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Playing a "lead bass style" if you will.....

#61
professor_bills said:
I agree with the comments
As for solos...I cant standthem...regardless of the instrument. When ever I am at a concert and someone starts a long solo thats when I head for the beer truck or the head. Spotlighting an artist for a verse or chorus is one thing but two or three minute solos (or often longer) not for me. And as I said I dont care what instrument is doing it.
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Really? That's interesting i love solos on all different kinds of instruments (especially saxophone and double bass) granted solos are only good when the musician soloing has talent but with a real musician there's just so much individuality and passion in a solo.......maybe i smoke a little to much doja but i love me a good soulo :)
 
#62
I don,t find any of the exemple very lead to me ... they all have some kind of overdrive or distortion that take them in the same sonic space as a guitar.

I always thought lead bass would be more like the bass is the instrument providing the melody while all the others musicians only backing like Marcus Miller do.
 
#64
It's easy enough honestly. Stick to playing the root notes for the most part but throw in some octaves, 5ths, and little fills where you think they fit. Sometimes it'll work, sometimes it won't, it's all about just trying things.

Chords are a good way to sound more melodic as well, maybe look into that.

If you want to get more advanced try playing some counter melodies to the guitar/keyboard/melodic instrument player. That really just involves staying the same key signature and not playing notes that are too clustered with the melodic instrument. Like if they're playing a G, don't play an A or an F or anything within a few notes. But also don't overplay.

Playing melodically just takes a lot of practice. Just go for it.
 
#65
Just J said:
+1

ben harper live BROWN EYED BLUES Rock Am Ring 2004 - YouTube

That's brown eye'd blues, cool little solo.
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:bassist: I love that song and what a killer bass solo.

I wouldn't really call that lead bass playing though. Its very much in the pocket the whole time. IMO lead bass playing is much more in the style of John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Graham Maybe, Woody Allen etc. They play very melodic lines that define the song. Phil Lesh of the Greatful Dead says sometimes you have to hold it down and other times you have to let the music fly free. Lead bass players tend to lead the music somewhere as opposed to forming the foundation. There is usually someone else in the group like Pete Townsend on guitar or Joe Jackson on guitar or piano who is holding it together while the lead bass player blazes ahead.
 
#66
Okay how about an analogy. Think of music as a joy ride in a convertible. Typically the rhythm section (bass, drums, rhythm guitar and keys etc.) is driving the car. The singer and the lead player are jumping up and down on the seat and talking to people to attract their attention. Driving is very important so you can go somewhere, but most people notice the people who are talking to them. When you play lead bass you let everyone else drive the car and take a very active role pulling in the listener.

Both roles are important, why not take the lead from time to time as long as the band holds the song together. It makes it more exciting for the audience.
 
#68
IMHO, if you have the "chops" to be a lead bassist, you get the opportunity to be the lead bassist. If you don't yet, you don't need to be fretting about it.

Setting a goal to be a lead bassist reeks of setting yourself onto a path of alienating bands and other musicians due to your overplaying.
 
#69
Learn the bass lines of the people you like. It's the first step in developing your own style. Listen to all of the advice you can from players who have a lot of experience - then make up your own mind.

I hate when people try to put theirs limitations on others(Maybe this belongs in "The Things Bass Players Hate" thread!). I'm sure that Wooten, Entwistle, Squire, and many other great players were told they were overplaying at one time or another. There are always a host of small-minded people trying to bring you down to their level and keep you in a nice neat box.

Do you want to be the type of player that regurgitates other peoples styles, or do you want to be the type of player other people imitate? Color outside the lines and make your mark on the world.
 

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