Singing and Playing: A How-To Guide for Independence for Bass Players
Q: I have great vocal chops, which I exercise frequently in my alter ego solo acoustic guitarist thing. I play bass in a blues/R&B band and have the best vocal talent in the band. But I can’t sing over a bass line to save my behind. Can this be learned? Any tips? A: Keep in mind that I am one...
Discovr Music: A Look at the Music Discovery App for iOS
Today I’m going to change things up a bit and share an app that while not specifically designed for musicians, it’s one music lovers – and those who are hungry for new music – will love. Discovr Music is quite elegant, well designed and simple to use. You simply search for an artist that you like, and the app presents...
Developing Speed on the Bass: Take Your Time
Q: I have been playing upright for about a year and wanted to know what I can do about developing speed. I mostly play jazz and at the college I go to it seems like everyone wants to play uptempo tunes (Charlie Parker, Rhythm Changes, etc.) I feel as though I’m falling behind trying to stay with the tempo and...
Metronomes: The Debate for Bassists
Q: What do you think about Jeff Berlin’s approach to teaching music, specifically: no metronomes? A: Uh oh… This could mean trouble! Here’s my spin on it: I think different things and methods work for different people. I disagree with Jeff’s statements that metronomes are bad for everyone. I think he has a bit of a habit of speaking in...
Coach’s Eye: A Look at the How To Video Creator for iOS
At first glance, Coaches Eye might not seem like an app that has any use in a musical setting. While it’s actually designed for sports trainers and coaches, I’ve found its usefulness goes well beyond those groups. The app allows you to import a video (or shoot your own from within the app), record your commentary, annotate the video with...
Asking For (and Getting) Feedback
Q: As bass players, we often find ourselves in situations where we do a job for others, be it taking the bass chair in a singer’s project, subbing in a band, teaching, giving workshops, etc. I often find it difficult to get appropriate feedback for my job. I like it when people are happy with my work, and I also...
Playing in One Position: A Workout Guide for Bass Players
Q: Do you have any exercises that might help with playing in one position on the fretboard? I have a hard time getting away from reorienting myself from root to root. A: I would suggest starting with exercises you’re already familiar with, and adapt them to a single position. I frequently have my students do this, and have them force...
MusicalEar: A Look at the Music Theory and Ear Training App for Desktop Computers
I’m doing something a little different this time by reviewing an app I came across for your desktop computer. While not an iOS app, I thought that I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you all in on this. MusicalEar is an ear training and theory app, going way beyond any on the market. The app contains over 200 compositions,...
Playing Fast (and Cleanly): A Discussion for Bass Players
Q: When I hear you playing I think how amazing your technique is and the way you apply it to whatever you want to say through your bass. In the past I didn’t mind about the sound of the notes I was getting. I tried to play fast and didn’t really see or hear what the hell I was doing....
Learning Theory: Recommendations for Resources and Steps to Making it Happen
Q: What would you recommend as great resources for learning theory? I’m not someone who lacks in imagination or creative drive or even feel. I’m more of a groove player, and I’ve never stopped to get any formal grounding with modes, harmonizations, relationships of scales and arpeggios and putting that together for a given tonality. I’d appreciate any recommendations for...
FunkBox: A Look at the Drum Machine App for iOS
Funkbox Drum Machine is a fantastically done, retro-styled drum machine loaded with some of the most popular drum machine sounds from the 70’s and 80’s. This app has even been used live and in the studio by many artists including Joan Osborne and, most famously, by Gorillaz. If you’re at all familiar with the drum machines of old, then you’ll...
On Modes and Getting Away from the Root
Q: I have question about how to practice and apply modes that is killin’ me. We are constantly being being bombarded with the concept of getting away from root in our playing and practice. For instance, scale finger pattern 4 starting on the 3rd fret of the E string is like G A B C D E F G A...