wind player new to bass

[SL89]

Hey all,

I'm a jazz saxophone player that recently bought a bass and want to learn! I've been messing around on it for a few months, never had a lesson.

I have a couple of technique - related questions... I tried searching the forum for beginner technique questions but a lot of them had lots of theory information. I don't need much theory info, I just finished a 4 year music degree

So here's what I CAN do
- Play major scales 1 octave comfortably
- Play major9 arpeggios comfortably
- Play little chunks of Portrait of Tracy (WAY ahead of me, I know, but learnt it for fun)
- Play chromatic scale 1 octave
- Play aeolian mode 1 octave

And here are my questions

1) Right hand muting - I mute using ring and pinky, but floating thumb looks good. I know the muting advantages of floating thumb, so what are the drawbacks?

2) What would you consider a priority technique wise on bass? What should I learn first?

3) What are some songs I should learn (I love Jaco and players like him)

4) I have a Yamaha RBX 270J with a Belcat 25B amp. Is it just me or is the amp pretty average? What's a good but cheap combo amp I could get?

I know my questions cover alot of ground, so thankyou for any advice

SL

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Hey all,

I'm a jazz saxophone player that recently bought a bass and want to learn! I've been messing around on it for a few months, never had a lesson.

I have a couple of technique - related questions... I tried searching the forum for beginner technique questions but a lot of them had lots of theory information. I don't need much theory info, I just finished a 4 year music degree

So here's what I CAN do
- Play major scales 1 octave comfortably
- Play major9 arpeggios comfortably
- Play little chunks of Portrait of Tracy (WAY ahead of me, I know, but learnt it for fun)
- Play chromatic scale 1 octave
- Play aeolian mode 1 octave

Two comments, 1) we play chord tones until we get a solo break and 2) the comment of playing little chunks of "Portrait of Tracy" - tabs and standard notation are great tools, however bands pass among themselves fake chord can you see a chord name and then have a bass line in muscle memory ready to go? We are an accompaniment instrument, scales and melody are for when we become a solo instrument (when we get the lead), so yes, get your scales down - so your fingers know the fretboard, but, then spend the same amount of time running chord tone bass lines - arpeggios. Little something on arpeggios - my bass lines seldom go to the nines. Why? R-3-5-7 and 4/4 time go hand in hand. Roots, fives and eights are generic then the correct 3 and 7 will play a lot of bass. Anything higher I leave to the other guys. We play the bottom end.

And here are my questions

1) Right hand muting - I mute using ring and pinky, but floating thumb looks good. I know the muting advantages of floating thumb, so what are the drawbacks?

Floating thumb is a good method. Sir Paul and I use our thumb to sound the notes so I use foam rubber near the bridge - like the sound it gives - and then rely upon palm mute from there. Fingers, pick or thumb that age ole question. The other guys will speak on what they use. Use the method you find to be the best for you. Notice the use of root notes then the chromatic run just before the chorus. Roots and chromatic runs to the next chord will play a lot of bass. I do, however, think the thumb on the neck should be behind the neck.

2) What would you consider a priority technique wise on bass? What should I learn first?

Our first priority is always; Root on 1. Second priority; Keep the beat. The guys rely upon us for the root and the beat.

3) What are some songs I should learn (I love Jaco and players like him)

I'm Country so I'll also leave this for others. Google up your favorites. Ultimately you want to be able to function when the director say; "The next one is Kiss Ole Kate, in G, ready 1 & 2 &....". And you have never heard Kiss Ole Kate. Back to chord tones and knowing the chord progression or being able to hear and then assume a I-IV-V. Right at first watch the rhythm guitar's hands see what chords he is playing - do likewise one note at a time.

4) I have a Yamaha RBX 270J with a Belcat 25B amp. Is it just me or is the amp pretty average? What's a good but cheap combo amp I could get?

If 25B has to do with the wattage, you are fine for practice, however, 250 + for gigs, IMHO. The low notes take more.

We play chord tones, one note at a time. Now how many of the chord's tones will depend on the song and what it takes to build a groove. Our job is to provide the beat and call attention to the next chord. That all revolves around what bass line we decide is best for this song. Most of the time no one will be handing us a sheet of music with a bass clef on it. What we do is kinda left up to us. But, first - get to know your new instrument.

Have fun.