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X-Drummer

Discussion in 'General Instruction [BG]' started by keithconn, Nov 13, 2001.

  1. Nov 13, 2001 #1
    keithconn

    keithconn

    Nov 9, 2001
    Long Island - NY
    Hey Everyone!

    Just thought I would chime in. I am an x-drummer(10years) who has decided on playing the bass. I have always had a facination with the instrument. I would be in the studio playing(the drums) and thinking that I couldn't wait to listen to the bass player dig in. So why not start playing myself.

    I was wondering - At what point/ level of knowledge/ playing ability/ etc ... would you suggest starting to play with others? I am too old to hang around with H.S. kids in a garage after school, but need years to get to the level of entering the studio and wanting people to play with me. Tough call ... What would you suggest that I learn in order to prepare so that people will be interested in me as a bassist?

    Thanks so much!
    Peace - Keith.
     
  2. Nov 13, 2001 #2
    cafepurgatory

    cafepurgatory

    May 20, 2001
    Tulsa, Oklahoma
    Speaking as a recovering drummer myself, I'd say however long enough it takes to realize that you don't blay this bass with your feet. That one took me some time. ;)

    Welcome to the board.
     
  3. Nov 13, 2001 #3
    Christopher

    Christopher

    Apr 28, 2000
    New York, NY
    Welcome, X-drummer, to the land of pitch. To start, I would recommend that you learn the bass parts of songs you already know how to play on the drums. (If you've been playing, say, Tribal Tech stuff though, I pity you.) Most gigging sidemen I've met aren't technical monsters; they just know how to groove and support whoever stands front and center. If you can play Sheryl Crow songs with good rhythmic feel and no mistakes, you're as good as many who have taken the stage. Good luck.
     
  4. Nov 13, 2001 #4
    SuperDuck

    SuperDuck

    Sep 26, 2000
    Wisconsin
    Well, when you're just starting, it doesn't matter WHO you're playing with, but the fact that you are playing with other people. Practicing by yourself is a essential to being a good bass player, however, it's my opinion that experience with other musicians is necessary to go anywhere. Just jam with a few friends and whoever you can find every now and again, and eventually word will get around that you play bass. We're always in demand, which is nice. :D

    So, essentially I'm saying play with others as soon as possible.
     
  5. Nov 15, 2001 #5
    Son of Spam

    Son of Spam Guest

    Jun 28, 2001
    Moreno Valley, California (thats SoCal for you)
    Well, your a drummer, and one that respects a bass player so you have a start.

    Try not to be too offended by the drummer jokes we have in here ;)

    Your off to a good start if you have groove/a sense of rythem. Thats probably the most important thing a bass player can have. Alot of people can hit straight 8th/16th notes, but you dont' really see em making ground breaking music.

    Well, since you say your in a studio, that would make you in a band/gigging with other people/jamming.

    When you jam ask someone if you can grab hold of the bass. First make sure before you know your harmony/theory basics, a few major riffs, you know your roots, and just play simple stuff.

    Get with people you can trust. Find a guitar player (yes I said guitar) and just hit roots for him, make up rythems, have fun with it.
     
  6. Nov 16, 2001 #6
    keithconn

    keithconn

    Nov 9, 2001
    Long Island - NY
    Thanks again -

    I actually went 'full bore' into the bass. Sold my drums, and got a nice bass for 1/2 the price(neck thru Carlo Robelli)! Not bad, huh?

    I have been at it night after night learning scales, modes, notes, and a couple of songs(that are easy to hear). I am confident that I will be playing with some people soon enough, but I naturally feel that I am missing some inside info by not taking lessons($$) ... I learned that from playing the drums, where my teachers would have these tips that are not in any books and would make a world of difference.

    Well thats that. Your right though - having a background in drums has helped SO MUCH! I am able to count without thinking about it, and the groove comes much faster when learning things.

    Thanks again -
    K.
     
  7. Nov 16, 2001 #7
    Son of Spam

    Son of Spam Guest

    Jun 28, 2001
    Moreno Valley, California (thats SoCal for you)
    The rythem is everything. Listen to old funk. They don't play alot of notes, nor get very complicated, yet they got the GROOVE!!!!!!

    And Groove power is what makes "What Is Hip?" Hip!