Hi All, I've been playing a long time, though unlike my far more common brethren, my theory knowledge is woeful. In the past ear/bravado and experiment is how i have gotten along. I like to think of myself as a gifted hack, though that might be generous. I have not played with other people in a looong time, but have been thinking about reactivating as a weekly break from childrearing and other mundanities. I have begun to get linked in with the local network of musicians, and will soon be invited to join a periodic gathering of folks who gig in town, hold open jams and record. So, theres the background.
I gather that the ability to play from basic charts is key to success in this little scene, and i have never done that, so, terror. Hoping for sage advice/shortcuts/tips/what have you from those with this sort of knowledge. Thanks
It's not all that hard, just have to understand a few things.
Playing from charts - fake chord sheet music looks like this"
(G) Rain dripping off the (C) brim of my hat,
(D7) sure is cold (G) today.
(G) Here I am walking down (C) sixty six,
(D7) wish she hadn't done me that (G) way.
Here is what happens with that fake chord - the 6 string guitars are going to grab a I-IV-V7-I in G. That is the G major chord, the C major chord and the D7 major dominant seventh chord. They will strum the chords as they come up in the song you will play the notes of the chords one note at a time as the chords come up in the song. So you have to know the notes in each chord, or, big
or understand how to use the box pattern and let the box pattern worry about what notes are in each chord. Sound like a deal? OK here we go.
I just answered another question that explains the rest of this story - go there and copy down my post.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=728166. One of the things I say at that site is:
"See a major chord and know that a R-3-5-8 or any
combination of those notes will work in your bass line, i.e. those notes are generic to a Major Chord. My point - any combinations means just roots can work or R-5-R-5 would work or R-R-8-8 will work. Roots just by themselves play a lot of bass. So right at first play just roots (the name of the chord) when that gets comfortable then flesh out your bass line with that other "stuff".
Get fake chord sheet music on the music you'all will be using and start practicing your bass lines. Yes
your bass lines. You have to decide what bass lines will best fit this song. Not a big deal - relax roots work, if you get completely lost a I-V-I chord vamp - just playing roots will get you by till you find your place .
Ask questions and good luck.
Jamming -- OK if there is no sheet music -- the director says; "The next one is Kiss Ole Kate" and let's do it in G, ready, 1 and 2 and......." OK you know it's going to be in the key of G which you can assume will mean the G, C, D7 chord will be used. You can also assume a I-IV-V-I progression will be used so --- watch the rhythm guitar's fretting hand and when he moves to another chord you do the same. Helps if you know rhythm guitar so you can recognize what his/her fingers are doing. If you are jamming with out sheet music remember jamming circles are the safest place in the county. I have never had anyone get upset with a newbie if the newbie is trying. Assume a I-IV-V and do your best. It is really a lot of fun.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kansasexplorer3128/139470651/in/photostream/
Good luck.
