful link.

Bassist's Guide to Singing

Are you going to listen to this Jive!?

JansenW · #10 03-02-2006, 06:00 PM

Practice with a singer.

Crazyeelboy · #11 03-09-2006, 09:21 AM

Everybody has trouble with this. I read a Geddy Lee interview last year and his approach is to take it real, real slow at first to coordinate the playing and singing in slow motion and then speed up as he gets more comfortable.

CrazyArcher · #12 03-09-2006, 12:28 PM

Yeah, doing 2 things together is tricky!
Well, I've never been into it seriously, but I plan to do some backing vocals with my band, so I'e made several attempts.
Indeed, first of all you should know your line inside out. Then add vocals. They will sound weird at the beginning, since everyone's voice tends to follow the bassline. Well, as it has been said, practice is the key. The more you train, the more independence your voice gains. Good luck!

Philbiker · #13 03-09-2006, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grassjunkie

I am new here, this is such a cool website.

I have a huge problem with playing and singing, I tend to let the bass follow my voice too much. Any practice techniques to correct this?

repetition. The best practice technique for me was to be lead singer in my high school band.

My developmental heroes were Paul McCartney, JJ Burnel, John Entwistle, Sting, and Graham Maby so singing (lead or backing) and playing was just part of playing.

The best thing to start with is simplifying the bass line to the most basic elements while you're singing. You can do fancy stuff when you're silent.

Rusty Chainsaw · #14 03-09-2006, 07:51 PM

The easiest way I've found is to get a cheap 4-track or other such recording device, record the bass part (in time, preferably with drums), then record another track with just the vocals. Then play along to the recording, and listen to the vocals and exactly how they fit with the rhythm of the tune and the bass part. Once you've done this, then start singing along. Worked for me... doing it this way kinda allows you to isolate what you need to do and hear it in context before you actually have to do it live.

The only thing I have problems with, when it comes to playing and singing at the same time, is that I find having a 9lb bass hanging around my neck and pushing into my stomach impedes my ability to breathe properly, so I find I have a more limited vocal range while playing. Anyone got any tips for this?