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Columns - Page 58

Columns: How Tos, Advice & Lessons for Bass Players

Instinct vs. Learning: Ideas for Musical Growth
Ask Damian Erskine

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 on the bass. So my...

Refresh Yourself: Some Thoughts on Musical Growth
I Wish I Knew That

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 headway during practice sessions. During...

Do I Really Need to Go To Music School?
Ask Damian Erskine

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 or anything, but I don’t...

Artificial Harmonics: The Basics
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Artificial Harmonics: The Basics

In the last several columns we have talked about harmonics using open strings. These are often referred to as “natural” harmonics. If we play harmonics on a string while fully stopping the string somewhere else, (for example, if we press down an A on our G string and then play a harmonic above that) these are referred to as “artificial”...

Track by Track: Zander Zon Talks “Saturn Return”
Track by Track

Track by Track: Zander Zon Talks “Saturn Return”

If you’ve been reading No Treble for a while now, or simply spend time on Youtube like we do finding the great bass players there, you’ve no doubt run across the music of Zander Zon. Zander is a remarkable solo bassist, incorporating piccolo strings, alternate tunings and effects with unique compositions and arrangements. And while his technical ability is undeniable,...

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Bass Ramps: The How and Why
Ask Damian Erskine

Bass Ramps: The How and Why

Q: I see a lot of people talking about the use of bass ramps. I see that 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 the desire to broaden the range of feeling one...

Earplugs… A Love-Hate Relationship (Part 2: Where, When, and Why)
I Wish I Knew That

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 in, let me say that...

Controlling Rhythm and Expressing it Musically
Ask Damian Erskine

Controlling Rhythm and Expressing it Musically

Q: This week’s column was written in part from a response to a FaceBook question I had about controlling rhythm and expressing it musically. I was also asked about my approach with my right hand, and where it came from with regard to rhythm and how I use it in my lines. I took that response and expanded on it...

Bass Harmonics: Middle of the String Harmonics
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Bass Harmonics: Middle of the String Harmonics

We’ve found where the most common harmonics are at the end of the fingerboard, and also toward the nut. Today, let’s find the most common harmonics in the middle part of the string. In the examples below, the lower staff tells us where to put place our fingers and find the harmonic. The upper staff tells us the sounding pitch...

Playing Bass: To Right a Left or Leave It Right
Ask Damian Erskine

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 trying to switch to left-handed...

Earplugs… A Love-Hate Relationship (Part 1: Options)
I Wish I Knew That

Earplugs… A Love-Hate Relationship (Part 1: Options)

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. It is a truly awful feeling that I’ve experienced...

Boutique Basses: Are They Worth It?
Ask Damian Erskine

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 this question! For some, it...