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How to reframe from playing so many notes and play just enough for the song?

#61
Jalen Fuller said:
I created a thread on what to learn as an intermediate bassist and when looking back I do realize that I tend to over play sometimes. I usually come up with simple lines that are sometimes melodic with occasional licks that outline the vocal lines. However, sometimes I try to add in fills that are not needed and I realize it more when looking back at a video or recording. I was wondering could I get some tips on how to play without creating unnecessary fills?
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I almost always record every rehearsal and performance and review it thoroughly. For me, it stopped me from playing a lot of unneeded notes. Oh, I still over play, but nowhere near as often as when I was in my twenties. When I listen to recordings back then I swear it was like I was being paid on the amount of notes I played.

The deal with video and recording sessions is you need to be prepared before you go. Our most productive sessions happen after the material polished at a band rehearsal. Yep, record that too and study it.
 
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#62
nutdog said:
That must be why classic rock radio stations play those songs on 10 minute intervals.
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Along with other reasons I'd guess. Overall sound and vibe aside, they were a band - and it was an album - for its time. The world has gotten a little older and more cynical and has long since moved on from the style and sentiments expressed on that record. ;)
 
#63
Do more lead singing .... that will get your mind more on singing and you may have to simplify your bass part.
But, seriously -
In a cover band situation I start pretty close to the original and then listen to the context of my playing compared to how everyone else is playing a tune and if there are gaps or rhythms that need to be filled I fill it. If everything is getting too busy then I do something more simple to keep a good groove.
On a lot of songs the bass part is locked into a particular part and then just occasionally does a fill or goes up the neck, which makes it stand out more than if you are always be-bopping all over the neck.
 
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#64
Jalen Fuller said:
I created a thread on what to learn as an intermediate bassist and when looking back I do realize that I tend to over play sometimes. I usually come up with simple lines that are sometimes melodic with occasional licks that outline the vocal lines. However, sometimes I try to add in fills that are not needed and I realize it more when looking back at a video or recording. I was wondering could I get some tips on how to play without creating unnecessary fills?
Click to expand...

As mentioned, experience will take care of this. It's not a thing you're going to just switch off like a light switch because as you learn, you want to throw in everything but the kitchen sink. The fact that you are aware of the problem, is the most important first step. Other than listening to your own recordings, you don't really need to do any "extra stuff", except be aware of it and address it as you go.
 
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#65
Jalen Fuller said:
I created a thread on what to learn as an intermediate bassist and when looking back I do realize that I tend to over play sometimes. I usually come up with simple lines that are sometimes melodic with occasional licks that outline the vocal lines. However, sometimes I try to add in fills that are not needed and I realize it more when looking back at a video or recording. I was wondering could I get some tips on how to play without creating unnecessary fills?
Click to expand...
Great job being self reflective, so many players don't want to know what they actually sound like. I record every jam, even if just on my phone. Are these originals or cover tunes (did not read entire thread)? If cover tunes, learn to play them note-for-note as mentioned by someone else, then add some of your personality to it, within reason. I too still catch myself overplaying at times, and usually it causes more harm than good.
 
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#67
Jalen Fuller said:
I created a thread on what to learn as an intermediate bassist and when looking back I do realize that I tend to over play sometimes. I usually come up with simple lines that are sometimes melodic with occasional licks that outline the vocal lines. However, sometimes I try to add in fills that are not needed and I realize it more when looking back at a video or recording. I was wondering could I get some tips on how to play without creating unnecessary fills?
Click to expand...
Think about fills as a way to mark a phrases end that pushes it forward into a new section or the phrase starting over. Other than that keep a disciplined mind when you play and only do about a 3rd of what you hear and what you're able to do.

Also, keep in mind fill become more or less cluttered depending on the instrumentation of the group. If you're in a trio you have a little more space to fill up than if you're playing in a sextet. In other words the smaller the band the more room you have to or to not fill up. Always be musical.
 
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#68
All you need to do is *listen*. Listen to the whole song, not just the bass line. Think of ways to contribute to the presentation of the whole song vs. getting attention for yourself as a player.

Watch Leland Sklar's YouTube channel, he talks a lot about that. Also search for "lee sklar berklee" on youtube, I think there's a video almost 2 hours long where he talks a lot about his process for making a bass line that fits the song without overplaying.
 
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#72
Jalen Fuller said:
I created a thread on what to learn as an intermediate bassist and when looking back I do realize that I tend to over play sometimes. I usually come up with simple lines that are sometimes melodic with occasional licks that outline the vocal lines. However, sometimes I try to add in fills that are not needed and I realize it more when looking back at a video or recording. I was wondering could I get some tips on how to play without creating unnecessary fills?
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I struggle with the same thing. Thanks for posting your question, Jalen. It has generated a lot of advice that I'm finding extremely helpful! :thumbsup:
 
#73
Listen closely to Sade. I know it sounds crazy but listen to what Paul is doing very closely. He is the master of restraint. He gives the song exactly what it needs. No more no less. Music is like cooking. Too much of any single ingredient will ruin the recipie. Not enough and it's bland.

Sometimes silence is deafening
 
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#76
I found that if I concentrate on each note I play, and try to make sure I pluck each note evenly, fret the string cleanly, and make the duration of each note the proper length, or in summary, try to play everything as perfectly as possible, it eliminates much of the other things I try to play.
 
#78
I think the most effective fills build on one another. The first fill sets the expectation for the next later on. They have subtle differences from one to another to be familiar yet distinct. They should not sound repetitive. The best isn't always last, but it should be near the last movement. If you construct fills with purpose you won't feel the need to overplay, or at least not to overplay prematurely. You will also enjoy the earlier, boring bits with basic or understated fills because you know you are setting the table for later in the song.
 
#80
"Leave 'em wanting more."
Also, as a couple of people have said, if you play with a lot of restraint, the smallest extra thing that you add will be surprising and impactful.
You know when people say, "He doesn't say much, but when does, it's deep"? It's like that.
 

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