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Ask Damian Erskine: Uneven Playing?
Q: Whenever I play, I tend to speed up, and my play is kind of choppy and uneven. Do you have any tips to help my playing become more consistent? A: I’ve probably touched on this in previous articles, but it’s worth repeating. The best way to work on any facet of your playing is...continue reading »
Bottoms Up: Another Look at Paul Chambers – “Tale of The Fingers”
This is your friendly neighborhood bass columnist bringing you the second half of a look at Mr. Paul Chambers (or for short, “Mr. P.C.”) I hope you got a chance to play through “Mopp Shoe Blues” from last time, and try a bit of Chambers’ solo. As I said last time, this is one of...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Practicing on the Road
Q: Do you practice while on the road? If so… how? A: Actually, I tend to be more inspired to practice while on the road because I tend to be very ‘high’ on music while traveling and doing what I love! I get very single-minded and focused when on the road and can’t seem to...continue reading »
Most of us will need to amplify our upright bass at some point. Besides… you know you want to! When amplifying your bass, there are a number of components involved in creating the sound that comes out of the speakers. Today, let’s consider a few of them. Your Bass Of all the things involved in...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Successful Rehearsals
Q: Do You have any advice for how to lead a successful rehearsal? A: I assume you’re asking specifically about leading an efficient and productive rehearsal. What I would suggest is to map out your game plan beforehand: Make a list of the tunes you want to work on Make a sub-category of specific things...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Confidence
Q: I’m a newbie and a beginner bassist from Bangladesh. I’m playing (or you can say I’m practicing) with a progressive/metal core rock band. I’m happy with the band, as they are all my friends. But the band leader says I’m not ready to perform on a gig, and that I’m the weakest one, although...continue reading »
Technique Series: Minimum Finger Pressure
Although there are times when strong muscular exertion in the left hand may be beneficial, in general we want to use a minimal amount of effort. The fingers should press the string with only enough force to produce the note cleanly, and no more. Keeping minimum finger pressure in the left hand will help with...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Preparing for a Tour with a New Band
Q: How do you prepare for a tour with a new band? A: There is much that goes into properly preparing for a tour. First, the nuts and bolts: Packing Do you have days off for doing laundry? Always try and pack as light as possible. If you can get by on four days worth...continue reading »
Bottoms Up: Breaking Down Paul Chambers’ “Mopp Shoe Blues”
Today I’d like to talk about another historical great who I’m sure is familiar to many, Mr. Paul Chambers (1935-1969). I think I have a treat for some folks who already know about him: a transcription of a tune called “Mopp Shoe Blues” off the record First Bassman. “P.C.”, as he is commonly known in...continue reading »
Ask Damian Erskine: Getting in the Scene
Q: I have some questions regarding studio bass work and other bass-related job possibilities. Since you are a man of many groups and projects, I was hoping you could share some of your valuable insight and experience about diversifying one’s opportunities as a bass player. What is the first step, besides practice of course, to...continue reading »
