Double Bass Am I going to be in over my head?

[Stereo Joe]

Just need advice on a funny/potentially awkward situation.

I have a drummer friend and we usually refer each other for gigs and recording sessions when appropriate. Well, my drummer friend referred me to do a recording session on double bass this weekend.

Only problem is that I only picked up the double bass 2 months ago!

Now, the session is not fast swing, or anything very difficult. It's one tune, a 2 hour session with a folksy, singer/songwriter dude, so voice, flute, guitar, and bass.

I'm just trying to decide if I should take the chance and do the session, or if I will be setting myself up for embarrassment and possibly hurt my reputation.

Here's where I stand:

I have been working hard for the last 2 months on the DB, and I feel that some of my electric bass skills have already transferred - like time, and feel. I'm getting a good piz tone (at least I think), and my intonation is pretty good in the lower positions. I've had some lessons from my teacher and have been working through some of Simandl's 30 studies book, so I feel semi-confident playing up to the octave (no thumb position yet).

That's on the plus side. On the negative, my hand strength just isn't up there yet. I can probably play for 30min solid at the most. After that, I cramp up and can't play. When I'm practicing, I usually stop every 10min to shake out my left hand. Also, I still have to look at my left hand a little bit to help play in tune, so if I have to read a chart on this session, that might prove difficult. I can play with a bit of speed, but not for a sustained length of time, so if the tune has a lot of 8th notes or a quick tempo throughout, I will struggle.

On the up side again, this guy is planning more recordings in the near future, so if I can cut this, I'll get more work.

On the down side, he wants to do the session on Friday or Saturday, and I have a long club gig afterward each night. If I kill my hand in a recording session on DB, my evening gigs will NOT be fun...

Well, that pretty much describes my situation. I'm looking for advice, encouragement, discouragement, or anything helpful!! What would you do in this situation (and if you had only been playing DB for 2 months)??

Thanks in advance, TB!!

 

[Sam Sherry]

Go for it.

You won't be playing for more than seven minutes at a time in the studio.

The demands of singer-songwriter music -- taste, tone, time -- are probably within your grasp.

You'll be sad if you bail.

You can give your family a copy for Christmas and they'll smile.

= = =

Report back, eh?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

You might as well go for it, but if you can get a sub on hold for the evening gig, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

 

[Marc Piane]

You'll be fine. I've done a number of singer songwriter sessions and you'll probably play for about 20 min of the 2 hour session if that.

Just remember you are not playing the EB. Make your lines work for what you can do on DB. Strong yet simple statements are always effective.

 

[Gufenov]

After two months of practice and playing, you shoudn't still be cramping up after only 30 minutes - unless you're using aircraft cable for strings! Make sure you're well hydrated (WATER) and consider a potassium supplement for cramps. I like Magnesium too, for muscle soreness.

 

[Marc Piane]

+1 on water.

Try to get your nutrients from food first. Bananas are are really good source of potassium. Supplements are fine but not a readily absorbed by your body and hard on your kidneys (not the mention the cost).

 

[Don Higdon]

I've done a number of singer songwriter sessions and you'll probably play for about 20 min of the 2 hour session if that.

Or less.
Even when there's a mistake, nowadays a patch is ridiculously simple and easy to do.
There will be so many starts and stops, you'll wonder if you're ever going to really play.

 

[Jason Sypher]

Do the recording. The experience will be good for you. Work out on the bass throughout the next couple of days, practicing scales and arpeggios until you hand tires, leave the bass and rest your hands. Stretch inbetween practicing. Return to the bass in a few hours and do the same thing. Be very aware ofwhat you're feeling but try to gently extend your comfort zone. Be efficient, just do your excercises don't noodle around. If you can find out what kind of vibe and even the key that can really help you get in the right head space. All in all it's a great test of your abilities to listen, focus and respond. Don't be afraid to ask a few questions. And most of all relax and trust yourself. I had a similar experience years back but my singer/songwriter was Tom Waits, yikes!

 

[Don Higdon]

Another thing:
The bass parts in most recordings by most of the world's best singers are really quite simple. It's not as if you're trying to keep up with Bill Evans.

 

[damonsmith]

Also make sure to pull with your shoulders and upper body for both the left and right hands.
Odds are you are holding the string down with the left hand which is why you are cramping.

 

[MR PC]

Careful. He's only been playing for two months. Posture and playing technique might best be evaluated in person by a qualified teacher. What you are describing sounds like a path for eventual neck, shoulder, lower back and hip, knee, ect, problems at the very least, to me. That's all I'll be able to say.

 

[MR PC]

Just need advice on a funny/potentially awkward situation.

Joe, checked out your webpage. Very nice. Pro. It seems that you should be more than qualified to cut the session. Lots of good advice here. I'd just like to add once more that even one informal lesson with a good teacher, will help things to go better in the long run.

I doubt that there is a DB player anywhere who hasn't had to struggle with some kind of playing related pain. It's different for everyone. Learning to work through and free of structural limitations always brings DB music playing to a new plateau in my experience. It's a creative activity in itself. Sometimes it's as much cerebral as physical.

Good luck!

 

[Stereo Joe]

Hey guys, thanks for the words of encouragement and all the helpful suggestions!!

As an update, I didn't end up doing the session. The timing didn't work out great, and I just wasn't feeling it. I'm new to the DB, but not to bass playing, and I didn't want to end up doing something I wouldn't be completely proud of. I was also able to pass the gig on to a friend of mine who is an excellent double bass player. I'm sure I'll get some reciprocation from him in the future anyway.

In terms of my 'cramping' issue, it is something I need to discuss with my teacher. For those who were concerned - no worries, I'm taking lessons with one of the top DB players in the city, so I'm sure he'll set me straight. He's a super busy cat though, so it's been a few weeks since our last (and my first on DB) lesson.

I will try some of the suggestions listed - thanks for the tips!

MR PC - thanks! I just made that website with my very basic Dreamweaver abilities. I'm in the process of having a web designer come up with something much nicer. It still feels a little too 'high school computer class project' to me...

 

[william3]

Carryon. Get a good experience.