Becoming a better metal bassist

[ltaggy123]

So I have been playing some metalcore on my 4 string ibanez in drop C. But I have really been wanting to get into more 5 string drop B / drop A stuff and I am just never using that bass. However I have noticed that a lot of death metal / deathcore bands just don't release bass tabs. Anyone know some good heavy bands with nice 5 string bass lines that have tabs out there? Really want to improve my technique.

 

[Mushroo]

Three tips to becoming a better metal bassist:

1. Ear training! (So you don't need TAB.)

2. Learn to play all 12 keys without retuning.

3. Build your "musical vocabulary" of songs that you know. Learn songs not only by your favorite bands, but also by their musical influences that came before them. Try googling "top 100 metal songs of all time" and similar lists, then learn as many of those songs as you can (by ear).

Good luck!

 

[Whousedtoplay]

1. Ear training! (So you don't need TAB.)


Good luck!

From my personal experience-
Good luck trying to hear the bass in the Death Metal songs, compositions.

 

[ZenG]

Tritones.
Flatted 5ths.

 

[rufus.K]

the most logical way to be a better metal bassist is to not play metal.

 

[Lownote38]

From my personal experience-
Good luck trying to hear the bass in the Death Metal songs, compositions.

That was going to be my advice. Turn down and let the tuned down guitars completely drown you out.

 

[HauntedDave]

Seasoned pros have said it, and I'll say it too. Don't drown yourself in one style of music when it comes to practice. Expanding what you listen to will most certainly improve your skill in no matter what genre you actually play.

 

[electracoyote]

I know it goes without saying, but you must first be sure you are playing the Best Bass for Metal.

Are you?

 

[Hypocrite]

Guy asks a serious question and everyone rips on him because he plays metal. There's the TalkBass we all know and love.

 

[TuneSalad666]

Have fun!

 

[Fishyfishfish]

 

[Loring]

From my personal experience-
Good luck trying to hear the bass in the Death Metal songs, compositions.

Usually twins the guitar...