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Double Bass Starting A band W/ My double bass

basshound123

basshound123

Nov 17, 2010
13
0
#1
hello! so, i guess I should get straight to the point. I want to start a band, But all I play is Double bass. How could I do this, without pinning my self with simple AAAAEEEAAAAEEEAAAEEAA stringed notes? I want to do something that people will listen to and hear the bass over the others, whether it be in pitch or rythm. I will eventually learn electric bass, but for now, me and my DB are stuck here. Some styles I wouldn't mind doing or incorporating into the band:
jazz
alternative
dubstep/electronic (somehow, but thats more Electric bass)
rock

any tips would be helpful. thanks!
 
#2
You're question is puzzling. I should probably walk away and let someone else try to respond, but for some reason...

Being locked into "EEEEAAAA...." whatever, is a function of how you play the bass. Do you hear something other than that? Then, if it's your band and your creative direction...play what you hear. How could you possibly get locked into what to play in your own band?

If you don't hear something else or don't know how to play something else, why would you want "to be heard above all else" in the band? Who would join such a band? "The bass is going to be lead voice, but you guys should be here too. And, oh, the bassist has no idea what to play, but make sure not to overshadow him."

Maybe I just don't understand what you're saying. Maybe I do. Maybe someone else can try to answer your question. Maybe they'll be more gentle...maybe they'll be a lot worse.

Could you take another crack at your question so that we know what the hell it is that we're talking about?

This has all the earmarks of "one of those threads" in it's infancy.
 
#3
Just write the songs, find musicians you want to play with and go for it. If you can, maybe record some demos on your own with the instrumentation how you envisage it so you have a starting point with other prospective band members.
 
#4
I play double bass in a covers band. We play Pretenders, Lyle Lovett, Cure, JJ Cale, Lou Reed, Michelle Shocked, Springsteen and lots of solid rock n roll. I also play double bass in a jazz/blues/swing band. As far as I'm concerned it works fine in these situations. I also play bass guitar in a country band, which the double bass would also work in, but I choose the slab for that band so I get some variety.
Go for it.
 
#5
Don't assume that the electric bass will give you more freedom. Of course you can do anything you want with either instrument. But if you go over to the BG forum, you will hear from a lot of players who insist that BG is a "support" instrument, that nobody wants to hear a bass solo, etc. Those expectations are not as prevalent on the DB side.

If you want to break free from EEAA, then I think you should listen to players who are doing more interesting things. I would also recommend developing your skills as a melodic player, and see if you can get your arco working.
 

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