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Pocket Player?

tunewriter

tunewriter

Jul 26, 2012
108
26
#1
Played lead guitar for years and experienced many types of bass players but I have always loved listening to, and been impressed by bass and drums that were in the pocket. Makes the difference between a room full of listeners and a room full of dancers. Alas, now I am the bass player and thought it would be an easy transition. I have a solid drummer but I am less than impressed with my bass playing. Oh, I'm hitting the notes and no one is complaining but I feel like I'm missing the pocket. Hoping some seasoned players can offer some pointers on getting to, and staying in the pocket. Thanks in advance.....
 
#2
Listen to Little Feat's "Waiting on Columbus," a live album recorded at their peak. That rhythm section was super tight, with Kenny Gradney being the poster boy for in-the-pocket bassists. Here's a YouTube link to the entire album. Also, check out the Meters with George Porter (bass) and Zigaboo Modeliste (drums).
 
#3
Welcome to our wonderfull world of bass. Some pocket players are outstanding, orhers not so much. Been playing bass for longer than I care to admit, but don't get caught up in the technical crap. When you see players you like and get people up dancing, pay close attention and cop some of what they are doing. Integrate with what you are doing and probably all will be well. Every player wants to be Wooten or some other killer solo player, but most of us are not all that. I'm not very talented and can't solo to save my life, but at the the end of the night, I usually get compliments on my performance which is to say I'm different and play a groove that people can relate to.
 
#4
Thanks for the tip bass151. Not looking for anything more than helping folks feel the music. Not looking to be a Wooten or any other solo player. Not into jazz that much. Just love to get people up and dancing. Playing in the pocket seems to do that and that's when I'm having the most fun playing the bass.
 
#8
The drummer is your friend and ally. Listen to the drummer, especially the kick and the hi-hat. That's where your drummer "feels" the groove. Right hand, right foot, (or left if they're left handed). That's where the good stuff is.
 
#9
I listen to the bass drum and the snare, I don't care so much for the hi hat, and just do what feels right/groovy to me. It's also dumb to say that you have to hit each note on the bass drum.

Another thing is that I started on guitar too, and one of the first things a teacher had to get out of my bass playing, was that rythm comes from the fretting hand (Probably as much of a suprise to you as it was with to me).

Instead of damping off a note with your plucking hand, let go off the note of the fretting hand. Don't do ANYTHING with your right hand other than plucking. Keep them away/at rest as much as possible. By just letting go of the fret, you can time your notes way more precise, and so it's easier to be 'in the pocket'.

If you want to know my definition of 'In the pocket': It's Palladino and Jamerson, but also Jaco, Victor and Marcus Miller. If you're more into metal/hardrock I recommend Steve Harris. Started to really listen to Maiden a while ago, and I must say I'm really impressed by what this guy does.

But, hey. Who am I, at eighteen yo? :D Just IMHO, and little experience. I hope I could help you.
 

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