Bass Solo (Criticism Please)

Do what feels best for you. Seems like a great piece. i dont think the angle should matter as long as you keep training yourself to play that way, I mean, sombody started to two-hand tap on the neck some time ago and now its done world-wide, AND at some crazy angle that cause you sometimes to say "how does he play that at that angle". No two bassist do it the same. What kind of bass was that? Looks like a Peavy. That does'nt sound like a easy piece to learn so, all mistakes aside, keep working at it until it's perfected.

 

well, you can play at whatever angle you want, but with the way you were playing, you look like you're on way to having carpel tunnel syndrome. you'll want to keep your elbow perpindicular to your bass. not straight up and down, of course, but try not to rest your wrist on the bass, only bad habits will come from that. try practicing standing up. try to keep your back straight when playing, too. i noticed you kept your eyes on the fretboard the whole time. this isn't bad when your first start out, but try to not look at the fretboard when playing. it'll help you get a feel for the neck. other than that, goob job! keep it up.

 

The end of that resembles the part in Fantasia when the brooms come to life.

 

I got a couple of things to say on technique...(actually 3)

1. You gotta learn the rules before you can break them. Learn the 'proper' technique, and if it doesnt work for you then you can develop your own thing.

2. I found that (with many, many years of experience) the less movement you have to do to execute a note, the better. I'm not saying you should wimp out on the note (on the contrary!), but certain hand/arm positions can minimize movement.

3. Timing is the MOST (repeat MOST) important thing as a bass player. Practice with your metronome every day until it is a no-brainer. Tip: Get a metronome that has a 'mute' and set it to a beat. Tap your foot (or hit a snare drum, play a bass note, etc) to the beat, then 'mute' the metronome for a measure or two and continue to tap/hit/play. Turn it back on and see if you're there with it. You can do the same thing with a radio and a volume knob or mute function.

I really liked your solo ideas though, you definitely sound like there's a classical influence coming from somewhere. You have the potential to do some really cool solo bass stuff.