Recent content by Finaks

What I do when that happens is just to make a small hole in to the edge of the blister, drain it and then let it dry (takes about one day). Kind of forms a hard layer of dead skin which withstands playing quite well.

I ain't no bluegrass guy, but I got serious chills from this clip! This is real music. Thank you.

I think this works just fine!

But then you have to remember that the rotation of the stick doesn't really matter - the actual direction of the movement matters. For example in some school there's a tradition of tilting the stick in order to be at the correct place to start the next bow. When you tilt the stick you can still...

If you are the only bass player, watch what the other strings and concertmaster is doing. With section follow your leader. It comes down to taste and emphasis of the bars - is it ONE-two-three ONE-two-three or do you count ONE-two-three one-two-three.

I had the exact same tought!! How fascinating the world is when you're 8 years old....

I don't really get this sort of complaining. You don't have to play in a cover band if you don't like to play "stupid and boring" rock songs. Anyway I guess I just love playing. I play everything from jazz to blues and I think if you focus on all the music with the same commitment it's going to...

When playing fast passages, try to imagine that the "string" you're playing on is actually situated in between the strings. Then just dip the weight of the bow according to the passage between for example D and G strings. Metronome is always a solid practice companion. I find that it is most...

Do yourself a favor and play Jamerson's What's Going On. That groove - if you do it well I guarantee the director will be pleased.

Yup, I agree that improvising with a group that is listening to you is the best experience. It will often give the solo a more structured feel, and it's great when you find that certain "click" with another player.

I have played quite many solos (yes also bad ones). I think there are couple of things that contribute to bass solos being considered "dull" or just plain bad musicianship. 1. The rest of the band doesn't know how to accompany a bass solo. This is a reminescent from the olden days when there...

Everything by Jamerson.

This. No magic. Don't overthink it. Remember it's all about tension and release with keys. You have a "tonal center" and a distance from it. The tonal center can chance every once in a while. There are also smaller and bigger tension and release cycles in a song. Say a simple tension and release...

Your arco is going to sound like poopie for the first half a year or so. At least. Accept it, and be glad that you can hear the difference between a poopy note and a good one. Now, get some lessons. Once a month maybe, you would really benefit from someone showing things and correcting your...

I would suggest improvising with the bow. Noodle and Play whatever you fancy: that will make thumb position feel more like "home" to you than what it maybe is at the moment. Playing scales is always good. Play melodies to jazz standards: first from the regular position, then an octave up in the...