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What one specific thing do you feel helped elevate your playing
- Thread starter Jazzcaster89
- Start date
The day I started playing a P-bass with flats...
Actually I'd say learning chord intervals really took things to a noticeably different level. Got compliments on my rhythm and timing before, then after learning more scale and chord content I got compliments on my note choice as well.
Actually I'd say learning chord intervals really took things to a noticeably different level. Got compliments on my rhythm and timing before, then after learning more scale and chord content I got compliments on my note choice as well.
Recently, focusing on keeping it simple and serving the song.
Next on the docket - 100 days of modes
Next on the docket - 100 days of modes
Of I'm going to agree with most everybody here. Playing in a band/with others is the biggest factor in my book.
For me personally. Moving to a 6 string bass has forced me to grow noticeably. It forces both hands to be more accurate, to be more cognizant of ringing open strings and the necessity of left hand muting, also it's great way to force yourself to introduce yourself to things like chord theory. Let's face it, most everyone who buys a 6 looks to utilize those extra strings. So questions like "Can I phrase the progression somewhere else?" or "How and where else could I do this little fill," or even "I wonder if I could play this guitar line on a bass...within reason....?" became very front and center to me.
Now of course, all that can apply to a regular 4string bass as well, so a 6 is not a must, but I was well aware of those questions, possibilities and necessities before I picked up a 6, but switching over proved to be a catalyst...it forced me to confront those topics and I've come out the other side (more or less) a better players because of it. As always....still lots of work to go.
For me personally. Moving to a 6 string bass has forced me to grow noticeably. It forces both hands to be more accurate, to be more cognizant of ringing open strings and the necessity of left hand muting, also it's great way to force yourself to introduce yourself to things like chord theory. Let's face it, most everyone who buys a 6 looks to utilize those extra strings. So questions like "Can I phrase the progression somewhere else?" or "How and where else could I do this little fill," or even "I wonder if I could play this guitar line on a bass...within reason....?" became very front and center to me.
Now of course, all that can apply to a regular 4string bass as well, so a 6 is not a must, but I was well aware of those questions, possibilities and necessities before I picked up a 6, but switching over proved to be a catalyst...it forced me to confront those topics and I've come out the other side (more or less) a better players because of it. As always....still lots of work to go.
The thing that did the most for me was moving from a rigid, note for note rote situation where any deviation would result in a noticeable band crash and burn, to a situation were you met your band mates (many for the first time) a half hour before the show and had no set list or other plan beyond following the BL's lead. Where the BL will play a chord and that's the key to the next song, and the rest is on you. It forces you to develop communication with your bandmates on stage and develops your ear like nothing else i've ever experienced.
For me it was learning to play in the open position. I was trying to play Slither by Velvet Revolver in a closed position and I couldn't do it so I was forced to use open strings. It was kind of a eureka moment discovering how much easier it was to play that way once I got used to the idea.
Practice.
Every day.
Even if it's just picking up the bass for 15-20 minutes if you don't have time for hours of woodshedding everyday. As long as you are practicing/playing every day, it is beneficial, not detrimental.
Every day.
Even if it's just picking up the bass for 15-20 minutes if you don't have time for hours of woodshedding everyday. As long as you are practicing/playing every day, it is beneficial, not detrimental.
That's where kids would either thrive, or crash and burn in jazz band in HS. You are in an environment where you mechanically practice daily as a group. You are in competition for your chair. If you crash and burn bc you aren't putting in individual practice + tutoring you will not get a coveted spot to solo.
Many people will hide and never try past the initial failures and humiliation of being called on daily to play your part. They will just want to get through it and not deal with the pressure of being 1st chair, if even it's 1st chair 2nd.
Then you get to frantically hone yourself while the teacher throws purposefully crap changes at you for 15 minutes on challenge day.
Putting down the horn, and picking up a bass was easy, almost decompressing from music.
It cannot be emphasized enough the value of playing live with other humans, in front of other humans. Headphones in your bedroom may make you feel like a gawd, but live reaction (good or bad) will hone you like a knife making you a better player. At least it does me.
Recording. It shone a blazing light on just how sloppy I had always been.
Anybody who wants a good reality check on how good a player they really are needs to try to play their songs into audacity or pro tools or whatever's there. The recording doesn't lie.
Anybody who wants a good reality check on how good a player they really are needs to try to play their songs into audacity or pro tools or whatever's there. The recording doesn't lie.
- Sep 4, 2010
- 3,304
- 2,730
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: Martin Keith Guitars
Playing with focus every day, (even if only for 15 mins)
Selling my soul at those crossroads in Mississippi really seems to have made the difference.
1. Joining a new band and having to learn ~30 new songs in a couple of weeks before the first gig.
2. Being in a different band where the drummer was a much better musician than me - that inspired me to get better.
3. Studying some new cool lessons off Youtube.
4. Learning some creative bass lines, such as those by Nate Watts, Nathan Phillips, or Justin Chancellor.
2. Being in a different band where the drummer was a much better musician than me - that inspired me to get better.
3. Studying some new cool lessons off Youtube.
4. Learning some creative bass lines, such as those by Nate Watts, Nathan Phillips, or Justin Chancellor.
working with an excellent drummer.
when I started playing with drummers that are well versed in different time signatures.
Playing lots of classics with different tempos and such, and dude kept great time, made it so I never really worried about what he was gonna do next, and put more thought into where I should be on bass to make it a nice rhythm section. Really helped me play better, to be part of a unit, and still show off my chops when appropriate.
when I started playing with drummers that are well versed in different time signatures.
Playing lots of classics with different tempos and such, and dude kept great time, made it so I never really worried about what he was gonna do next, and put more thought into where I should be on bass to make it a nice rhythm section. Really helped me play better, to be part of a unit, and still show off my chops when appropriate.
It's probably be said already, but playing with musicians better than myself.
