Recent content by Plissken

How do I get started in becoming a solo bassist? What skills do I need? What do I need to learn to compose my own songs? I know these are broad questions but I really just want a general direction to move forward in. I play bass for enjoyment, and taught myself how to read music. I recently...

Try turning the volume up and playing lightly. I used to pluck hard with my volume down. Now I play lightly with my volume turned up and my plucking fingers dont' get tired anymore.

Make sure you have an envelope of bribe money. It'll come in handy if you're pulled over by Mexican police.

In my skmming of part 2 of the thread, I kept seeing a reference to a chord tones book. What's the exact title? Also, what specific trombone books would you recommend picking up as an alternative to studying something like the Bach Cello Suites?

Jeff or anyone else: Can you explain alternate tunings to me and why some people use them? I see this thing called drop tuning or drop D and I wonder why they would want to use alternate tunings. I don't say this in a condescending manner, I just don't understand the need to use alternate...

Jeff, Would you recommend bass players learning to read treble clef? If so, why? Also, how many times a year do you offer the 1 week intensive?

Yeah, I had the same question as the OP as I had no idea what changing a pickup would do but I had another question as well. It seems like when people change pickups they always talk about tone. Like, I want "this bands/players tone so I was thinking about this pickup." Frankly, I don't care...

Woah! STOP. Ya'll need to take a chill! And that's the double truth, ruth.

Mr. Berlin, I've read 20 pages of this so far and being a beginner, I've read some interesting stuff (some of which I don't understand) that I'm glad I've been exposed to. Thanks for coming on the boards and sharing your experience. I purchased Ed Friedland's book "Bass Method Complete...

I would recommend Reason as well. It is software. It's basically a virtual rack of synthesizers and you also get a drum machine and quite a few effects. It's really a great piece of software if you know how to use it.

Ahnyung, korean! Alright, man. What about the Fender Squire Fretless! It looks sweet and I really want that bass. Only $300 Invalid Link Removed

Never gig for free unless its for a charity or some good-cause.

Yeah, try to learn thumb anchoring. A great way to mute.

NickInMesa, I think I've heard you mention to turn the volume down or to point the amps away from you when you play...thank you. Although my hearing is fine, I have tinnitus and it is NOT FUN. Really, really, NOT FUN. I'm going to have loud ringing in my ears for the rest of my life and trust...

Have you purchased any instructional material on slap bass? Working on boring and redundant slap bass exercises will definitely help.