discussion Archives
Performing Live: Memorization vs. Reading vs. Improvisation
Photo by istolethetv Q: I’m not a professional musician, but lately I’ve been performing a lot more often. I play both upright bass and bass guitar, and I like to play just about any style of music: pop, funk, folk, jazz. These two things have made me somewhat “in demand” in part-timers’ circles and has... »
Consistency: From the Practice Shed to the Bandstand
Photo by kmlz Q: I seem to have an issue with consistency. I seem to be able to pull certain licks and lines together when practicing, but it always falls apart when I’m actually playing with the band. Any tricks to develop consistency? A: Tricks? No. But I do have some thoughts. 1. Context I... »
Instinct vs. Learning: Ideas for Musical Growth
Q: I’ve been learning to play the bass for about a year now, and I have a concern: I am a very instinctual bassist. I tried playing guitar when I was younger, but didn’t connect. I took to the bass right away. I “hear” a groove in my head, and I’m able to reproduce it... »
Refresh Yourself: Some Thoughts on Musical Growth
As we grow and develop as bassists, we tend to go through different stages of learning. Sometimes we feel inspired and creative, other times we feel as if we’ve plateaued or burnt out. During the good times, it’s easy to find new concepts to work on, specific ideas to write about, or ways to make... »
Do I Really Need to Go To Music School?
Q:I’m a bass player from Mexico and I am currently studying in Paris and looking for some gigs. I am a little overwhelmed right now by school, which is a jazz-oriented school. I like jazz, but I feel a little forced to learn licks and that stuff. I’m not saying I’m the greatest bass player... »
Photo: Shuker Singlecut Elite Q: I see a lot of people talking about the use of bass ramps. I see that’s it’s basically a piece of wood in between the pickups, but I’m not sure what the benefits are. Also, how do you make one? A: A ramp (or finger ramp) was created out of... »
Earplugs… A Love-Hate Relationship (Part 2: Where, When, and Why)
Photo by Quinn Dombrowski In Part 1 of this series, we looked at two different types of earplugs, the over-the-counter ones as well as the custom molded ones, and some of the benefits of each. Now, let’s think about when to use them and how to get comfortable playing with them in. Before we jump... »
Playing Bass: To Right a Left or Leave It Right
Q: I have been playing right-handed ever since I started playing bass, even though I am a left-handed person. Recently though, I have noticed (by messing around) that when I switch the bass around, I can pull off previously difficult techniques a lot better with my left hand, right off the bat. I am considering... »
Earplugs… A Love-Hate Relationship (Part 1: Options)
Photo by Quinn Dombrowski Ever rush out of the house in the morning and forget something that you always have with you? Your watch, perhaps? Or maybe your reading glasses? As soon as you realize that you’ll have to go all day without this beloved item, you start to feel uncomfortable, annoyed, and metaphorically naked.... »
Boutique Basses: Are They Worth It?
Q: I see so many people spending thousands of dollars on handmade basses, but so many of the recordings I listen to are recorded using a standard P or J bass. What is it about these high end basses that is so “worth it” to so many? A: There are so many possible answers to... »
The Bass Solo: A Guide to Soloing More Freely 
Fabienne Gilbert: Come On Come Over 
Eric Avery Quits Nine Inch Nails 
Capturing Your Ideas: Transform Your Musical Inspiration into Reality 
Funk Bros: Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart 
Nikki Sixx Selling Stage-Played Basses from Motley Crue Concerts 
Andrea Lombardini: By This River 
NHØP: Autumn Leaves 
Performing Live: Memorization vs. Reading vs. Improvisation 
