Blademan_98

[quote name='JPS' post='1152564' date='Mar 7 2011, 03:09 PM']Thanks for the interesting answers guys, especially liked the idea of getting away from merely running the shapes and trying to play them and use them in a more musical fashion (I'm certainly guilty of merely running through the same shapes and patterns). Would you also include major and minor pentatonic and blues scales in lists of really useful scales (plus maybe mixolydian and dorian)? My next question is why do you practise scales? Is it for increased dexterity, greater knowledge of the fretboard, as a source of musical ideas for improvisation/solos etc? Is it essential to practise them i.e. if you don't improvise or solo etc?[/quote] I use them to retain the knowledge of note position and to help with fluid motion. I also find them good for warming up before a long session. Major minor and blues are for me a must :-)

[quote name='Bilbo' post='1152283' date='Mar 7 2011, 10:28 AM']I struggle to get past the idea that playing other people's stuff the way they played it is just pretending - one step up from a tennis racquet in front of the mirror. Tribute bands are just like taking the tennis racquet out in public - [/quote] Yep i will be taking my tennis racquet out next week :-) Look out for the violin shaped sunburst racquet :-)

[quote name='paul_5' post='1152019' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:54 PM']in today's market, about £8 [/quote] Let's make it an auction. £10 from the blademan. Oh er we might turn into the bay

Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend Just have to keep up with the practicing!

[quote name='thebrig' post='1151958' date='Mar 6 2011, 10:11 PM']First thing I'm going to do is install windows7, 64 bit version, after speaking to a few computer boffins, they seem to think it should make a big difference to the performance, and it would allow me to add another 2GB of RAM if needed.[/quote] Does your hardware support the extra ram? The OS will but thats only if the motherboard can take it. Just something you may wish to research before purchasing.

After reading other threads on here about scales, I have been trying a lot harder to run the notes rather than patterns. It suddenly falls into place and helps with getting a good variation in playing. As to which scales I practice, it's Major and Minor as stated with a blues scale to get me smiling

+1 on that If I am looking for inspiration I just let youtube to the hard work

I agree, buying all that for your laptop when there are so many dedicated rigs around. I started by buying a Korg D16. You can only record 8 tracks at a time but that is ok with me. I have recorded a full band 'live' with that and dumped down to a cd. I am hoping to upgrade to a more modern system soon (with usb for data transfer). I prefer to edit on a PC for ease of use but love just taking a single box along to record with. Blademan

Who is throwing buns? I agree a well rehearsed band playing anything is good. Just because they are playing all the songs from one band doesn't mean they can't be good. runs and ducks behind huge orange cab!

+1 to the above Good luck

[quote name='hellothere' post='1151040' date='Mar 5 2011, 11:17 PM']P.S What is the Pivot technique?[/quote] The best explanation is in the video but to sum it up: You play one finger per fret but (keeping the wrist straight) you move the fingers instead of stretching. It keeps the movement natural and doesn't cause stress to the wrist or fingers.

Welcome to the forum!

Oh yes! I shall sit with my Sue Ryder bass and work it baby!

Hmmmm what an interesting bass face

A very nice bass! I have just been reading the thread about not keeping your thumb in the position you mention. It has made my transition to 5 strings easier. Still, if I had a bass like that I would go back to thumb in the middle!

I have only played the cheaper versions (SRX700) but it was really good. I just couldn't justify paying the extra as I don't feel they are worth that much!

Welcome aboard

or learn to play the drums.........

I feel your pain Most of my kit is second hand but I still cherish it and don't like it to get damaged. I use a battered old workhorse for jam's etc.

That's for running between a mixer and PC. You need something like the Behringer GUITAR LINK UCG102 Guitar to USB Interface (just google it to find a supplier.) There are better than Behringer but they are ok.

[quote name='bh2' post='1150789' date='Mar 5 2011, 06:15 PM']Clothes[/quote] Ahh that's where I have been going wrong

I play in a blues band and we just wear T shirts and jeans!

I really liked those video's they were informative. I have also had wrist problems and found it was my thumb position (both guitar and bass). One finger per fret is also my aim put I use the pivot method because I have small hands Great topic and very informative.

You can damage amps and speakers by constantly plugging / unplugging while the gain / volume is turned up. It shortens it's life span. It may not blow there and then but it will do long term damage. Besides which, it sounds awful