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Updated 07-Mar-10 |
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Electric BASS |
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The electric bass is very similar to the guitar (essentially the top four strings, one octave lower for a standard 4 string bass). A bass guitar can be loads of fun and can provide great rhythms and leads. Many songs are driven by the bass guitar. It is a very versatile instrument as well. Most of the information found under the guitar lesson section will apply, but there are obvious differences.
· Right hand techniques · Fingering (playing with two fingers) · Slapping (using your thumb to strike the strings) · Plucking (lifting a string with your finger letting it snap back) · Playing with a plectrum (pick) · Staccato playing · Left hand techniques · Chording (or “double stops”) · Fretless playing (your fingers ARE the frets) - Optional · Walking bass lines · MORE TO COME ( I know I have promised this for awhile, but I really mean it. I am working on some sound bytes)
Bass Links:
http://www.bassplayerlive.com/
http://www.uptonbass.com/about-us/
http://www.carolkaye.com/index.htm
http://bgra.net/ |
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One of my former basses, a 1978 Rickenbacker 4001 with Bartolini pickups. Great raspy sound! This style was used by Chris Squire (Yes), Paul McCartney, Graham Gouldman (10cc), Lemmy (Motorhead), Geddy Lee (Rush), Mike Bullman (The Thrill) and the bass player for my brother Paul’s band back in 1978; Captions (or maybe it was Carousel). |
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BASS NEWS! STILL working on putting a fretless neck on one of my basses. Trying to coat the rosewood fretboard with epoxy. More info to come!
A fine bass player by the name of Ray Conrow suggested trying out some Thomastik Infeld Jazz Bass strings. They are a little pricey compared to most bass strings, but I really like them! They have a nice balance from E to G without the harsh brightness of typical new strings. |
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What bass players should I listen to??
The correct answer is, ALL OF THEM! You can learn A LOT just by listening to a variety of bass players. Keep in mind that even if you don’t like what you hear, you are learning something! Some of my favorites over the years include (in no particular order):
Plays with pick: Graham Gouldman (10cc) Chris Squire (Yes) Paul McCartney (Beatles / Wings) Carol Kaye (Studio player / Beach Boys) Tom Fowler (Frank Zappa)
Plays with fingers: Geddy Lee (Rush) Les Claypool (Primus) Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report) Tim Franklin (Rockin’ Robin- http://www.conventionmusic.com) Timothy B Schmidt (Eagles / Poco) Larry Graham Brothers Johnson Christian McBride Chuck Rainey (Steely Dan)
Plays with both: Dougie Thomson (Supertramp) John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) Walter Becker (Steely Dan)
….as always more to come! |