I started with a few lessons ... then I learned by ear ... then I studied some theory in college ... these days I try to avoid sheet music and tabs for the most part ... I try to play from the right side of the brain ... I like to play accents to the vocals and play off of the beat sometimes ... I also have a style which is part "in the pocket" solid bass playing and part lead guitar on bass ...
As per technique ... for the right hand I started with the Mel Bay thumb plucking method, then i learned to play with a pick, then 2 finger plucking, then I learned thumb slapping and the Entwistle typewriter method ... for the left hand I use the 1st, 2nd, and 4th fingers mostly ... my 3rd finger doesn't get used too much ...
I study the bass playing of Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee and John Wetton for style and technique ...
no amount of schooling can make up for a lack of talent and no amount of talent can make up for a lack of practicing ...
Rick 4003s Lessons or Self Taught?
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sabbath_of_bass
- Intermediate Member
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Been taking lessons from day one. Which is good because it taught me alot of theory and form. As well as introduced me into a whole world that I had no clue about. But Lessons are basically like advice. We can study one thing in the lessons and while studying that ill work on some other stuff. So I guess its all half and half. I dont know.
As far as playing... My forms basically correct. Actually really good from what I told. My main flaw is I draw my hand to far away from the fret board and from the strings (plucking hand). Taking up to much time and if your on a fretless or standup thats bad. So Iv had to work on that one. As far as the actually style, that all comes thanks to Chip. Watching him, and the things he made me learn. Lots of Rush, Steely Dan, Philosopher kings. Alot of groove stuff that I taught me alot of finger stuff. And on certain stuff I use my thump alot. I guess kinda like a Banjo or something.
Pick stlye I mainly learned from what chip told me about it and from playing a ton of yes. A little King's X too. But I mean... who better to learn picking from then Chris Squire.
Slap is a work in progress but mostly from excersizes, advice and a little help from playing Fleas stuff.
I normally play whatever sounds best for the song or is the funnest to play for the song.
As far as playing... My forms basically correct. Actually really good from what I told. My main flaw is I draw my hand to far away from the fret board and from the strings (plucking hand). Taking up to much time and if your on a fretless or standup thats bad. So Iv had to work on that one. As far as the actually style, that all comes thanks to Chip. Watching him, and the things he made me learn. Lots of Rush, Steely Dan, Philosopher kings. Alot of groove stuff that I taught me alot of finger stuff. And on certain stuff I use my thump alot. I guess kinda like a Banjo or something.
Pick stlye I mainly learned from what chip told me about it and from playing a ton of yes. A little King's X too. But I mean... who better to learn picking from then Chris Squire.
Slap is a work in progress but mostly from excersizes, advice and a little help from playing Fleas stuff.
I normally play whatever sounds best for the song or is the funnest to play for the song.
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lyle_from_minneapolis
- Advanced Member
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- Joined: Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:13 pm
I'm an "ear" guy, I just hear it. I took four guitar lessons in 10th grade that wasted my time. I learned chords from chord books and immediately started adapting them to songs I knew. This make me a lousy teacher.
However, learning music theory in high school was a revelation. It's important to be able to name all these keys and chords and modes. The Beatles used to frustrate every session player who came to help, because they could only communicate their ideas by humming the notes. Session horn players especially tend to get bent out of shape if the parts aren't written out for them properly.
I had been a guitar player, primarily acoustic, for over ten years before I found a bass to use for my home recordings. I never got the hang of "walking with my fingers from above," I've always used a pick. I used to take some criticism for that when I was in a band, but McCartney and Squire picked too, so ppppbbbth.
However, learning music theory in high school was a revelation. It's important to be able to name all these keys and chords and modes. The Beatles used to frustrate every session player who came to help, because they could only communicate their ideas by humming the notes. Session horn players especially tend to get bent out of shape if the parts aren't written out for them properly.
I had been a guitar player, primarily acoustic, for over ten years before I found a bass to use for my home recordings. I never got the hang of "walking with my fingers from above," I've always used a pick. I used to take some criticism for that when I was in a band, but McCartney and Squire picked too, so ppppbbbth.
Here is where I hide my music:
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
http://www.soundclick.com/MarkKaufman
I've been playing something since the age of about 4. Had almost a decade of piano lessons in the early years, which set the stage for everything else. I almost went to college for trumpet - had a decent amount of lessons on that.
When I picked up bass I took a few lessons with a friend who eventually played pro for about a decade. I hadn't been playing piano much then, bit when he started to teach me basic theory he figured out I was no novice and told me I didn't need his help, I needed to play piano.
I never took a lesson on guitar.
Lately I've been a little unhappy with my soloing skill on bass. Jeff Berlin has a music school nearby, I might look into getting a little help shoring up that sort of skill. I know I have the basics down pretty well, I probably need to be pointed the right direction to open up things.
Of course I have no idea how expensive Berlin is for individual lessons. I'm sure it isn't cheap...
Mark - isn't trombone music written in bass clef?
When I picked up bass I took a few lessons with a friend who eventually played pro for about a decade. I hadn't been playing piano much then, bit when he started to teach me basic theory he figured out I was no novice and told me I didn't need his help, I needed to play piano.
I never took a lesson on guitar.
Lately I've been a little unhappy with my soloing skill on bass. Jeff Berlin has a music school nearby, I might look into getting a little help shoring up that sort of skill. I know I have the basics down pretty well, I probably need to be pointed the right direction to open up things.
Of course I have no idea how expensive Berlin is for individual lessons. I'm sure it isn't cheap...
Mark - isn't trombone music written in bass clef?
Above e-mail is inactive. try ed_ardzinski@**** where **** is Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com. I tend to see things inthe hotmail box quicker...
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ginger_lee
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markbass99
- Intermediate Member
- Posts: 1267
- Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:23 am
Yup, trombone sure is in bass clef and I thought that could help someday but I haven't felt the need to learn. I second what Jeff said about using the 1st,2nd,and 4th fingers, when I started using my pinky, my ring finger got a lot of rest.
I started out using a pick but decided my index finger could also be used as a pick. I believe Geddy and Chuck Rainey use a similar technique of up and down strokes with the index finger. I think I read somewhere that Jamerson was telling Rainey that he was cheating because Jamerson only used up strokes with the "hook".
I started out using a pick but decided my index finger could also be used as a pick. I believe Geddy and Chuck Rainey use a similar technique of up and down strokes with the index finger. I think I read somewhere that Jamerson was telling Rainey that he was cheating because Jamerson only used up strokes with the "hook".
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001
04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
I'm kind of new as I re-started about 7 months ago...after a 20 years+ break.
I play by ear & I believe there could be a hereditary factor involved in it. Music has always been present in my father's family for generations...Even at 73 years of age, he is still part of a ``chorale`` of about 40 people.
I've progressed about 400% in the last months, so one of my guitarists says...I play everyday & read a lot to get some technical knowledge. I'm presently working on some ``contrary motions`` in an original song we do...I believe lessons could'nt hurt as they could bring technical aspects...A idea I consider...
Recently I discovered a trick that has helped me develop my ``ear``. When possible I have the radio playing in the house with a bass ready & amp running...Depending on what I do, if a song I like comes on, I just run & try to catch it as it's playing...That may sound silly but in the last 2-3 weeks I can tell you that I usually get in the line almost right on with the first 2 notes !! After I follow the basic groove...I've seen this ``1-2 first notes`` difference lately as I do this for a while now...Just a small trick that helps me...
As for musicians, I categorize them in 2 groups as I have both in the bands I play. Taking for granted the respective parts they must play in a given song, some go more with the feeling and others are more rational. The rational guy will do his part from start to finish...it's all in the head. The ``feeler`` will play his riff adjust to the ``whole music`` been played by everyone together...Like saying: a 4 piece band playing versus 4 guys playing at the same time...Very different !!
I play by ear & I believe there could be a hereditary factor involved in it. Music has always been present in my father's family for generations...Even at 73 years of age, he is still part of a ``chorale`` of about 40 people.
I've progressed about 400% in the last months, so one of my guitarists says...I play everyday & read a lot to get some technical knowledge. I'm presently working on some ``contrary motions`` in an original song we do...I believe lessons could'nt hurt as they could bring technical aspects...A idea I consider...
Recently I discovered a trick that has helped me develop my ``ear``. When possible I have the radio playing in the house with a bass ready & amp running...Depending on what I do, if a song I like comes on, I just run & try to catch it as it's playing...That may sound silly but in the last 2-3 weeks I can tell you that I usually get in the line almost right on with the first 2 notes !! After I follow the basic groove...I've seen this ``1-2 first notes`` difference lately as I do this for a while now...Just a small trick that helps me...
As for musicians, I categorize them in 2 groups as I have both in the bands I play. Taking for granted the respective parts they must play in a given song, some go more with the feeling and others are more rational. The rational guy will do his part from start to finish...it's all in the head. The ``feeler`` will play his riff adjust to the ``whole music`` been played by everyone together...Like saying: a 4 piece band playing versus 4 guys playing at the same time...Very different !!
I think it's best to have some of both, if possible.
Some self taught people come at learning & remembering a song or a passage from a different direction than what you would expect from a person who's thoroughly based in theory & proper techniques.
I guess I'm one of them.
Watching people learn parts is quite interesting.
When I try to explain how I'd do it, they don't get it.
I guess that's why I never learned much theory, it was taught in a way that is counter-intuitive to the way I remember things.
Also, a lot of people play in patterns. Geddy is definitely one of those. When you get a good feel for his patterns it's easier to learn his parts.
Some self taught people come at learning & remembering a song or a passage from a different direction than what you would expect from a person who's thoroughly based in theory & proper techniques.
I guess I'm one of them.
Watching people learn parts is quite interesting.
When I try to explain how I'd do it, they don't get it.
I guess that's why I never learned much theory, it was taught in a way that is counter-intuitive to the way I remember things.
Also, a lot of people play in patterns. Geddy is definitely one of those. When you get a good feel for his patterns it's easier to learn his parts.
Plus five minus five!
Studied trombone, almost made the Navy School of Music, picked up the bass to be in a rock band on our ship for 4 years, put it down for 20 years and picked it up again to play in church. I have taken a few lessons, not enough! One fellow used a trombone study book! My claim to fame is, I have been fortunate enough to take 6 (unfortunately due to the 94 earthquake, she moved to Colorado) lessons from Carol Kaye!
My biggest issue is chord theory and modes, being a trombonist, I was not taught this, and I am just figuring it out now!
My biggest issue is chord theory and modes, being a trombonist, I was not taught this, and I am just figuring it out now!
I started playing tuba in grade 8, and once I got to my first year of high school, the music teacher suggested that I learn bass as well, (he thought it would be more appropriate for certain pieces). An interesting offshoot of that was that not only did I learn how to read bass music, but I also learned how to play bass while reading tuba music (which is written one octave below bass music). I also started lifting popular tunes by ear, which came pretty easily to me. After high school I did one year of jazz study at Humber College in Toronto, but I didn't enjoy it much.
The ability to read has been a great advantage in that most of my gigs these days are musicals. And yes, it is possible to use a 4004LK for a production of "Cats".
The ability to read has been a great advantage in that most of my gigs these days are musicals. And yes, it is possible to use a 4004LK for a production of "Cats".
Started on Tenor Horn and lasted about a year - couldn't handle the theory at age 12. Started drums (and a little guitar) at 16, picked up bass by initially mimicing the bass player in my first band.
The bass playing didn't really take off until I bought "The Funkmasters: The Great James Brown Rhythym Sections" - wow, what an education!
But now I'm learning Trombone (yes, another one) to develop my ear and music reading. I'm being taught trombone by a jazz player so maybe some more theory will rub off on me...
The bass playing didn't really take off until I bought "The Funkmasters: The Great James Brown Rhythym Sections" - wow, what an education!
But now I'm learning Trombone (yes, another one) to develop my ear and music reading. I'm being taught trombone by a jazz player so maybe some more theory will rub off on me...
mmm...sacrilicious
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markbass99
- Intermediate Member
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- Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:23 am
The trombone is an excellent instrument to learn music on. There are a lot of bass like qualities to trombone parts, a lot of counter melody type parts and the trombone has a supporting role similar to the bass. It's a lot like a fretless bass and you have to learn the intonation of all the positions. I remember when I was 16 and played the national anthem in a band setting for the first time and was surprised that the trombone part didn't sound anything like what you're used to hearing. It's good training for learning to support the song, something a bass player has to learn to be successful. And who said you can't play chords on a trombone? Some of my best memories playing the trombone were playing Bach trios with other band members and the chord progressions were awesome.
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001
04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
I started playing when I was 16 and went right to the music I liked which was Yes, Rush, Genesis, etc. I took no lessons because I knew no one would start me out on Heart of the Sunrise. I practiced 3-7 hours a night, got in a band in my senior year and after graduation, took a left turn and played music for a living in bars while all of my contemporaries went to college. I did a tour in western Europe for the USO for three months, came back and moved to LA to take a shot at the big time. NOTE TO SELF:Moving to LA can kill a career in music. Anyway, although I did take a year of music theory in high school to satisfy a language arts credit, I was otherwise able to escape formal training. I feel that lessons would have taught me someone elses style/bad habits and kept me from learning at my own speed. Before I'd take lessons, I'd go to music school and be a studio musician or something like that. I think becoming well rounded eventually kept me from focusing on music that I really love. Jack of all trades, master of none as they say.
Rick 4003s Lessons or Self Taught?
Yer too humble Dane, You got some chops!