Double Bass Memorizing tips

[Gornick]

Don't recall seeing a thread around for this. I can usually get 32 bar jazz tunes with a little work, but what about the longer stuff.

What are some techniques for remembering those long Bach preludes, suites, etudes...etc, so that I can get my eyes of the page?

 

[MDEbass]

Get a good recording of what you are learning. Listen to it ALL THE TIME. Engrain it in your head. Listen to it whenever you can.....in the car, fall asleep to it, etc.

 

[Square Bear]

i've never had much trouble memorizing these things. for me, i just start with the assumption that by the time a bach suite or difficult piece of solo rep will be ready to perform i will have practiced it enough that it's thoroughly memorized. listening to inspiring recordings definitely helps, good advice there. ear training helps as well... my feelings on memorization is that it is product of well rounded musicianship and requires all aspects of you as a musician (rather than as a bassist). it's also easier to memorize something that you really love.

 

[Square Bear]

another note... a big part of memorizing those long pieces is realizing that are not really long at all. memorize a phrase. it's easy, you do it all the time. memorize each phrase (which really isn't that many in most pieces) and string them together. same way you memorize a 32 bar form.