Singing while playing bass?

[Bryn503]

I've been playing bass for over a year strong now, and ive been told im doing great for someone whos only been playing this long by my teacher (i think its because i played cello for so many years). But recently ive started to get together with friends and play some stuff, and im really starting to feel the usefulness of being able to sing while playing. Right now i find it very, very difficult to multitask like that, and im looking for songs to practice to. I'm not tone deaf, ive sang all my life. My vocal register is very low, i had the lowest range in my school chamber choir, but im very confident with my falsetto, i like to think of my falsetto as very John Frusciante-ish. So, vocal ability is not a problem, but if anybody has any songs that either use a lower backing vocal part or a high, falsetto part, that i could practice playing and singing i would be much appreciative. Also, any tips are also greatly appreciated.

 

[makkE]

IME, for me it's a lot easier to sing when I use a pick vs using fingerstyle, but that might be because I've been singing to guitar for a while once. Maybe see if one of the techniques is easier for you than the others.

Apart from that, I'd try to engrain the lines you want to sing over with the band so hard, that your hands can do them without you. Also, simplifying your playing in the vocal parts is an option.

 

[voodoo92]

I dont know if it would work, but you could always pick one or two songs, and get exceptionally good at them. So much so that you dont need to concentrate as hard when playing then you could start concentrating more on vocals. over time you might get better at doing both at the same time. Just a thought though

 

[parsons]

there was a thread on this a week ago. Search.

 

[BassNeo]

What works for me is practice, practice, practice. slow down to 1/2 time to get your timing right. I also sing in the car and play 'air bass' on the steering wheel, being mindful to synchronize the notes with my fingers.

I do not recommend this if you are not a good multitasker, do it in the tub instead. Just be careful your Mom doesn't think you're in there too long, she might get the wrong impression, especially if you're playing Barry White.

 

[TinIndian]

I played bass for years and was never able to do it very well. Now since I've been playing in my new band I have had to assume a more prominent vocal part, Backup vocals on every song and I have around 4 or 5 that I sing the lead on and I'll do more if needed. The truth is, it's all about practice. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

 

[joenoone]

I remember an interview with Les Claypool (from Primus) where he said it was hard for him to learn to sing while playing, and often he'd try to write lyrics that matched rhythms he liked instead of the other way around. That's why his music is so unique.

He said it just took lots of practice.

 

[baileyboy]

I have never been able to sing and play at the same time. I suppose if I practiced I would be able to, but so far I have been in bands where it was not necessary. I think I read once that BB King could/would not sing and play simultaneously, so at least I have some good company.

 

[joenoone]

I think it's easier for guitarists since they're doing the melody anyway. I've tried once or twice with mixed success - I feel more comfortable being unnoticed in the back with the drummer than up front anyway.

I was surprised by that Les Claypool interview because he admitted it was hard, and as amazing a bass player as he is that's saying something...

 

[Tenma4]

IME, for me it's a lot easier to sing when I use a pick vs using fingerstyle,..

I find this to be the case for me as well. I can do either these days, and do quite a bit of singing lead and background. I prefer the pick when singing. Kind of lets me put bass on autopilot. Otherwise, it's learning the bass parts so well I can do them in my sleep.

 

[gjbassist]

there was a thread on this a week ago. Search.

And another the week before that, and another the week before that one...

There is no quick fix to learning how to play and sing. Unless you are fortunate enough to come by it naturally, it just takes time and practice.

 

[TinIndian]

I have never been able to sing and play at the same time. I suppose if I practiced I would be able to, but so far I have been in bands where it was not necessary. I think I read once that BB King could/would not sing and play simultaneously, so at least I have some good company.

Read the same thing.

I have a couple of songs that we do that prove very difficult for me to play and sing to and one of them is a super easy bassline. It's just the way it is sung over the bassline that makes it difficult. I find I have to concentrate like nobodies business to pull it off.

 

[stingraysvt]

Often times If I'm singing lead on a tune I have to learn it as I'm learning the vocal parts, backup, is less of a task, once I familiarize a bass part I can toss in backup all day long, but there was a day I couldn't so much as talk and play bass at the same time.

Practice, Practice, Practice.....


Don't feel so bad, Sting once noted on the "All this Time" DVD that he couldn't sing many of his songs without his bass because he learned them that way!