McCartneys Bass Technique?

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:54 am

Peter, I'll go away, I "won't bother you"
Some one here mentioned that they thought "All My Lovin" would be hard to play and sing at the same time, I don't think so, it's got a regular beat and just chugs along. I find if I really know the bass part well to the point of where I don't have to think about it, then it comes easy. I have trouble with odd time signatures, or syncopated lines if they are different than the vocal line. (I really respect Geddy Lee in that respect, I could never play and sing like he does, (actually I wouldn't want to sing like he does)... just a joke!

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:56 am

Scott

Macca uses alternate picking quite frequently, but on Walrus, all you can see is index/middle finger plucking. The video keeps switching around to various shots.

Jerry-
I'll have to check the "sitting in an english garden" shot....I'm not sure if you can see him playing at that point....mostly just the guys rolling their eyes and swaying back and forth....

;^)

iamthebassman · Post by **iamthebassman** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:14 am

I agree with Bob, AML is easy to play and sing if you know the bass part. I just concentrate on the lyrics and my hands do what they're "programmed" to. And I too have problems with singing while playing syncopated bass lines. Practice is the only way. "Blood and Roses" by The Smithereens was fun to sing and play back in the 80s.
I figure the reason Paul is not using a pick in the "Walrus" video is simply that he didn't bring one to the set, but who knows. Sounds like a pick on the record to me.

gt40graham · Post by **gt40graham** » Sun May 02, 2004 2:56 am

I think that nowadays, especially live, Macca uses a pick but, I have him on DVD using his thumb!!!!!!!!!