i've been playing the guitar for 20 odd years, and i'd like to get good on the bass. my bass playing is alright when it comes to finding notes and so forth, but it's missing that groove. what should i work on to get that solid low end going?
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making the transition from guitar
- Thread starter brothertupelo
- Start date
I would think of it as a new experience all together, rather than a transition.
Learn how the bass fits into music. Especially in the genres that you aspire to play.
If you like AC/DC, this could mean playing one or two notes the entire time with a steady 8th note rhythm.
If you like funk or fusion, this could mean very syncopated outlining of chords or even melodic lines.
Learn how the bass fits into music. Especially in the genres that you aspire to play.
If you like AC/DC, this could mean playing one or two notes the entire time with a steady 8th note rhythm.
If you like funk or fusion, this could mean very syncopated outlining of chords or even melodic lines.
Work on rhythm and staying in the pocket. That's something a lot of guitar players don't have to do because the drummer and bass player are doing it for them. I notice that lead guitar players are notorious for not being rhythmically tight because they usually don't have to be.
If it's a blues band or even if it's not, I can recommend, B.B. Kings, "Spot Light on Lucille"
It's an album full of B.B. instrumentals. You can easily hear the bass lines and how they move with and through the music. Jack Meyers is all over this recored.
I highly recommend it.
It's an album full of B.B. instrumentals. You can easily hear the bass lines and how they move with and through the music. Jack Meyers is all over this recored.
I highly recommend it.
I was/am previously a guitarist myself. The way I generally think of basslines is that it is the abridgement between the drums and guitar, in the same sense that it has the same rhythmic sensibilities as drums and the harmonic content of the guitar parts. (unless you're Terry Bozzio and your kit is tuned to G Dorian...)
That's not exactly true. They can get away with "floating the rhythm" more than most instruments, but all of the best lead guitar players that I have ever met, had great rhythm.
I also started as a guitar player and I agree with the others, one of the best ways to start is learning songs/bass lines that you like. just start with ones that aren't too challenging and you'll do fine.
played guitar for 46 years, went to bass last year..completely different deal than guitar...its about setting the rhythm and being in time. Its really hard to do it right..and everybody in the band works off of what you do...though they will never admit it. I am still learning..
