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Hate it when a simple song kicks my tail

#21
Simple songs can sometimes be difficult because there isn't as much to fall back on. Every note has to stand strong. I'm working on a technically easy one right now, Psychologically Overcast by Fishbone.

Just a blues scale and a couple of box shapes. But the groove has to be solid. It's crucial to be really locked with the drummer, especially going into the verses and the verses themselves. This one's challenging from a timing standpoint for me, if not a technical one. Have fun with it and enjoy the challenge! :)
 
#22
Practice the 'easy' songs with space as you would practice the harder tunes that have more going on.

Take the time to play along with them...dozens of times if necessary.

It also helps to have to hear the songs when you're in a situation when you can't play along...your ears will help you play it even better.

Just make each song a part of your musical conscience.

Yes, it takes time.
 
#24
dean owens said:
Well guys, the conference is over. I made it through the song and it was a fun one to play. BUT I never was able to get the fingers moving fast enough so I had to go with a pick. My picking technique isn't great so I'm going to be working on this song to be able to use my fingers. Time to download a metronome app and drop it down a few bpm.

Thanks for the understanding, encouragement, technique ideas, and sharing similar stores. I appreciate them all.
Click to expand...
Hey, you did it, and that's what matters. Don't worry that you did it with a pick. It's all good.
 
#25
dean owens said:
Time to download a metronome app and drop it down a few bpm.
Click to expand...
OT, but for the iphone, "tempo" is the one to get, used by pros. (apparently some cheaper ones are actually inaccurate in terms of BPM.)

for slowing down the song itself to play along with, you want "amazing slow-downer".
 
#26
oh, and since the song is obviously played with a pick, and "real" bass players (as opposed to cheating guitar players like me :D) who can rock a pick properly seem to be more rare, why not pursue that?
 
#28
walterw said:
OT, but for the iphone, "tempo" is the one to get, used by pros. (apparently some cheaper ones are actually inaccurate in terms of BPM.)

for slowing down the song itself to play along with, you want "amazing slow-downer".
Click to expand...

can't find anything just called tempo. I can find one called "metronome" that has "tempo" written in blue on the picture. I can find some that are "Tap / Tempo", "Tempo Tap", etc. Do you have a link?

And amazing slow downer has been on the "to buy" list for a long time. Never felt I had enough reason for it but I'll probably be getting it in the next few months.
 
#29
Bass173 said:
Easy songs are usually harder for me. too easy to loose focus because you convince yourself you don't have to pay attention - then it becomes obvious you weren't.
Click to expand...

Yes, bass173 hit the nail on the head. One of the easiest (and yet iconic) songs to play is Argent's "Hold Your Head Up". But, because it is so simple, it leads me to start day dreaming and I mess it up.
If using a pick helps you to concentrate ( I use a pick so rarely that when I do, it forces me to pay attention) then please do so. there is no law against it. It is a tool to be used that can enhance the song you are playing.
If the song you play, especially if it is a cover, used a pick then by all means do so. If it is an original, and using a pick on the song or for certain passages in that song ehances the sound, then use the pick.
Like you, using a pick feels awkward to me, but sometimes we need top be challenged by making a change. I think I'll go dig out that old Argent record, reconnect the old turntable to the system, and find a pick. :smug:
 
#31
smcfarland1337 said:
Yeah.
'She's Not There' by The Zombies makes me mad with how simple, yet difficult to me for some reason it is.

As well as 'This Charming Man' by The Smiths.
Click to expand...
I'm with you on She's Not There by the Zombies. My brain keeps wanting to a note at the end of each progression which then trips up the next.
Another one that confounded me for awhile was Mr. Big Stuff by Jean Knight. Uber simple but every time I start listening to the guitarist my bass timing careens off the track.
What makes it frustrating is that I can flawlessly perform complex songs with barely a thought then stumble
on a simple tune.
 

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