Playing your bass and singing

[tothemax]

The quote I added has been repeated here numerous times, a couple of things I might add. I went from playing guitar to bass, and with a few years of bass behind me now. I noticed these similarities. For some songs I sing I'll switch back to guitar, because it's let's me focus on singing, fortunately one of our guitar player can fill in on bass. The goal is to put on good show.

1) The first song I started singing on bass was "Born to be wild", and even now years later I'll go to a more basic bass line during the verses and kick it a bit during the instrumental sections. I use the same technique playing guitar, and would bet that many others do to. It's more important to keep time and get the lyrics out than show what a virtuoso you can be. I make this point as amateur musician, not saying you shouldn't always give it your best shot but I don't have the time to practice 4 hours a day (like a pro).

2) For songs that have a lot of lyrics, couple of tricks I use:

• Find a way to visualize the song in your head, so you have mental crib notes to guide you through. Again you have to count on muscle memory for your bass line. But simplify when you can, let the keyboard pick up any slack (if possible).
• For example one song that is not that difficult but seems to throw me is getting the second verse correct for Chuck Berry's Back in the USA, my fix is to add crib note to my set list on floor - 2 - New York.... Detroit...

Good luck, keep working on it...

1) Learn the bass parts so thoroughly that you can play them without thinking about it.

2) Do the same for the vocals. Know them by heart.

3) Learn to do both at the same time. Many people believe that once you know the music and the lyrics, it's a simple matter to put them together. The reality is learning to sing and play at the same time is as much work as learning each by itself.

Fyi: Drinking: I would recommend having a non-involved party check out one of your gigs for an honest answer. There's a huge difference between having a splash to ease your throat, and drinking shots all through the night. I used to drink while I was playing and always thought I sounded great. It's a personal choice, but I don't anymore.

 

[hbarcat]

Fyi: Drinking: I would recommend having a non-involved party check out one of your gigs for an honest answer. There's a huge difference between having a splash to ease your throat, and drinking shots all through the night. I used to drink while I was playing and always thought I sounded great. It's a personal choice, but I don't anymore.

Good points made.

I stopped drinking during shows many years ago. I just drink plain water to keep hydrated and my voice clean. Also occasionally video record shows to self critique and have found thus very helpful in making improvements to performances.