Another noobie coming over from guitar

[dilznik]

Hi!
I've been playing guitar for about 30 years and on and off I've attempted a little bass. I had an Ibanez SDGR that I just wasn't feeling so I finally traded it in for a MIM Fender Jazz Bass. Way better. Now I'm actually motivated to try!
My goal is to play for a friend's all original band, maybe 60-70% regular bass and the rest keyboard bass.
If I had to pick one bass idol, I would go with Pete Turner of Elbow.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Welcome and good luck.

 

[skwee]

Yes, welcome! Remember these two fundamental guidelines:

1) the role of bass is different from guitar--that's why it's generally considered Rhythm Section.
2) play with the kick!

 

[dilznik]

Yeah, the biggest issue currently is not trying to fill up every bar with a bunch of notes.

 

[Chad Michael]

Truly great bass playing involves a unique combination of discipline and restraint...

99% of guitar players don't get that, so …. I wish you luck, that 1% might be you <c:

 

[dilznik]

Ha ha nice. I have found that when I'm feeling like trying to go all guitarist on the thing, I just play 12 bar blues over and over and over until I get bored, and then I keep going through that and then it's like a light bulb goes on and I find myself wishing there was a drummer and a guitarist in the room.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Grab a 12 bar and hang on --- was what the old guys told me when I started jamming my rhythm guitar, it's still works if you are looking for the progression as the ole 12 bar blues is mostly I's and IV's.

However we need to stay away from scale notes right at first and play notes of the active chord.

Playing melodically, which most guitarists want to do is best left for a year or so of pounding roots, fives and the eight notes and falling into a groove with the drummer's kick drum.

No kick drum in the band, that's why they need you to set the rhythm... Think chord tones, i.e., the 1-5-8 notes of the chord's scale will be safe. I've found that R-5-8-5 will fit and play a lot of bass, plus get you asked back.

We are in the rhythm section and our job is to provide a steady rhythm and fall into a groove.

Good luck.