Hot Tub

In no particular order: Cliff Williams Geddy Lee Roger Glover Jack Bruce Paul McCartney (only just beginning to realise & appreciate what this guy actually did!) And, of course, John McCoy. Yes, I know that's six....

And here we are again! Thanks guys, seriously, your support and encouragement are once again absolutely amazing! Looks like the little Ashdown will be the box of choice then. The "gig" is on Wednesday evening, so I'll definitely report back afterwards; probably Thursday morning! The guy I'm playing with has had me do the bass for one of his songs in the studio, and I'm lined up for a couple more, so yes, I must be doing something right! Bilbo - Are we married? You sound EXACTLY like my wife! Are you my wife??? Seriously though, Bilbo and everyone else, THANK-YOU. BassChat is amazing!

Well, it's been almost exactly a year since I first played live to an audience at Mrs HT's 40th birthday. Some of you may remember the tales of woe, followed by massive encouragement, followed by joyous success which I posted on this forum at the time. (See my sig for the link, but only if you have some time on your hands!). Anyhoo, having been jamming a bit recently with a mate who's a hugely talented singer/songwriter/guitarist, I've decided to take the plunge again and play at an open mic night in one of the local pubs, along with said mate. We went a couple of months ago just to suss it out, and it's very folk-oriented although the organiser is perfectly happy for people to play absolutely anything. Thing is, my talented mate doesn't really do covers; it's all originals, so the plan is that we're gonna do three of his songs. Now it's only going to be acoustic guitars, possibly a flute, possibly a fiddle - my bass will be the only electric instrument there. No mics, no PA, nothing. Totally acoustic. To me, this means that the bass will be under an even bigger microscope than "normal". That and the aforementioned fact that we'll be doing originals, which is nine miles out of my comfort zone, means that I'm back to practising like crazy and filling my undercrackers on a regular basis! I have details of the songs - chords, progressions, fills, etc - that we've been playing around with. The actual playing of the songs isn't my question here. Sorry to take so long to get to it! My question/issue is: The performers who were there before (and who most likely will be again) are highly talented pro or semi-pro musicians. They have albums! Which you can buy! In shops! I'm worried that I'm just gonna look like a d!ck. Is this normal? Am I being paranoid? And on a gear note, I don't know whether to take my 3x10" MarkBass combo, or my little Ashdown Perfect10. One is sublime, the other ridiculous, but I'm not sure which is which!?!? Any advice, pointers, experiences, muppetry, gratefully received!

That is very, very, good indeed! Lovely sound, very nice smooth technique. Impressive!

I thought you said there were gig pics...??? All I see is several rather... oh... wait... yup, got it now.

This is really awkward. I don't think I'm particularly good; always trying to learn more songs, improve my technique, learn more theory, etc., etc. But everyone who's heard me play thinks I'm pretty damn good. However I firmly believe that the best and most honest compliments are the ones we get from other musicians, and I frequently get compliments, whether it's at an impromptu jam, or when I've been "working" with a local singer/songwriter who specifically wanted me to play on his tracks. So, in summary, I don't think I'm as good as other people say I am, but I'm probably better than I imagine. My head hurts.

I love SHA. Easy to play, downright hard to get spot-on. My 2p..... Tempo is critical; too fast ruins it. And just as important, you have to be absolutely LOCKED to the drums. It's the bassline of this song that makes people want to dance. If you ain't feeling it, then you ain't playing it right. (Probably applies to a lot of things, aksherly! )

Just going back to the OP briefly, this is something I've also noticed with some older tracks. I always wondered if they tuned to something other than "standard" A=440Hz? Just a few Hz either way can make a really annoying difference! Most modern tuners can be calibrated to anything from A=430 to A=450

[quote name='neilb' post='1036895' date='Nov 25 2010, 08:35 PM']Do you mean the "climb any mountain,do anything" bit? If so that is over the V - minor VI of whatever key your playing it in.[/quote] Exactly what I needed - many thanks! Will give it a shot....

Would anyone happen to have a transcription of the bass line for this? Or even just a chord chart so I can figure it out? Got the main theme/riff no problem, but the bridge/chorus(?) sections are unfathomable. Any help much appreciated!

Just finalised a swap of effects pedals with Pete. Top chap, very knowledgeable, absolute pleasure.

You mean like [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=104736&hl=hot+tub"]this one[/url]?

It's the answer to life, the universe, and everythning! Hope your gig is awesome!

I'd love them to tour with the old stuff - 2112, Hemispheres, Farewell To Kings, etc. Yes, yes, Rockosaurus, I know....

Is that a pint of water on there? Hmmmm.... what could possibly go wrong....?

Watched one of them "countdown" things, just all the best known songs of the eighties. Me & Mrs HT, we had a laugh, we cringed, but god we enjoyed it! So many memories.... But... say what you like about that awful decade, but some of the music - bass especially - was outstanding! A helluva lot better than the cr@p we're fed as "mainstream" now!

That James Bond theme is fab! Thanks for posting!

[quote name='Merton' post='874792' date='Jun 22 2010, 08:15 PM']Definitely A. The first two times. Then F, G, Ab, A, Bb, A, Ab, G, Bb, C [/quote] Wot he said.