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Discussion Archives - Page 6

Exploring the Value of Slap Bass
Ask Damian Erskine

Exploring the Value of Slap Bass

Q: I get so excited with seeing and hearing amazing slap bass playing. However, I’m wondering how many eggs to put the “slap basket.” I have tried a couple of different books and videos and have finally settled on Louis Johnson’s DVD from 1984. I am still working on the first lick and able to play it, but not at...

From the Shed to the Stage: Translating Practice to Performance
Ask Damian Erskine

From the Shed to the Stage: Translating Practice to Performance

Q: I’m having a difficult applying what I’ve learned into playing. When I play, my fingers can’t seem to do what they did when I practiced. Is there any suggestion to making things stick? A: The first word that pops into my head is repetition. Lines, licks and harmonic devices – such as arpeggios, scales and so on – need...

Cover Bands: Configuring a Band to Balance Size, Cost… and the Right Sound
Ask Damian Erskine

Cover Bands: Configuring a Band to Balance Size, Cost… and the Right Sound

Q: My cover band is about to start learning new material of tunes released over the last couple of years. We’re a 5-piece (vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keys) and a lot of the songs have synth parts – more than one keyboard player can play – and brass parts that I feel are important to the sound of the song....

Bass in the Spotlight and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Ask Damian Erskine

Bass in the Spotlight and Overcoming Self-Doubt

Q: A couple of months ago, I quit my band and because of the state of the guitarists in my area, I decided to start go small, with bass, drums and vocals. Now that some time has passed, I feel that everything is falling apart, which is depressing. Do you think it is a good idea to put the bass...

Central Time Explores Why People Love the Sound of the Bass
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Central Time Explores Why People Love the Sound of the Bass

Rob Ferrett is the co-host of “Central Time” on Wisconsin Public Radio, and he has a cool idea for a show that’s all about bass. Rob reached out to us to ask us to get involved in the show. Of course we said yes, and of course we want you to be involved too. “The interview will start with a...

Thoughts On Multi-Instrumentalism
Ask Damian Erskine

Thoughts On Multi-Instrumentalism

Q: What is your opinion on playing multiple instruments (for example double bass or piano) versus focusing on one instrument? I noticed a double bass in the background of one of your recent videos and wondered what your thought process had been when deciding to take up a new instrument. A: I was primarily a drummer until college, so from...

Musical Diplomacy: Bassists, Drummers and Locking In
Ask Damian Erskine

Musical Diplomacy: Bassists, Drummers and Locking In

Q: I’m having trouble grooving with the drummer in my band. My bread and butter is hip-hop and R&B, and he is coming from the world of straight-ahead jazz. We play in a very backbeat-oriented group, and the only time there is ever a pocket is if I put him in mine and carry him around in it all night,...

Replacing Lead Guitar with Piccolo Bass?
Ask Damian Erskine

Replacing Lead Guitar with Piccolo Bass?

Q: I am a high school musician in a relativly serious band with my friends, and we are about to make the transition into college. Unfortunately, our fantastic lead guitarist is going away for college, so rather than find a new lead guitarist, our frontman asked me if I would be willing to play lead guitar, since he’s seen my...

Building Confidence: Thoughts for Bass Players
Ask Damian Erskine

Building Confidence: Thoughts for Bass Players

Q: I’m a 16 year old bassist from England, and I’ve been playing for around three years. Ive been told I am very good for my age but I struggle with my confidence sometimes. One day I want to be as good as yourself or people like Janek Gwizdala, Marcus Miller or Victor Victor Wooten, but I think I put...

Soloing on Bass: What Do You Think About?
Ask Damian Erskine

Soloing on Bass: What Do You Think About?

Q: What should one be thinking when soloing? Do you simply hum the melody in your head or do you think of the solfege/scale degree at the same time? I try to sing the solfeggi, but when it comes to some scalar sequences or faster phrases, I feel like my head might explode. But if I stop singing the solfeggi,...

Adjusting to Alternate Tunings on Bass
Ask Damian Erskine

Adjusting to Alternate Tunings on Bass

Q: As you may know, many bassists who play Urban Gospel music will detune their basses to a low B? or lower to achieve that extra low range. About a year ago, I decided to give detuning a try and detuned my 5-string bass to B?. It was strange at first, because I had to get used to the half-step...

Choosing the Right Path for Your Music Career
Ask Damian Erskine

Choosing the Right Path for Your Music Career

Q: I’ve been weaving in and out of bands for a few years, since bassists in my town are scarce. But I rarely find a band I enjoy playing with due to either the members’ personalities or the music I end up playing. As someone who wants to make a living playing music, starting my own band – with people...