How Many Practice Electric Bass Unplugged?

[kentiki]

Guilty as charged.

 

[bikeplate]

For almost 40 years

 

[Drifter8230]

Not anymore, but when bass guitar was new to me I would because I couldn't get the guitar out of my hands. Over time I realized that I was using Mongo grip and my attack was way too heavy. I think this was a result of playing unplugged.

Now, if I have to practice I have the amp on very low. Rarely I'll use headphones.

 

[chadds]

All the time.
Yet I use small amps when in studio when learning and tracking.
Recently I pulled out two cabs with 1500w to get that big live feel when learning a tune.
Playing unplugged actually develops your touch and technique and ears. You alone are responsible for the dynamics and tone. It teaches you to play lightly too. What you can do with pres and amplification after you get that together is amazing.

 

[mongo2]

Over time I realized that I was using Mongo grip and my attack was way too heavy.

What, pray tell, is a "Mongo grip"? I've never heard of it.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Definitely, quite frequently. In a quiet room. It's good to do because it forces you to play without creating fret buzz, which can often be covered when playing through an amp.

 

[Funk With Me]

Every night.

 

[Dynomuttasaurus]

Sometimes I can't help but grab the bass and just start fingering. But, if I have more than a passing moment, I plug in to some headphones. When I was younger, I would play without amplification and it was okay for mechanics and muscle memory. The issue is that you seriously miss out on hearing what the pickups are hearing and transmitting. Clanks, scrapes, buzzes, tone, nuance, etc. are all very different when you listen to what the instrument is hearing and transmitting vs. acoustic to your ears.

 

[redstrand]

I have noticed that sometimes I just want to grab the bass and sit on the edge of the bed and practice unplugged. It's so simple and easy with no cables, no headphones or wireless electronics to worry over.

I was wondering how many other folks do this and if it is considered an effective way to practice?

Thanks.

Everyday.

 

[Mustang Surly]

I play with a light touch, so rarely. If I do, it tends to make me develop a bad (for me) habit of digging in too much when I'm plugged in so I avoid doing it.

 

[Drifter8230]

What, pray tell, is a "Mongo grip"? I've never heard of it.

Oh! Hey Mongo...we was just talkin 'bout yer grip and all....how tight it is and everything....you know!! Hey, I gotta run nice chattin with ya

 

[mongo2]

Oh! Hey Mongo...we was just talkin 'bout yer grip and all....how tight it is and everything....you know!! Hey, I gotta run nice chattin with ya

Ummm...thanks.

 

[singlemalt]

I get ear fatigue after a while with amps and headphones. A quiet room, quiet metronome, or even the wall clock ticking and its perfect for practicing rudiments...those exercises that just build muscle memory. And dynamics and consistent touch from softest to loudest.

Better than not practicing.

 

[Jefenator]

Unplugged some of the time probably won’t kill you. I spent my first few years playing unplugged almost exclusively and now feel that was a mistake. Developing a good “touch” for the amp is important for electric bass IMHO.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

When I was a kid my pops would never let me play plugged in... so I didn’t have a choice. When I got older I lived in apartments in the city and neighbors complained... now I own a house and play plugged in unless I’m learning or working on a new song. It’s much easier for me to kinda feel the bass and fumble around unplugged. My bad habits haven’t come from playing unplugged though.

 

[blowinblue]

Never. Just the opposite. I practiced (always with an amp) with the volume set higher than needed. Then worked on playing as softly as possible. Does wonders for control of dynamics. And my whole reason for becoming a bass player...was to feel the bass!

M. M.

 

[bassbrad]

I do quite often and always have IMHO if that acoustic tone is happening the electrified tone will be better. Or the old adage tone is in the fingers. I started on acoustic instruments, guitar and cello before bass and that always informs my playing. As mentioned it can lead to bad habits like playing too hard Otoh you can really hear things like fret or finger board buzz unplugged. Playing unplugged can also help you become aware of the tonal differences of playing styles and positions. Playing unplugged also helped me to get my slap playing clean and tight.

 

[KaraQ]

I have noticed that sometimes I just want to grab the bass and sit on the edge of the bed and practice unplugged. It's so simple and easy with no cables, no headphones or wireless electronics to worry over.

I was wondering how many other folks do this and if it is considered an effective way to practice?

Thanks.

Sometimes. Just because.

Occasionally with the abg (although, maybe weirdly, I like the way it sounds plugged in... ), but normally it's one of my Thunderbirds.

Never a problem hearing myself though - wonder if it's because I play with a pick?

 

[SLPimp]

All the time. With a little guy toddling around, I can't always be plugged in or he'll pull the cable. Recently got an Xvive and put my MG350/BF One10 on a shelf and he can't reach anything. But my WattPlower sounds good unplugged, and I tend to buy basses that sound good unplugged.

 

[brianrost]

Sometimes, but not often. If I'm practicing for 2 hours, no. If I just need to work out a fingering for two minutes, probably because I don't keep a bass plugged into an amp 24/7. Running scales while watching TV, definitely.