so i am now in jazz band (school started 2 days ago, im a freshman) and ive been playing since 6th grade. I play outside of school and focus on that most, and usually play to my ipod through an ihome because frankly, i havent gotten to play with my friend yet. There is a junior who plays the bass with me, who, in somewhat of a joking way, can act like a jerk. Anyways, we sit next to the drummer, and the two will start playing random stuff (drummer will come up with a beat, he will play) any good ways to "come up" with something on the spot? he can make it sound good, i feel like if i did it i would embarrass myself. Clearly i should just practice, but any good tips that could help?
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playing on the spot
- Thread starter maxrathburn
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Yep, just practice. Know your neck, intervals and then work on your ear. Trying to learn lines note for note from recordings does a lot to open up the ear.
Yes, train that ear, by all means, however you can.
Every Monday I get to do just what you're doing. Me and three others jam, usually making it up on the spot. I just love coming up with a bass line for a groove someone else started. And, I'm very pleased with the ideas I get, some of it being stuff I didn't know I could do. But here's a difference between you and me---I have been gigging since 1962. Having played so much means I have things in my pocket that will fit in. Or, that is, the experience can guide my thoughts. And so, I can select from many things. It's not hard to invent something. What you need is to go at it, and get the experience of creating something like that. We can tell you some things to do, but the experiencing part is something that will take place only within yourself.
It helps to know some theory, too, so you can choose wisely. Learn some grooves in different styles also so you can get a feel for whatever the thing is. And don't be afraid. Sometimes it does, however, take some courage to play. But, like they say---just jump on in and hang on. You may surprise yourself.
Every Monday I get to do just what you're doing. Me and three others jam, usually making it up on the spot. I just love coming up with a bass line for a groove someone else started. And, I'm very pleased with the ideas I get, some of it being stuff I didn't know I could do. But here's a difference between you and me---I have been gigging since 1962. Having played so much means I have things in my pocket that will fit in. Or, that is, the experience can guide my thoughts. And so, I can select from many things. It's not hard to invent something. What you need is to go at it, and get the experience of creating something like that. We can tell you some things to do, but the experiencing part is something that will take place only within yourself.
It helps to know some theory, too, so you can choose wisely. Learn some grooves in different styles also so you can get a feel for whatever the thing is. And don't be afraid. Sometimes it does, however, take some courage to play. But, like they say---just jump on in and hang on. You may surprise yourself.
My first roommate and I would watch TV and play along with the music. If it's a new show, it will generally be relatively unknown, unless they play something that already existed instead of using their own composers. It's a great way to work on your ear and learn to play on the fly. Comedy shows, game shows, movies, cartoons- it doesn't matter. If you can play the music from The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, you'll really be onto something.
Another way to kick your chops into overdrive is to play the melody of songs, not just the bass line. You'll need to know where it goes, anyway, so you may as well know it and use it when you want. It will also help you to play harmonies with another instrument. Since the typical bass line is based on I-V-VIII, it will help you know where you are in relation to the chords, too.
People learn to play according to what "works", according to conventional music theory, without working on their ear. It's pretty easy to hear who they are, too- they play the "right" notes, but it sounds mechanical and isn't particularly good to listen to. I had a teacher like this- his solos were technically correct, but I wouldn't pay to listen to it. His playing went to a completely different level when he took an ear training class. I went to him to learn the technical side and for chording and my ear was already pretty advanced, but he didn't really understand how I could play what I did until he took that class. It's not that I was great, but I did play melodically and worked with the harmony, even if I didn't know all of the correct chord forms.
- May 30, 2000
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Stop worrying about being embarrassed. You're human, you'll make mistakes, that's how you learn stuff and your still very young so it's okay to make a fool of yourself.
If someone else is playing a bass line I would simply play chords or do a melody/solo ... no point in having 2 bass line clashing.
Try to adjust your confidence if you feel necessary. Honestly, if you feel like you can come up with something you'll have a better chance of coming up with something
