Cicero

Thanks all 😃

20 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

If somebody was looking for an argument they've plecked the right topic.

I see what you did there 😉

31 minutes ago, EssentialTension said:

Or it's plectrum, or pick, or flatpick ... you can call it what you like.

That's right, The Mascara Snake.

Some more really good suggestions I will definitely be adding to my list 😎

Glad to see mentions of Stevie W - he's one of my all time favourite artists. I've picked up Superstitious by ear (none of the online tabs I've found seemed quite right to me) and really enjoy playing that one. Sir Duke definitely seems as though it will be a challenge!

9 hours ago, Duarte said:

Such precision. Joe Dart is wonderful.

I gave Dean Town a go, and the best I could do was get just past the first verse  Notice the well placed fade out.

 

Tell ya what, a short scale bass is useful for this kinda stuff.

Great effort!

Some great suggestions! I'll definitely be working on a number of these 😎

The first RTF tune I ever heard was Vulcan Worlds... Blew me away.

And Clarke's playing, mind-blowing.

I was never really a fan of his solo stuff, however.

Howdy Folks

As the title suggests, if you were to pick 5 tunes to help build overall good technique, what would you choose?

These may be 'ability' dependent, but sometimes even the most simple of things are neglected... Either way, suggest ahead.

As it goes, I've no idea where to rate myself ability-wise as I am only in my second week of focused bass practice, but have years of guitar playing behind me.

As an indication, I am working my way through a bunch of Jamiroquai tunes and have pretty much nailed the likes of Too Young To Die and Manifest Destiny note for note - just need to clean them up a little in terms of 'articulation'.

What other tunes would be good to really nail?

5 hours ago, roceci said:

Hi mate. Is your proper name Cicero? Only asking as it's my surname and there ain't too many of us about in the UK (assuming you're from the UK like!)

Unfortunately not... 

3 hours ago, josie said:

Welcome! I'd definitely support getting at least a few lessons. When I started (guitar at first) I thought I'd be able to pick it up from books and YouTube, but went nowhere, and would have given up if I hadn't found a good teacher. We're still working together four years later, and he's still supporting and pushing me. I wouldn't be playing in a band now without him. 

I like the fact that you are actually a cat.

I shall take your advice based on that alone.

Thanks All

Been loving just having the time to work through pieces, and am actually seeing slight improvements each day.

It might help if I actually got some sleep though. This bass playing business is time consuming stuff... Nice to be inspired to play with this level of enthusiasm again.

Greetings folks

Despite having played guitar for many a year, I've always wanted to become a proficient bass player.

Unfortunately, I have, perhaps, only around a total an entire weekend's worth of playing time on the instrument, so, needless to say, I am a total beginner.

Having guitar playing experience is a bonus... It's also a hindrance as it's clear changing my mindset and approach to playing is an important starting point, especially with getting the basics right.

I've decided I will actually get lessons to begin with, just to get me off on the right track - something I never did with guitar.

My first query is around thumb position... Should I be anchoring it against another string, or should my entire hand be floating? Not sure which to commit myself to trying seeing as both seem to have pros and cons. I've noticed my playing seems very 'quiet' and lacks the conviction I want it to. Again this may be down to technique and the fact that I'm just not used to playing with my fingers this way. I have resisted using a pick. Advice?

Whilst I have modest goals, if I can at some point play Havona (one of my favourite tunes) I'll be more than happy 😎

In true 'putting the cart in front of the horse style' I bought myself a new P Bass (Fender Player), despite having an old Washburn gathering dust in a case somewhere: