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Dream Theater
- Thread starter Pettson
- Start date
Having been a bassplayer for one year and thinking about DT songs is not the best idea (IMO). As far as I know, DT basslines are complicated or even more complicated 
Why not start with songs you can easily learn in a few days/weeks? More fun than struggling with a DT bassline that might be beyond your current level of playing.
However, if you really think it's gotta be DT, go for the less complicated ones. "Pull me under" could be worth a try, "Another Day" doesn't sound too hard.
Best thing (IMO) is to find a qualified teacher to guide you for a while. Maybe have the teacher choose some DT parts and show 'em to you.
btw. you don't wanna start with "Metropolis" if you've played for one year.
Why not start with songs you can easily learn in a few days/weeks? More fun than struggling with a DT bassline that might be beyond your current level of playing.
However, if you really think it's gotta be DT, go for the less complicated ones. "Pull me under" could be worth a try, "Another Day" doesn't sound too hard.
Best thing (IMO) is to find a qualified teacher to guide you for a while. Maybe have the teacher choose some DT parts and show 'em to you.
btw. you don't wanna start with "Metropolis" if you've played for one year.
6:00 was the first DT piece I learned. Unfortunately, you may need to make a few minor edits during the section filled with higher notes, but the main riff and much of the rest of the song is really fun to play on bass, and will give you good practice in playing on all parts of the beat.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I practiced DT quite a bit when I started out, (10+ years ago) I was able to learn quite a variety of things from their songs.
Most of their later work requires a low-B, and a high-C on a six-string. But there are some that can be played on a four-string.
Most of the songs on Images and Words can be played on a four string (except for Take the Time). A lot of the material is fast, it will help you develop speed, but I wasn't able to play it smoothly from the start. I started out slow and gradually built speed. I still can't play the first pre-chorus in Pull Me Under evenly at speed, but I'm still working toward it.
Erotomania and Voices off of Awake can be played on a 4-string. I played Erotomania quite a bit when I started out, I found that the beginning chromatic riff is good for one-finger-per-fret, and getting your left hand finger independence.
Ytsejam off of When Dream and Day Unite has a lot of position shifts, (also four-string). You can also hear the bass line most of the time.
Most of the songs on Train of Thought are in C. Myung has his six-string tuned to CEADGC. I've also tried my four-string tuned to CGDG. I'm finding that it's a little easier on your muscles with the detuning, and I have to pluck closer to the bridge to get a clear sound.
Most of their later work requires a low-B, and a high-C on a six-string. But there are some that can be played on a four-string.
Most of the songs on Images and Words can be played on a four string (except for Take the Time). A lot of the material is fast, it will help you develop speed, but I wasn't able to play it smoothly from the start. I started out slow and gradually built speed. I still can't play the first pre-chorus in Pull Me Under evenly at speed, but I'm still working toward it.
Erotomania and Voices off of Awake can be played on a 4-string. I played Erotomania quite a bit when I started out, I found that the beginning chromatic riff is good for one-finger-per-fret, and getting your left hand finger independence.
Ytsejam off of When Dream and Day Unite has a lot of position shifts, (also four-string). You can also hear the bass line most of the time.
Most of the songs on Train of Thought are in C. Myung has his six-string tuned to CEADGC. I've also tried my four-string tuned to CGDG. I'm finding that it's a little easier on your muscles with the detuning, and I have to pluck closer to the bridge to get a clear sound.
