Doddy

[quote name='Oscar South' post='196773' date='May 11 2008, 10:41 PM']Actually, I used to live on funk from Parliament to C2B3 to Chili Peppers to Mr. Bungle and whatever else, pretty much the full spectrum.[/quote] There's your problem-C2B3,Chili's and Mr. Bungle aren't really funk.I'd class these bands as being rock. Check out some Sly Stone or Tower of Power for some real 'old school' funk.Or,for something more modern,listen to Galactic.They groove like there's no tomorrow. In regard to the 'funk gimmicks'-you should be able to groove and let the music 'breath' when slapping.You don't have to just play typical octave/minor 7th licks.It's a technique to produce a different sound,and it shouldn't affect your choice of notes or your groove.

I've done quite a bit of pit work-including Full Monty-and have come across the hearing loop buzz a couple of times. I've found that you are more likely to be affected by the loop if the band is set up in front of the stage in a makeshift pit.In these cases,I usually end up working my volume pedal like mad,because the buzz is normally inaudible when playing,so just cut the signal off when theres no note to be played(even between notes if necessary) Hope this helps a bit,and good luck on the show-its a great bass chair.

With all due respect,I'm am going to say that I honestly believe that John Entwhistle is the most over-rated bassist(sorry neilb). Based on the fact that he was voted 'Bassist of the millenium',automatically makes him-in my opinion- seriously over-rated.

I totally agree....You don't have to hit the changes. Try and think melodically. If that involves singing an idea into a recorder and then learning it,thats great. Then,as you become more comfortable,try to improvise on what you have learned and gradually expand your on your original ideas. Also,listen to what your guitarist plays in his solo-it may give you some reference as to what to play in your's.

I'm going to have to slightly disagree,as I love playing on my own and practicing. As great and important as it is to actually play with others there is so much to be done when playing alone. I don't see any reason to get bored when playing to slower tempo backing tracks. Concentrate on things like note lengh and vibrato,or try substituting the root for other chord tones. There's no end of things you can try to keep even the slowest of tunes interesting.

Bryan Beller-He did some great work in the '90's with 'Z',but has really kicked ass with Mike Keneally an Steve Vai over the last few years. Bryan's solo album 'View' is the best bassist-lead album for years and his column in 'Bass Player' is worth the price of the magazine.

Assuming you are plucking the strings over the ramp,the reason it will sound warmer is because you have to play with a lighter touch,which will give you a warmer/fatter sound than when you dig in.

I agree with you for the most part. You don't need to be the greatest technichian in the world,but if you want to play a petricular phrase and you can't physically do it,you obviously need to work on the technical side of things.That's where columns by players like Janek are important. For what it's worth,I've practised exercises like these for upto 8-10 hours a day,and currently play mostly cover and jazz gigs. I feel that all of the technique that I personally studied has made it a whole lot easier for me to do the gigs I do,as I don't have to worry whether or not I can physically pull off certain things. That's just me though.

My only problem with using familier melodies to learn intervals,is that it can become difficult to break away from. If you are improvising a solo for example,and hear a phrase in your head you don't really have time to think of 'over the rainbow' or whatever. I would advise breaking scales up into individual intervals-eg. I-II,I-III,I-IV...etc. That way you are hearing the intervals by themselves as opposed to in a song context.

I really don't understand some peoples perspectives sometimes(no one particular-just in general). If you really love your instrument(in this case the Bass)and strive to be a better player,why would you dismiss articles such as Janek's? Learning to play exercises such as these can only help you to improve as a player. If you want to play straight 8 rock,country or whatever,thats great,but don't dismiss the more technical side of the instrument and vice versa. Remember,you never hear anyone complain that they [u]know[/u] how to play something!

Some good advice all around,but theres a couple of things I would like to mention. It is possible to get a decent bass for under a grand-just like an electric,you should play as many as you can,and get the one that feels and sounds the best for you,regardless of the price. Also,while being self taught is totally cool,you should really think about taking some lessons,especially if you want to work with the bow.

Hi guys So,to answer some of your questions, 1- I live in Leek(well,Cheddleton really). 2- I have way to much gear,but mostly use either a Roscoe LG-3005,a '91 Tobias 6-string,Fender Jazz and a Clifton electric upright(there's another 10 that I can't be bothered to list!). Amp-wise,I, using a Genz-Benz Neopak 3.5 with a Bergantino HT410. I've also got a load of pedals and stuff. 3- I've been working mainly as a session man lately,playing shows and things,but have also done the Tribute band thing. 4- errrrrrr....................Vale. Paul

So, i'm new here and do't want to come across as a prat,but I must have my two pence worth. Pushing the boundaries of bass playing has nothing to do with the number of strings on your instrument. If a player is unimaginative on a 4 string,he/she will be just as unimaginative on a 6,7or 9 string. There is still an unlimited number of things to be done on the 4 string-all it takes is for people to explore some of these possibilities.

Hey there. So I've finally decided to register on basschat. My names Paul and I've been a professional Bass player for the last 8 years. I don't really know what else to say. Any Questions? Paul