New member here...

[Nudie]

Back into bass big time after a 35 year year break. What was I thinking?!?

 

[DrSteve]

Back into bass big time after a 35 year year break. What was I thinking?!?

Welcome back. I took a similar break, and switched from keys to bass during the time off. Glad we’re at it again.
Lots of interesting stuff and people here. Enjoy!

 

[two fingers]

Welcome to TalkBass!!!

It's never too late to jump back in.

 

[Malcolm35]

It will be like riding a bike, most will come back right away. IMO.

 

[Nudie]

The only downside is now I isolate the bass in every song I hear! I remember doing this first time around...

 

[Malcolm35]

The only downside is now I isolate the bass in every song I hear! I remember doing this first time around...

I'm not a note by note player. I follow the chords and play the notes of the active chord I feel need playing. Some time that is just pounding roots. Other times it may be a root on the first beat and a 5 on the third beat. Then in jazz this could be a full four note voicing, I.e. R-3-5-b7.

So see a chord and then decide how many of it's notes need to be in your bass line. Roots and fives will get you asked back.

Simple first and build from there. The guys want to hear the root and a steady beat. Anything else and you could be stepping on toes.

Good luck.