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ambient

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Posts posted by ambient

  1. [quote name='JoeEvans' timestamp='1475397412' post='3145540']
    My theory is that too much technical ability doesn't make for a good bass player. People who can play lots of notes very quickly on a bass tend to do so at every opportunity, which isn't especially effective or enjoyable.
    You can play this bassline with one finger on each hand but it sticks in your head forever.
    [media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaRXtLX4sMk[/media]
    [/quote]

    Anthony Jackson, Matt Garrison, Michael Manring, Janek Gwizdala, Lawrence Cottle, instantly spring to mind as being players with amazing technical ability, who use it only when needed.

    Personally, I'd rather have the ability and use it when required, than not have it.

    I've personally always strived to be the best player and musician that I can be. Consequently I studied with some great players and teachers.I'd practice for hours and hours, maybe 30 or 40 hours a week. Then went to uni and did a music degree.

    In life I'd rather set my goals high, I may not ever reach them, but I'd achieve more than if I just settled on being average. That's just me though.

  2. I don't understand what learning material you'd want to be honest. I'd recommend just practicing 2 octave scales across the bass, ascending and descending, saying the notes to yourself as you play. Maybe harmonise the scales, so play the arpeggios ascending and descending. Use the notes on the B string.

    Really get to know your way around the bass.

    I play the low E, F, F#, G and G# starting at the 5th fret on the B string. I only use them on the E string if I'm down that way. So maybe just think about positions.

    Just play the bass as much as possible.

    Don't just use the B string as a thumb rest, that's just totally dumb, in my opinion :).

  3. [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1475333875' post='3145141']
    Just had a listen - On that intro bar, the pick up with Bass, Guitar and Drums starts on the 'and' or 'up' of three. So a count of 1.2.3 should work.
    If everyone was to come in on four, they will be a 8th/half a beat out.
    Even without listening to the above track, the Drum chart you posted is pretty much the same as the one I posted - Starts on the 'and of three', unless we taking at cross purposes?
    If so, ignore my drivel. :)
    [/quote]

    Same as my chart then, with the anacrusis of three 8th notes.

  4. I studied violin at school for 3 years, having lessons every week. Then switched to guitar because it was a far cooler instrument to play. I used to try and smuggle my violin in and out of school without anyone seeing it :).

    I had classical guitar lessons for a time, then switched to bass. I taught myself for a while, I already knew the notes on the fretboard from playing guitar, but taught myself bass clef. I wrongly assumed that when I started playing with bands, I'd be given charts to read. It never occurred to me that you could play any other way.

    After a while I started having private lessons at a place in Acton called Basstech, then studied privately with one of the tutors there.

  5. Two octave major and minor, all over the neck, ascending and descending. Harmonise them too, again ascending and descending, go up on the one, then down on the next etc. So start and ascend on a major arpeggio, descend on the minor. All good practice, try and get away from playing patterns.

  6. As has been said already, fingers slightly bent, and use your fingertips.

    Though, like I keep saying to my one student who's 79. Technique has developed over time, what I use and show him is something to aim for, however, if due to physical problems you can't do that, then do what you can.

  7. [quote name='ixlramp' timestamp='1474898419' post='3141339']
    Indeed, however no set creates a balanced tone because the strings are different gauges. What is meant is 'an optimum change in tone across a set' and that is subjective. For me it's best with tension falling from low to high, for many it's the opposite.
    [/quote]

    That's how I like it too. I use piccolo strings on my fretless 6 for solo stuff. I want the high C to feel looser.

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