Which version of the riff sounds best?

[Dr. Cheese]

I finally decided to learn this song; which version of the main riff sounds best?

 

[SteveCS]

Cool! I think a mix of both would be even more interesting, Doc. So play the main riff in the lower position (frets 2/3) per the first example, then go up to the higher position per the second example for the high phrase of the riff. For even more variety and oomph, I would also consider playing the high phrase riff on the E/A strings up on the 13th/15th frets (think Marcus' riff at the end of the first chorus of 'Just the Two of Us'). Wind your tone back a bit, turn on your compressor and hit the high riff real hard...

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Cool! I think a mix of both would be even more interesting, Doc. So play the main riff in the lower position (frets 2/3) per the first example, then go up to the higher position per the second example for the high phrase of the riff. For even more variety and oomph, I would also consider playing the high phrase riff on the E/A strings up on the 13th/15th frets (think Marcus' riff at the end of the first chorus of 'Just the Two of Us'). Wind your tone back a bit, turn on your compressor and hit the high riff real hard...

Thanks! I need a band to go with all of that with it!

 

[Riff Ranger]

Further up the neck sounds and looks cooler; lower position sounds more consistent and looks easier. I suspect they would sound similar enough in a band setting that I would recommend going with what feels best.

 

[Wasnex]

Lower on the neck is way cleaner and consistent.

The second version has a gliss. AFAIK the gliss is not part of the original lick. If you think it sounds cool, play it in. However, if your going to play the song live, it will clash with the guitar unless they add the gliss as well.

 

[mambo4]

The first one seems closer to what Doug Wimbish is doing, as far as fret positions.

Doug Wimbish basically keeps his left hand shape a barre at the 3rd fret using only his index and pinkly,
He slides his left hand down to hit those 2nd fret E notes .
In this performance he also occasionally uses the low open E instead the octave on 2nd fret D string
As a consequence is left hand fingers move a bit less than yours.
I think that helps him get the speed. That and a skinny neck.

I'm not saying you ought to do it this way instead, jus try it out and choose which works for you.
Experimenting with different choices is fun after all.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Riff 1 for me because I wanna hear that midrangy scream that’s typical of a jazz bass.

(Maybe I should mention I’m a Geddy Lee fan !)

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The first one seems closer to what Doug Wimbish is doing, as far as fret positions.
View attachment 7262130

Doug Wimbish basically keeps his left hand shape a barre at the 3rd fret using only his index and pinkly,
He slides his left hand down to hit those 2nd fret E notes .
In this performance he also occasionally uses the low open E instead the octave on 2nd fret D string
As a consequence is left hand fingers move a bit less than yours.
I think that helps him get the speed. That and a skinny neck.

I'm not saying you ought to do it this way instead, jus try it out and choose which works for you.
Experimenting with different choices is fun after all.

I feel halfway smart since I am using a barre like Doug Wimbish.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

The lower position sounds better, although there's no 'B' note in there. The note sequence should be, obviously played quickly, G-F-D-G-E,
G-F-D-G-E-E for the riff.

Muzz absolutely kills it here:

 

[Pep]

Lower on the neck sounds better and more consistent to me.

 

[Thundar]

Definitely lower on the neck
....and on a Spector! ...But Muzz just tears it up in the video Smooth Bass posted! Love 'em both! Those two guys were huge influences on me

 

[JimmyM]

The lower position sounds better, although there's no 'B' note in there. The note sequence should be, obviously played quickly, G-F-D-G-E,
G-F-D-G-E-E for the riff.

Muzz absolutely kills it here:

Ya, replace that B with a G, Doc.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Ya, replace that B with a G, Doc.

Yes Sir!