Tag Archives: Editorial

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What Sports Can Teach You About Bass Playing

This article focuses on some aspects of athletics or sports that can also be applied to bass playing. If you’re not into sports, don’t worry. This article will still appeal to you!

No Pain, No Gain

A classic saying that carries a lot of weight. Playing bass can be painful- wrist and arm cramps, blisters, and other bass related injuries.

There are certain ways to prevent these injuries, but sooner or later you are going to feel a little pain from playing bass. Do not let this stop you, but be cautious about what is right for your body.

There Is No “I” In Team

When you are playing in a band environment there is no individual that stands above the rest. While some members like the lead guitarist or singer may appear more important, that is simply not true.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

I can’t write a single article without making a comment about practice! Specifically perfect practice, because sometimes regular practice just doesn’t cut it.

Perfect practice is basically you maintaining a focus on technique and quality. Make sure you keep on task and work hard to maximize results and minimize time.

Did these sports metaphors make any sense? Let me know with a comment below.

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4 Characteristics You Need to Learn Bass

There are four key qualities you need in order to succeed at learning and playing bass. Check out the list:

1. Perseverance

I’ve said it one hundred times: Do not quit. You can take breaks while learning bass, but you should never just give up. Perseverance is the ability to keep going even when you can’t seem to master one riff or learn that new technique.

2. Motivation

Sometimes you just don’t feel like playing, but you have to stay motivated. I advocate practicing everyday, even if you can only play for 10 minutes, that’s better than nothing!

I have posted some inspirational videos if you check the beginning bass archives.

3. Curiosity

What I mean by curiosity is the want to always be learning more songs and techniques. You should be thirsty for knowledge and want to always be improving your bass playing.

If you usually play rock bass, try learning some jazz licks or samba riffs. It will improve your playing in all aspects.

4. Boldness

My personal opinion is that the fastest way to learn bass is to play with other musicians. You’ll figure it out faster than you could even imagine.

Where does boldness fit in? You have to be bold to go out and play with other musicians. It takes guts to get on stage also. Don’t underestimate this characteristic!

Hopefully this article cleared some things up for you. Leave a comment below!

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4 Things to Keep in Mind while Playing Bass

Here is a list of four critical things to remember while you are playing bass. Do not forget these!

1.  Don’t Get Discouraged

It’s easy to be discouraged when you are struggling to learn a riff or a new technique. Shake off the negativity and keep working hard at it.

Usually when you want to quit, you are very close to your goal, as the saying goes. Keep working hard and eventually you will master that bass technique, soon.

2. The Best Worked Hard to be the Best

Do you ever think about the amount of time and effort your favorite bass player has put in? The amounts of times that he or she burnt the midnight oil in order to learn that new technique or lock in that new groove?

The bottom line is, the best practice a lot. And they practice smart too. Victor Wooten did not become a slap bass wonder overnight, remember that!

3. You Determine How Good You Can Be

The only person who is stopping you from becoming the next bass legend is yourself. Thank about that.

Think about what you want to accomplish from playing bass, and go out and achieve it!

4. “Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win”

A famous Lombardi quote that sums up a lot of different aspects of life, including playing bass guitar. Do not stop playing forever if you are frustrated. Take a 15 minute break or even a couple days off if you need it.

Good luck, and I hope this list helped you!

Leave any comments about other things you should remember down below.

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How to Not Suck at Playing Bass

Instead of looking at your bass skills as trying to be good, think about trying not to suck. It’s easier to focus on the negative aspects first, because they are universal and apply to all forms of bass playing and style.

Keep Practicing

I highly recommend that you set aside a chunk of time everyday to get out your bass guitar and practice. 30 minutes everyday (or less) should keep you on the right track for bass domination.

But that isn’t enough.

You need to perfect your practice. That means not just doing exercises, but doing them correctly with the right technique. Push yourself to work hard everyday and you will reap the benefits soon.

Play with Others
The easiest way to become a better bass player is by forcing yourself into situations were you are playing with other musicians. It can be helpful to play with other bass players as well.

Start out by finding a drummer or guitarist and scheduling a practice session. Also decide on the formality of the meeting, whether you’re just jamming or you are playing a set list of songs.

Learn Hard and Fast
Continue to learn about new techniques and playing styles, especially when you hit a brick wall in your creativity. Don’t stop playing because you become bored, there is always something new out there.

Rock bass player? Try joining a big band jazz group. Funk bass player? Start a reggae band and sing vocals. Always keep adding new talents to your bass playing toolbox.

Recognize and Fix Your Flaws
If you are having trouble playing a new song, try and figure out why you’re struggling. Is it because you’re too slow? Or you can’t get the rhythm down? Diagnose the problem so you know what else to work on to nail that riff.

Once you find your problem, you should be able to find lessons or exercises to help you overcome it.

Walk Away
Sometimes the best strategy for becoming a better bass player is to simply take a break. Unwind, and stop practicing.

Put the bass down!

Consider stopping your practice session if you hit a brick wall and can’t seem to make any progress. Sleep on the problem and come back the next day ready to face it.

Never Quit
Do not give up if you become discouraged. All great bass players have had to break through plateaus and moments of uncertainty.

Do not quit. Keep practicing and working through your problems.

In summary, keep your bass playing on track and remember to never quit. Take a break if you feel discouraged. Recognize and fix your flaws and bass problems. Continue to learn and improve. And finally, keep practicing.

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4 String or 5 String?

5 string bass guitarThere seems to be a lot of arguments around which is “better,” a 4 string bass guitar or a 5 string bass guitar. In reality it just comes down to preference, but I’ll show you some pros and cons.

5 String has, well, an extra string

Most 5 strings possess a lower string below E, tuned to B. This allows you to become more bass-y and you have access to “extra” notes (you can always play those notes on a higher string).

5 String bass is heavier

Just by adding a 5th string on, the whole bass has to go through some structural changes that usually make the bass heavier than the average 4 string bass. Keep this in mind, as fatigue can set in early if you’ve got 15 pounds hanging from your shoulders.

5 strings cost more than 4 strings

Not the bass itself, but the strings you should be replacing about once a month. Buying 5 strings, especially since the thickest string is usually what’s added onto a 5 string, can get expensive fast.

Bystanders

I wasn’t originally going to write this, but here it goes. Most people can identify a 4 string bass begin different from a 6 string guitar. When you add 5 strings to it expect people to say “What’s wrong with your guitar” or anything along the lines of “why did you take a string off”. Dealing with these questions may turn you off to the 5 string.

It really comes down to Preference…

It’s your bass, you picked it. After weighing the pros and cons all that matters is that it feels right in your hands.

For the record, I play a 4 string and I love it. Wouldn’t trade it for a more expensive fiver.