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Most important lessons you have learned about bass

Yes, I would rate your lesson as very important.

One...well...two... that have held me in good stead from a physical aspect is to try to play with both hands as relaxed as possible ( with both wrists as straight as possible) and to play with a light touch.

One more for the road ;)....avoid depending on tabs and develop your ear by playing along to songs and trying to work things out for yourself.
 
You are driving the proverbial bus. If you want the band to be softer or louder....adjust YOUR volume and IF they are pros they will follow. If not......you're playing with hobbyists.
 
I'd say "protect your hearing", but I learned that before I picked up bass.

As for bass:

1) Less is more. Sometimes, 8th notes on root is what the song calls for. Sometimes, you can go crazy. Sometimes, clean sound is perfect. This makes the times you DO use effects all the more effective.

2) Know where the Drummer's bass drum and hi-hat are at in the groove. The rest is just color.

3) If you have a heavy-handed piano player (THANK GOD I do not have one currently), learn to harmonize without making mud.

4) Sound guys are your friends. Talk to them.

5) You are probably the most responsible person in the band. Don't be afraid to carry extra cables, straps, guitar strings, bass strings, and even a drum key to gigs. They might be needed.

6) You cna make money above the 7th fret, and should learn to love it up there.
 
Yes, I would rate your lesson as very important.

One...well...two... that have held me in good stead from a physical aspect is to try to play with both hands as relaxed as possible ( with both wrists as straight as possible) and to play with a light touch.

One more for the road ;)....avoid depending on tabs and develop your ear by playing along to songs and trying to work things out for yourself.

+100

You beat me to the punch! Yes, learning notation and not fighting the instrument has indeed made me a much better player...faster.
 

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