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G'day, eh!? from The Great White North

laristotle

laristotle

Inactive
Sep 22, 2015
948
6,688
Great White North
#1
Just joined. I live about a 1/2 hour west of Toronto in the small town of Acton (it's worth the drive. lol).
I've been lurking on n' off seeking info and this site tends to pop up during google searches. I recently
ventured into the low side realm .. and I Like It! I've been a six stringer for around 50 yrs. Always noodled
around on bass during jams when there was a break. I got more into it when a jam was arranged between
four of us on guitar. I mentioned that I'll bring along a bass that my cousin lent me. I got volunteered.
Looking forward to getting involved and pestering y'all for info.
 
#2
laristotle said:
Just joined. I live about a 1/2 hour west of Toronto in the small town of Acton (it's worth the drive. lol).
I've been lurking on n' off seeking info and this site tends to pop up during google searches. I recently
ventured into the low side realm .. and I Like It! I've been a six stringer for around 50 yrs. Always noodled
around on bass during jams when there was a break. I got more into it when a jam was arranged between
four of us on guitar. I mentioned that I'll bring along a bass that my cousin lent me. I got volunteered.
Looking forward to getting involved and pestering y'all for info.
Click to expand...
Welcome to the low places. Now, be aware that joining TB can lead to a very serious disease. It is known as GAS.
(Gear Acquisition Syndrome) That is where you start knowing that the equipment you have is insufficient and inferior and it is necessary to purchase, trade, and acquire more and better stuff to actualize your self worth.
I know, it happened to me. I don't think there is a known cure.
 
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#4
Welcome. Some stuff I wish someone would have told me.

Use the sheet music you used when playing your 6 string. This time with your bass we play chord tones one note at a time to the beat of the song. Old 6 string guys/gals want to fill their bass lines too full. A steady groove (beat) using chord tones gets the job done.

I know the question is how many chord tones? Roots first. Yes right at first be happy with roots. When that flows add the 5th. When that flows add an 8. R-5-8-5 is generic and fits with both major and minor chords. That'll keep you gigging until you see the need for the correct 3 and 7. The notes you play are secondary to the beat. We are the beat masters. The band looks to us to keep them on the beat and let them hear when a chord change is coming. That's where the walk to the next chord comes in.

The band directors are probably going to hand you fake chord sheet music. Learn how to compose a bass line from the chord name and lyrics.

The internal clock you developed with the 6 string is good, but, not good enough for the bass. Click track first then drum tracks next.

Melody, harmony and rhythm. Leave the melody to the solo guys and take care of the harmony and rhythm. Rhythm is a whole new skill set. Time signature for this song is 6/8, how will you cut up the 6? As the beat master that is left to you. If you have a drummer let him decide how the 6 will be cut up and you follow his kick drum.

Have fun.
 
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#5
Fun it is! I still sound like a guitarist playing bass (remember early Geezer Butler?).
I'm picking up on blues scales n' such. Gotta love YT for the 'how to play' lessons.
I'm not into anything serious. Did that in the 80's. I like jamming with other musicians
to keep my fingers nimble.
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