Best of Ask Damian Erskine: 2018 (So Far)
Editors Note: Damian has been traveling extensively lately, performing and educating all over the place. So for this week’s column, we’re giving him a much-needed break. Damian’s columns are read by thousands of people every week, so we thought we’d do a recap of the most popular ones he’s published so far in 2018. Enjoy.
1. Is Rhythmic Tapping Okay in a Band Setting?
Damian received a question from a reader who is struggling with “rhythmic tapping” (i.e. tapping the strings on the exact beat that the snare drum makes). He asked Damian for advice on how to stop that…
2. Should I Use A Compressor with My Bass?
A reader sent Damian a question about compressors, sharing his challenges and asking for some guidance. While one size does not fit all, Damian tackles the question specific to the reader’s situation…
3. What Should I Play At Soundcheck?
A reader sent Damian a question asking what he should play during the soundcheck. While Damian answered that question specifically, he also took an opportunity to dive into the deeper conversation of soundcheck etiquette…
4. Is Bass Face Okay on the Gig? A Discussion on Stage Presence
A reader asked Damian this: “Is ‘bass face‘ acceptable on a gig?” While this initially made Damian giggle, he realized there’s a bigger conversation here on the subject of stage presence. Check out what Damian has to say…
5. Tips for Being a Professional Bassist
A reader asked for tips for aspiring bassists to make the leap to pro status. Damian offers up an extensive checklist…
6. Troubleshooting a Clicking Sound From Your Bass
A reader reached out to Damian about an issue he’s having with a clicking sound. Damian decided to pull in a guest columnist – and an excellent one at that. Check out what Carey Nordstrand has to say about this subject…
7. Learning Tunes: A Checklist for Bass Players
A reader sent Damian a question about how after years of reading charts, he’s having trouble playing without them (and he’s having an even tougher time practicing without charts). Damian put together a checklist on learning tunes…
8. Dealing with Focal Dystonia: Resources for Bass Players
A reader reached out to Damian on the topic of Focal Dystonia, asking him to weigh in on the condition as it relates to playing. Damian offers up some advice and several hand-picked resources…
9. Fighting The Urge To Improvise
A reader asks Damian about fighting the urge to improvise vs. sticking with the recording to the song…
10. What To Practice When You Don’t Have Gigs
A reader asked Damian, “what do you do when you’re not playing with a group and have no gigs on the horizon…” Since Damian covered a similar question in a recent column, he decided to expand on this topic – focusing on other opportunities between gigs as well…
Have a question for Damian Erskine? Send it to [email protected]. Check out Damian’s instructional books, Right Hand Drive and The Improviser’s Path.
