Ask Damian Erskine - Page 45

How can I make my bass lines more interesting without feeling like I’m playing too much? I feel like when I try and do a little something to add flavor, I’m just forcing licks into the music and over-playing. A: Yeah man, there’s definitely a fine line to be drawn. There are a million ways to add flavor to the...

Q: How do you approach writing a harmony once a melody has been composed? And how do you make sure the harmonic progression works in the way you like it? I assume it’s not just trial and error! A: Admittedly, I’m a newbie when it comes to real composition and yes, it had largely been trial and error. Half of...

Q: how do you decide when to use your three-finger plucking technique or only play with two fingers (old school style. huh?). I mean, do you usually use three finger’s style for basic riffs and play solos with two (addin’ thumb only for triplets, for example)? I’m trying to learn that your technique now, so I’m curious if I’m right...

Q: I have an audition coming up and I really want to make an impression! Any advice? A: Definitely! Here are a few things to keep in mind. You will be taking time out of your day to prepare and audition, these guys are taking time out of their days to listen and play with a bunch of dudes all...

Q: Do you have any tools that you use specifically for practicing? A: The most useful tool I have at my home studio (for practicing and writing) is my Looper! I use the Boss RC-20 Loopstation (but may have to upgrade this year… it’s seen some abuse and is starting to die.. which has made me hyper-aware of how useful...

Q: I am moving to LA soon and wanted to know if you had any advice for me in regards to making my mark in the local scene and trying to score some gigs? A: Great question. I’ll break it up into a few parts. As far as very tangible steps to take: Hit up every jam session you can...

Q: What would be a good way to start practicing soloing over changes? A: I’ll tell you what I worked on the most with the soloing thing. Take a jazz standard (so there’s a lot of chord changes) and practice arpeggiating the chords through the tune. First, like a walking bass line (quarter notes…1, 3, 5, 7 of each chord)...