AdrianT

[quote name='Randy_Marsh' post='446274' date='Mar 26 2009, 07:21 PM']wow, crewe you say!? im based there too, i dont know of any man have a look in merben music near asda they have a notice board of tutors and stuff[/quote] Hi Randy, thanks for the advice, I know Jamie from Merben and will go and see him sometime...in the meantime I have asked my son's violin teacher if he can help me out, more from a point of view of technique than anything else, he has given me some scales to learn so that's what I'm doing for now! BTW are you in any band(s) locally? The music scene around here seems pretty good at the moment (despite lack of bass tutors) Regards, Adrian

Hi, Just noticed this thread, and coincidentally I have just finished a rehearsal with our acoustic ensemble this evening. We play a fair variety of songs, most of which could be considered folk. The set up is me on doulble bass, 'lead' acoustic guitar, vocalist and another rhythm guitarist who also plays mandolin and banjo. This gives me a fair bit of freedom as to what I do. Mainly it's simple root note patterns for the more traditional type of tunes (e.g. bluegrass), but there is sometimes scope for walking-bass type lines with bluesier material, or even slap bass with some of the faster pieces. I am also planning to learn to play with the bow, which will give me some more options for the slower/quieter pieces. I would think that if you have played jazz and have a reasonable ear then playing folk shouldn't be too hard. I have been able to get by OK with mainly listening to a verse or chorus or so of an unfamiliar song and then joining in. Just get the other musicians to tell you the key the song is in before you go for it (sometimes they forget to tell you which makes life interesting). If you play guitar you may be able to work out the chords by watching the guitarist's hand on the fretboard - I have found that this helps. Generally I try to keep things simple as far as possible though. I'm not an expert by any means - I got my double bass about a year ago after several years of playing guitar and then bass guitar. I went to the local folk club and when they discovered I played bass (even though at that time I was fairly useless - not much better now!) I was made very welcome! It's been great fun and I hope you enjoy your playing as much as I have. Almost forgot - I've got a DVD of Todd Phillips which has been very helpful in getting me started. Hope this helps. Adrian

...anybody?

I got a Stentor double bass about a year ago and I love it! I'm currently doing some live work locally (and have actually done a paid gig with more on the way) in the acoustic blues/bluegrass/country blues style. However, I'm very aware that my technique may not be all that it should be, so I would be interested in hearing from a tutor in the South Cheshire area, or perhaps further afield, who could help me progress. I am keen to learn pizzicato style, rather than classical. Can anyone help? Many thanks. Adrian