Double Bass Singing and playing at the same time

[mtto]

I'd like to sing and accompany myself on bass. A singing bass player can make the gig by themselves.

I sang in choir as a kid, plus musicianship class as an undergrad. Currently in a masters program for composition, and starting a voice class this coming semester.

Anyone on here singing and playing? Any advice on vocal mics? Should I get a headset mic?

 

[lurk]

 

[JBarz]

Dang, Lurk beat me to that killer video - I love that stuff…. For live vocal mic, just get a Shure SM 58. Recording mic is a different rabbit hole… For amplification, I like the Bose L1. You can run your bass through it at low volumes, too. Keep it simple.

 

[Steven Ayres]

I do both all the time. There are certain rhythmic figures on bass that can make singing along a real challenge, but most of the time it's easy — you don't want the bass getting too busy for the vocals anyway. On mic setups, for me it's just a matter of what works. I generally use a boom stand from the right, over the music stand, and I don't mind leaning into it a bit.

 

[AGCurry]

I've been singing and playing for so long that it generally doesn't challenge me. The exception can be when there are different syncopations in both the melody and bass line.

Headworn mics make setup easier, but part of the craft of miked singing comes from changing distances from mouth to mic. So, a compromise. I prefer a mic mounted on a boom stand.

Vocal mics for live music? I dislike the ubiquitous SM58, but it's okay for some voices. Your choice depends on how much $$ you can spend, as well as your voice and style. For the same money, the Sennheiser 835 is a better mic IMO. Electrovoice has made good affordable mics. For more money, the Beyerdynamic M88 and Sennheiser MD421 are great, and you can buy used. The MBHO MBD 219SC is the best live vocal mic I've ever used (I have three!) , but in the U.S. you can only get it from Dale Pro Audio.

 

[Dr. Love]

To learn how to sing while playing, I had to analyze the bassline and vocal lines to see where they come together rhythmically. Then I would try to get the parts separately to the point that either can be put on "autopilot" if needed. Then I'd combine them while concentrating on hitting those rhythmic union signposts and the stuff between would kind of fall into place. After doing this for a while, the process becomes much easier and almost second nature.

As far as vocal mics go, my normal go-to's are a Shure Beta 58 and Sennheiser 835 on a boom stand. I also attach one of those type style drum stick holders to the stand for my bow.

 

[stretch80]

To learn how to sing while playing, I had to analyze the bassline and vocal lines to see where they come together rhythmically. Then I would try to get the parts separately to the point that either can be put on "autopilot" if needed. Then I'd combine them while concentrating on hitting those rhythmic union signposts and the stuff between would kind of fall into place. After doing this for a while, the process becomes much easier and almost second nature.

As far as vocal mics go, my normal go-to's are a Shure Beta 58 and Sennheiser 835 on a boom stand. I also attach one of those type style drum stick holders to the stand for my bow.

Thanks Dr. Love -- I'm working on this too, and the signposts idea is a good one.

 

[darren1970]

I never used to sing ( even backing vocals ) until the band I'm in currently.
I always told myself it would be too awkward, but it wasn't that bad. Now I'm the lead vocalist on 60% of the songs & harmonies on most of the rest.
I initially started singing with a simplified bass part, then as I became more confident started reintroducing different rythmic patterns and complementary bass lines to the melody I was singing. It can be done, just needs practice like everything else.
Mic wise I always preffered Sennheiser E845 to Shure, but recently tried an SE Electronics V7. A really good vocal mic for a very competitive price.

 

[AceOfBassFace]

Helps to slow things wayyy down, get the vocals and bass right, then back up to actual speed.

 

[Ryan in PDX]

Singing and playing is fun. Practice the parts separately and together. Sing with a drone, and with a metronome (very slowly). Simplify one part or the other as needed.

A private vocal coach is a great investment. If one-on-one instruction isn't part of your vocal class, seek it out. Record yourself early and often.

I have the best results when I drink a lot of water and avoid all dairy and alcohol products for 24 hrs before (and during) a gig. Your mileage will not vary on the water or alcohol issues, but everyone has their own comfort zone.

Whichever mic you choose (you should demo a lot of them), practice with it plugged in to a stage monitor to learn its pickup pattern, proximity effect, and null. I like the Heil PR35 for myself, but I always carry a Shure SM58 as a backup. Some engineers don't know how to work with anything else, and the 58 will always get the job done.

 

[David Potts]

You would never want to hear me sing and play together, even more so now with Covid shutting down teaching and playing for so long. Having said that, there are many passages in Beethoven 9 that I would find easier to sing than play, even with my crappy voice !!

 

[Reiska]

Shedding on this heavily atm, as I sing more and more in the folk / americana duo I'm playing in. Kate Thiroux suggests practising both separately at first, then connecting the two. I've been adding voice and harmonies to my bass scale practise lately, and am experimenting on all of it. I'm toying with the idea of taking a couple of lessons from a bass buddy who is great on playing and singing simultaneously.

 

[Sam Sherry]

 

[Dogfightgiggle]

 

[Ed S]

IMO, one of the biggest challenge - for me as a bassist as well as many instrumentalists, is avoiding singing "on the beats." So much of my entire being is to keep that steady beat going, that I have had to work quite hard at not having my vocals follow right along: "Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum."

 

[Keith Rawlings]

I simplify my bass lines when I’m singing, but the extent of my vocal prowess are several “Rock, Rock, Rock”s and “Ooooooo”s.

 

[AGCurry]

IMO, one of the biggest challenge - for me as a bassist as well as many instrumentalists, is avoiding singing "on the beats." So much of my entire being is to keep that steady beat going, that I have had to work quite hard at not having my vocals follow right along: "Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum."

As you do it more, less of your "entire being" should be consumed with keeping a steady beat, leaving more of your being for the rhythmic vocal nuances. What's a real challenge is playing and singing with people who don't help (or worse) with the beat!

 

[Ed S]

As you do it more, less of your "entire being" should be consumed with keeping a steady beat, leaving more of your being for the rhythmic vocal nuances. ...

Hey! If I eat more and exercise less, will I end up with more "being" to allow me to perform both functions?

Sounds like a plan!

 

[CaseyVancouver]

This is a good thread on singing while playing bass:
Singing over complicated basslines

It is from the lads over on the plank bass side.

I’ve always felt if a player wants to do a lot of gigs and move up a notch in band auditions, the ability to sing is significant. In my experience, commercial gigging bands will choose an average bass player who sings over a great bass player who does not. Jazz may be an exception.

 

[james condino]

I have the best results when I drink a lot of water and avoid all dairy and alcohol products

+1 for everything in life!