I was inspired by a discussion in another thread. I wanted to offer some insight and tips that people might find useful. I'd also love to read how others go about it!
Playing bass and singing is NOT easy. It is not the same as playing guitar and singing. For one, while controlling the lows in the mix, you're also in charge of a lot of the higher content when you're the frontperson. I've heard so many people state that it's something that they simply can't do. I say this - it's hard, but it's not impossible. I find these strategies serve me well:
- Simplify!
Alright, we bassists love to get our schlitz in because darn it, we rarely get the chance in most musical arrangements. But you are gonna wanna relax when you're up front. Those simple root note, box pattern runs are going to be your bread and butter, as you're now playing TWO instruments at once. The bass, and your voice. Undivided attention has left the chat.
- Mind the gap!
Ah, space. It's your friend more than ever. A huge chunk of your more complex vocal stuff can sit right here in the gaps between chords. Ditto for more fun and complex bass work in gaps where you don't have vocals.
- Map your playing around your singing, not the other way around!
Sting is the grandmaster of this. I can't not call him an influence, even though I don't play or sing like him at all. It is no use trying to stuff words into an over complex passage. It's just not a thing that's going to happen. Unlike the guitar becoming sort of secondary as you strum and sing, the bass will not fall in line like that. The two need equal attention. You will have a much easier time of it if you play around the singing instead.
Optional - play with a pick.
It simply takes the guesswork out. You need your whole brain for this. Yet, some maniacs are just fine with singing while they navigate fingerstyle techniques. My hat is off to them. But it really does simplify things. Singing and playing bass at the same time is all about simplification.
I'll add tips as I go along, and feel free to do the same!
Playing bass and singing is NOT easy. It is not the same as playing guitar and singing. For one, while controlling the lows in the mix, you're also in charge of a lot of the higher content when you're the frontperson. I've heard so many people state that it's something that they simply can't do. I say this - it's hard, but it's not impossible. I find these strategies serve me well:
- Simplify!
Alright, we bassists love to get our schlitz in because darn it, we rarely get the chance in most musical arrangements. But you are gonna wanna relax when you're up front. Those simple root note, box pattern runs are going to be your bread and butter, as you're now playing TWO instruments at once. The bass, and your voice. Undivided attention has left the chat.
- Mind the gap!
Ah, space. It's your friend more than ever. A huge chunk of your more complex vocal stuff can sit right here in the gaps between chords. Ditto for more fun and complex bass work in gaps where you don't have vocals.
- Map your playing around your singing, not the other way around!
Sting is the grandmaster of this. I can't not call him an influence, even though I don't play or sing like him at all. It is no use trying to stuff words into an over complex passage. It's just not a thing that's going to happen. Unlike the guitar becoming sort of secondary as you strum and sing, the bass will not fall in line like that. The two need equal attention. You will have a much easier time of it if you play around the singing instead.
Optional - play with a pick.
It simply takes the guesswork out. You need your whole brain for this. Yet, some maniacs are just fine with singing while they navigate fingerstyle techniques. My hat is off to them. But it really does simplify things. Singing and playing bass at the same time is all about simplification.
I'll add tips as I go along, and feel free to do the same!
