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Is a drum machine really necessary to learn bass?

#181
I just purchased a Digitech SDRUM pedal-Very easy to use as it can go through your amp as you play. Seems like a bargain currently around $90, and is a lot of fun to write songs with, as I’ve never been into playing my bass solo without a drummer.
I can see it improving my playing as I use it more.
 
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#182
Cycleops said:
I was just on the point of buying a budget one and thought I would ask on here. Could I get away with a an app on my phone? Do I need one at all?
I'm starting out after coming from guitar.
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Need? No. Is it helpful? Can be, provided you don’t waste your practice time fiddling with it. I prefer to play along with iTunes.
 
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#183
A metronome (mechanical or electronic) is fairly essential when practicing your notation reading skills. It's so easy to get "draggy" when reading.
Just use the same metronome that you used for your daily guitar practice.
Alternatively...play along with backing tracks, and etc when practicing.

Every musical household should have at least one metronome. They're cheap...and generally are a function of many electronic tuners anyway.
 
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#185
Cycleops said:
I confess I have ordered one. I'm a sucker for gadgets so I couldn't resist. I'll let you all know how I get on with it. It's a basic Korg, £52 ($68) plus shipping.
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Is it the Korg KR-Mini? If so, please let us know your thoughts about it. I don't really need another drum machine (and I'm more interested in the Volca Drum), but I like the KR-Mini as a portable, battery-powered metronome/drummachine solution that I can bring anywhere along with my bass.
 
#187
Roger Poole said:
I like to play 'with' somebody, even if it's just a machine. I recommend an app called Chord Pulse, for your PC. It lets you pick from multiple beats, then sounds like the whole band playing. You can drop out the bass on the mixer and play it yourself. I use it for beginning recording projects.
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I've looked into ChordPulse and really like what I see. Thank you very much for the tip!!! For the price it seems beyond awesome. I'm going to give it try. With a 14 day free test drive, I don't think anyone can go wrong giving it an audition.
 
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