AM1

[quote name='Marcus' post='462056' date='Apr 14 2009, 12:59 PM']I've used DR's for nearly 10 years now.... I've stopped buying them, not because of cost (although that's got out of hand lately) but because they don't shrink wrap the boxes any more.... every set of DR's i've purchased in the last year has been dead out of the packet.... Until they start shrink wrapping them again i'm not wasting my money on dead strings !! I've asked String Busters and Strings Direct to give DR this feedback, not holding my breath though Mark[/quote] Thanks for the interesting info. I wonder if that is happening to other strings too because I've had a set of D'Addarios die in a ridiculous space of time, I mean they are literally turning black now in the space of several weeks!! I have been playing a lot but that's just taking the piss! What are you using instead?

Hello, just wondering where's the cheapest place to buy DR Hi-Beams 45-105?

This is purely theoretical. The phone rings tomorrow and you get offered a slot on a tour, but you have to be able to pack a bag and leave in say, a week, learning the basslines along the way. How many people are in a position to say yes straight away? If not, what would you have to sacrifice in order to say yes?

[quote name='alexclaber' post='456667' date='Apr 7 2009, 06:27 PM']I would argue that you cannot be technically good unless your timing is good. A horde of monkeys can play fast - doubtless if I drove through Longleat with my bass strapped to the roof they would demonstrate this ably before the bass disintegrated - but if the notes are not in time then the speed is irrelevant. The other overlooked part of technique is tone related - tone really is in your hands and again this is oft forgotten by those chasing the speed side of technique. Michael Manring suggested a great exercise for getting in control of your timing - play a repeated two bar, one note groove, the first bar: [b]1[/b] e + [b]a[/b] 2 e [b]+[/b] a [b]3[/b] e + [b]a[/b] 4 e [b]+[/b] a the second bar six 1/4 note triplets. Alex[/quote] I think we agree, hence why the thread is called "rhythm is king". When I speak of a technician I mean the use of many/any techniques but yes, those are nothing without groove. Some interesting tips here about development of rhythmic skills.

[quote name='Protium' post='456698' date='Apr 7 2009, 07:07 PM']P body, J neck [/quote] A fine, fine choice, Sir! This works well if you like P tone but J neck, a la my frankenbass. In fact loads of people commented on my bass sound on Saturday night. I didn't want to shatter their illusions by telling them that I was playing a £100 frankenstein :-) Long live the frankenstein!

[quote name='escholl' post='455446' date='Apr 6 2009, 01:59 PM']+1 as i'm not really up on music theory, i tend to use the "by ear" approach...but then again my basslines also aren't anything special ^_^[/quote] A mix of both is what I am aiming for, but I think the value of learning about harmony, intervals, scales, arpeggios and chord construction and the fretboard cannot be underestimated. Otherwise it's easy to become a "pattern" player, which is pretty much where I'm at...we played on Sat in the studio then live and I tend to impro basslines a fair bit, i.e. i will have learned the chord sequences (again mainly by ear) but then learned which scales/intervals/arpeggios work around them, so I always have bassline ideas to try and as long as I hit the right notes when chords change it does work. Understanding intervals is a key weapon in the arsenal. But the playing by ear approach is not always ideal, if you become a pattern player and don't really know what notes you're playing then it can be limiting. Half the time I have no idea of the note names I'm playing on the bass, but they work harmonically because of understanding scales and intervals. Just as equally, it can be limiting to only use the mathematical, theoretical approach, sometimes you need to break out and experiment. A mix of both is the ideal.

[quote name='Dom' post='455242' date='Apr 6 2009, 10:53 AM']Hi, I play Bass Guitar - my Bass is a; Warwick Corvette Rockbass. Anyway I was wandering how to play around a chord. For example if the guitarist is playing Cm7, what do I play when the normal guitarist is playing that? Thanks, Dom[/quote] Hi There's lots of theory based answers here but no one asked you if you understand how chords and scales are constructed, i.e. root, 3rds, 5ths etc. A bit more info about where you're at in terms of understanding scales and chords will make it easier to define a "start" point for you in constructing basslines. You can take several approaches - one is to learn all the theory/harmony and that's the mathematical approach, i.e. using 3ths and 5ths etc. Another approach is to just use your ears and jam til you find basslines that fit and playing with chromatic/various scales up and down the bass will help you to understand which notes/scales work over which chords. The name of a chord i.e. Cm7 indicates a start point but only a start point. A chord does not become a chord until you decide what "root" note to play. As long as you hit the right notes to give emphasis to the chords harmonically when chords change, you can get away with a lot inbetween.

[quote name='YouMa' post='455094' date='Apr 6 2009, 01:31 AM']Sorry im just not that much into 999,if a tune dont do it for me it doesnt ,i can think of a load of music with better interplay than this,its doing it for you though which is cool. I didnt mean you have to play one style,i love me rock and im a big dub fan but you have to have a majority style of playing if you want to get anywhere. Players will always be seen as a champion of a certain genre of music even if they do play another one well.Ie John paul jones is seen by most as a rock player but he could also play reggae and funk very well.[/quote] Hi again. Even if you don't like the band, listen to the phrasing, it turns an ordinary 4/4 time signature into rock and roll by the use of very subtle accents and altering certain note lengths on certain beats in the bar. I don't think I had ever heard these songs until the weekend when a guitard that's been playing 30 yrs said my playing reminded him of a bassist called Jon Watson and specifically named several songs. Then I went and listened and I can hear the same kind of "natural" phrasing that I use. It's almost subconscious. As to a majority style, the key difference between a lot of styles is driven by rhythmic nuances.....so I still believe if you have rhythm and groove and phrasing, you can do justice to any style. The melody/technician bit is secondary. If you spin this statement upside down, the best technician in the world is nothing without a well-developed sense of groove/phrasing. I stand by that 100% after seeing some technically great bass players who have zero feel and by that, I mean they have spent so long working on technique that the note lengths are all the same, there's no "groove", no phrasing. It's ALL about phrasing. I think TheFunk "gets" what I'm trying to say (badly).

[quote name='YouMa' post='455088' date='Apr 6 2009, 01:12 AM']You are probably right and i have probably listened to to much jazz which will cloud anyones judgement,its good drumming and has its cheeky moments though. Im not trying to preach but i think you need to go one way or the other in your bass playing (from reading your other threads) Either get into punk/rock etc or get into funk/jazz/soul etc, i get the feeling you are very much torn between the two,i felt this way for a long time two.[/quote] NO - it's not the drumming. Listen really closely to exactly what is going on with every beat in the bar, it is subtle but if you're into phrasing in a big way it should stand out instantly. As far as being torn between styles, there is absolutely no reason not to learn to play in a multitude of styles. Bass is not my first instrument and I think getting stuck in one style musically can be a road to nowhere in that it eventually constrains you as a player. If you play primarily in one style, you will hit a big musical wall at some stage. I found the only way around this was adopt a seismic shift in styles and do something else for a while, even if you don't like the style of music, an open mind means you can usually gain something positive. Versatility is where it's at for me. I'd happily play a variety of different styles in different bands (later down the line on the bass). If you have got great rhythm and phrasing, eventually you can do justice to ANY musical style. Becoming a "technician" in terms of fast fingers/technique, in my view, is secondary to developing a great sense of groove.

[quote name='YouMa' post='455077' date='Apr 6 2009, 12:56 AM']Its very tight but i really dont find anything amazing about it.I tried to listen to all nuances,sorry.[/quote] Well count 1,2,3,4 repeatedly and listen to what happens between the drums and bass on certain beats of every bar on the "hit me" track. You either "get" the phrasing thing or you don't. I can hear it instantly. Let's see who else gets it. It's what gives this song a rock and roll groove.

[quote name='The Funk' post='455069' date='Apr 6 2009, 12:37 AM']Once you get past basic rhythmic knowledge and understanding, you can start working on your phrasing, by which I mean where you place notes in relation to the beat and how much you accent them in relation to each other. That's when your playing goes from good to great.[/quote] Hiya I completely agree on the phrasing, to me it's everything. Check this link and listen to "Hit Me" and "Crazy" - I know you said you don't like punk but listen to the accents/phrasing/rhythmic stuff here. I have been told that my bass playing in the band is becoming very similar to this style. Cheers [url="http://www.myspace.com/999space"]http://www.myspace.com/999space[/url]

Aloha Before I played the bass, I didn't really fully appreciate the dynamic between drums and bass. I think with other contemporary instruments, you can pretty much get away with a lot as long as there is a solid rhythm section. Now, playing bass with drum grooves and with a live drummer has made me to start to realise that for a bass player, rhythm is king. I am starting to really, really appreciate the role of the bass as a rhythm instrument (as well as harmony). In fact I now think that for drummers/bassists, it does not matter how technical you are, if you are rhythmically poor, you'll kill a band, i.e. the rhythm side is absolutely crucial. I am aiming to start improving my understanding of drum patterns/grooves/fills, so that when I write basslines, they complement the drum parts and also to improve on my own rhythm and timekeeping. There is a big difference between good timekeeping and absolutely dynamite timekeeping. I'm really motivated for this but I want to go about it the right, effective way. So I'm thinking that a few drum lessons would be great so I can start furthering my rhythm studies. Is this a stupid idea? Interested in comments.

[quote name='leschirons' post='454510' date='Apr 5 2009, 09:21 AM']Smooth jazz sextet finally fell to bits on the starting line last week. What with keyboard players who are too busy (he writes jingles and stuff for radio and TV) and a pro sax player that won't get out of bed for less than €300, I suppose it was doomed. Shame as it was really good doing a bit of Sade', Larry Carlton and Richard Elliot stuff. Anyway, the point of this is, being a tad down, I decided I needed something to do so, with three others (2 Brits and a French mate) we decided to play some rock. One rehearsal and we have the first set nailed. It's funny that after having heard all these songs over the years, how easy it is to actually play them. Familiarity with the song I suppose. Highway to Hell You shook me all night long Smoke on the water Don't believe a word Word up (Gunn version) Pretty vacant Hush Nothing else matters Enter Sandman Rosalie Whiskey in the jar You really got me (VH version) It's my life Dead or alive Bugger me if we didn't get a gig for June so should be plenty of time to get another hour up and running. It could be fun but I can't help wondering if I'm too old for all this. Forgot Paradise City, see what I mean? too old.[/quote] Get on it! Some of the best live bands I've seen have consisted of "older" musicians. Look at bands like UK Subs, Charlie Harper is in his 60s and still full of energy and delivers a blistering live performance. The trouble with the music industry of this generation is that marketability has become the buzzword, instead of musicality. For me, it's ALL about the music and always has been. Many of my favourite punk bands are still the original bands I was listening to at school and they're still going and blowing younger bands off the stage music wise! Age/image should be irrelevant, good music is good music. I see a lot of younger musicians who want instant success without the work, good old fashioned hours of hard grafting to master an instrument. As for energy/stamina, adrenaline is a great drug! You're here for a good time, not a long time, so get stuck in.

Look what I just found! Full transcriptions! [url="http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/0142722/details.html?kbid=1756"]http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/0142722/....html?kbid=1756[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5txk-Y9EM&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5txk-Y9EM...feature=related[/url] That is one goddamn INSANELY funky bassline! Now, tell me there is no benefit in being able to read music! Having a social life is over-rated anyway!!! I am SO excited!!!

[quote name='Absolute-beginner' post='452900' date='Apr 3 2009, 12:37 AM']Eh? how hard can it be to count 1-2-3-4 in a consistent and rhythmic way? (Drummers excluded..and I know this 'cos my brother is one). I learnt how to do it at music school. [/quote] If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='452377' date='Apr 2 2009, 01:08 PM']You aren't seriously thinking about the 16ths are you AM1??? [/quote] Hi Hell yeah! Why not! If that's what I like, that's what I like. As long as it stays fun, that's good enough for me. Whether the funk police like it or not is irrelevant, I live for me, not others! Why do you ask?

Seriously, check this! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUFxj59Fa9o&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUFxj59Fa9o...feature=related[/url] Rocco is the king of the 16th note funkology!

[quote name='Dmanlamius' post='451998' date='Apr 1 2009, 10:19 PM']Have you checked my "cool funk lines to play" on my youtube channel yet, AM?[/quote] Alright Dman No, I can't believe I missed that!! Cheers AM

[quote name='lowdown' post='451702' date='Apr 1 2009, 04:52 PM']Paul Jackson Garry[/quote] Outstanding.

[quote name='The Funk' post='451758' date='Apr 1 2009, 05:34 PM']As for the personality thing, that's what music is all about. That's why I'm not so sure about steering people clear of things that might seem advanced or dangerous. Put it where it feels good - that's my motto.[/quote] Damn right! Ain't no Funk Police gonna tell me what to play!

[quote name='alexclaber' post='451740' date='Apr 1 2009, 05:23 PM']There are an awful lot of bassists out there that think they can play funk and frankly haven't got a clue. The biggest giveaway is when you ask them to teach you funk and they show you how to slap - run away!!![/quote] Indeed!

[quote name='alexclaber' post='451722' date='Apr 1 2009, 05:12 PM']Oh I totally agree. I just find that cover rather bizarre. I suppose my point in a round about way is that you shouldn't really play in a 'style', you should just be you. It all comes down to that elusive feel thing. I love musicians that really have an identity - Bonham, Bill Ward, Carlton Barrett, Billy Cobham. Alex[/quote] I agree. It's almost a musical "personality" - but that should not exclude learning/playing other styles. But yeah, I think everyone has a "definitive" style that they are more suited to/more drawn to than others. I asked a few bass tutors this question "What's your favourite style to play" and they all respond the same way, I'll play/teach any style you want. That does not work for me. If you are set on learning one style then it should be from a master of that style and someone who has pure passion for that style. A purist viewpoint maybe but that's how I feel.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='451707' date='Apr 1 2009, 04:56 PM']Yes, he's certainly in the pocket there. But for me Black Sabbath is never quite right without the majestic Bill Ward on drums - so loose and wide and groovacious! And there lies the horror of drummers and funk - if they're can play funk then neither can you. It seems strange that this should be the case, when you listen to P-Funk about 75% of the time the beat is the standard rock pattern, but there's a subtle shift in feel required that completely transforms the vibe. If you've heard Faith No More's cover of War Pigs you can hear a fine example of how straightening out the feel totally defunks it. Alex[/quote] That's true but it would kill Faith No More's rock vibe if they tried to be funky. Tracks like A Small Victory or even digging the grave would NEVER work if funkified! Mike Patton's voice is too good for rock style to sing funk style anyway.

Here's a bass cover of Cold Ethyl, MarloweDK had a seriously funky one but the fascists removed it! [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_R218cr5Bg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_R218cr5Bg[/url]

[quote name='alexclaber' post='451685' date='Apr 1 2009, 04:41 PM']Too smooth! Also if you're coming to funk from rock there is a wealth of fantasic late '60s/early '70s rock that straddles the funk/rock gap. Some deeply funk laden moments in Led Zeppelin and this particular favourite of mine from Black Sabbath - so dirty, so greasy and so dark: The shift from this to The Meters is not as far as you'd think - both the drummers and bass players have remarkably similar feels. And in more recent times RATM and even Korn have funked out, though from more of a hip hop perspective. Alex[/quote] It's not so much a case of going from one to the other, I've always loved both and was listening to Physical Graffiti and the uplift mofo party plan at the same time as a teenager. Geezer Butler is a great groove player. Check out Lady Evil. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYubFWq1_RQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYubFWq1_RQ[/url] Also, another player crossing the genre from funk to rock is Dennis Dunaway, he's a great melodic player but so was Prakash John, listen to Cold Ethyl and there's some real funk spin on the bass. Cheers AM