4 Things You Have to Practice When You Pick up the Bass

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Published 2019-02-07
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0:00 Introduction
0:50 Clean sound
3:46 Time
4:42 Put theory to work
6:14 Isolate the bass line

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All Comments (21)
  • @rockdog4179
    Now that I'm retired I think I'll take some bass lessons, I was told you are never too old to learn music, 53 ain't that old 😎
  • 0:49 clean sound 3:44 time 4:49 put theory to work 6:12 isolate the bassline (every time you listen to music)
  • @Ayce1955
    As a bassist, the only thing different I would suggest is to begin with a metronome/click track, but don't be one yourself, that's the drummers job. Follow your drummer, even if their tempo isn't dead on. You are the glue that holds the rhythm and melody together. Feel the drums, and hear the singer/guitarists.
  • Love what you have done here. Like Dizzy Gillespie said “ It took me 10 years to learn how to play all the notes, and 30 more to learn which ones not to play.” Very true as a bassist. We are the cake, not the icing.
  • @Babis_music
    "Listen only to the bass". Starts listening to And Justice For All*
  • @ruanof7
    I play the piano and I love her statement of "bass player being the coolest member of the band" I love when people take pride on what they do; lovely statement !
  • @chuckm4540
    Guitarists are a dime a dozen. Bass players are the most sought after member, then drummers, then vocalist then guitar. If you play a bass, you'll always have a gig.
  • @Achoti7
    I have a LOT to LEARN, I'm new at this. 🙂
  • @TomFlaTTop_BMW
    Your advice on simple Bass riffs, while in a different context here, can also apply to those who know how to play, at a novice or expert level. When I was playing Double Bass in a Rockabilly band, we did a gig at a Rockabilly Festival with a number of other bands, including some internationally famous acts like The Stray Cats. Hanging out backstage after the show, kicking back with some beers on the couches, passing a joint around, and conversing with the other bands, I had a great conversation with a REALLY good Bass player from another band. As the focus of our chat shifted to playing the solid body electric bass guitar, as what was said doesn't apply so much to the Double Bass especially when played Rockabilly style like we did in our bands, he said that one thing he commonly came across with other Bass Guitarists was a tendency to play overly complex & busy Bass lines even when it wasn't necessary or even ideal. He went on to explain in detail that as he became more proficient as a professional musician, the best expert Bass players he encountered & learned from often played & practised a philosophy that, "Sometimes, less is more." And learning to discern which style or method is most relevant & suited to the piece of music being played is the mark of a true genius, rather than someone who constantly plays complex, extroverted bass lines to show off or simply because they get carried away. Learning to hold back and play a "simple" Bass line and notes with flawless technique & tonality, can be just as difficult as mastering the fastest playing styles & techniques. I never forgot what he told me and even years later, his words often came to mind as I observed other musicians, whose playing displayed a masterful understanding of that philosophy, or obvious lack of it.
  • @owre
    Excellent pointers. I'm teaching my daughter and we're starting with simple lines, timing, theory, and listening to bass lines--exactly what she's saying. I'll send her your way for lessons when this guitarist runs out of pointers. I'm having her do two-finger alternate picking to a metronome just to strengthen her right hand (sort of like "Dean Town" but slower--she's just starting!). We're using Stir it Up to learn song structure (I-IV-V), Major triads, and timing...nice and simple and loaded with lessons in it. She has totally taken to the instrument and it's very gratifying to see!
  • @elsalark.156
    Oh god I was wondering why she looked high asf and realized I had my video speed at 0.75
  • @Muchowski_B
    the more i watch bass videos, the more i want to buy one
  • From the video- Four things to practice: 1. Clean Sound (with a little exercise) 2. Time 3. Put theory to work. 4. Isolate the bass line
  • @donhall7871
    I ran across this today. You are a very good instructor.I thought to myself wow!!! She is really down to earth and teaches very well. Thank you so much!!!
  • @FrancisRoyCA
    Used to play years ago. You're a pretty good teacher, you focus on the fundamentals, and the practical. Good for you.