| Author | Message | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3479 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'm going to be standing in on bass for a rock band called Khaliq this summer. They are not heavy rock but more like, to my uneducated ears, Paul Weller/ Manchester style indie band with some asian soulful and funk elements. This is all new to me, although I do listen to rock I've not had much exposure to it from a playing perspective. Here is some details on the band. http://alembic.com/club/messages/65124/147660.html?1369289490 They are recording some new material for an album next month and have asked me to play bass on it. So I'd just like some solid practical advice on developing bass lines for rock music. I expect I will be going in the studio cold as I haven't been given any demo tracks to familiarise with. A good opportunity for my Series II bass. Jazzyvee | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1989 Registered: 9-2002 |
Listen, and play what fits. My only advice vis-a-vis your usual background is more backbeat: Carribean/reggae runs on the 1 and 3. Most 'rock' is from 2 and 4. That THEY asked YOU is the key here. Do what you do. J o e y | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2092 Registered: 11-2004 |
Yep done the rock thing, just straight on the 2 and 4, no funk shinnanigans or weird time signatures, us a pick(which I don't anymore and turn the low and high up on the amp so it thunders thru' | ||
| stout71
Intermediate Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 138 Registered: 7-2011 |
Rock is my thing. It really depends on the song and the tempo, but in general (if the song is in 4/4), keep the bass driving, (8th notes) or dotted quarter/eighth. I play with my fingers and rarely have a need for a pick. Just follow the drummer and play ON the beat, not the backbeat. Play along with the kick drum if it calls for it. Any attack that you lose by playing with your fingers will be supplemented by the kick. Nothing wrong with walking basslines with passing tones either. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 123 Registered: 6-2012 |
KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DRIVING without losing the groove or abandoning dynamics. Very few players, with the exception of those like Entwistle & Lee, are successful with incorporating"embellishments" into a rock setting. It works for them because their bands accommodated their playing styles. You might not be so lucky. Re: amp tone - I prefer a crisp, slightly distorted tube tone (SVT, driven Fender, etc.) as it sounds full and the inherent mid bump from the natural overdrive sits nicely in the mix without sounding "tubby". And round wound strings. To pick or not - personal preference. I prefer not because I feel I have more control over dynamics with my fingers, especially since I've started to incorporate the "typewriter" tapping style into my arsenal of techniques. This technique works well with the above-mentioned tone and delivers a punchy, ringing sound that really cuts through when needed. | ||
| alembickoa
Intermediate Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 144 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, you seem to have no problem describing the musical fundamentals of the band's style(s). Listen to those styles and develop a basic understanding of what makes it move. At that point, play the way you play. They have obviously decided that you have the capabilities, so keep your ears open and do what you do. And, by the way, any gig is a good gig for a Series II, or any Alembic for that matter. 8^) | ||
| that_sustain
Intermediate Member Username: that_sustain Post Number: 183 Registered: 8-2012 |
Play along to some ACDC. | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 999 Registered: 6-2006 |
+1 on the driving 8th notes. Throw in a couple of punctuating slides and you will be golden. A mullet hair style would put you over the top! :-D | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3385 Registered: 10-2002 |
For some reason I just can't picture jazzy with a mullet :-) graeme | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3502 Registered: 6-2002 |
LOL..!!! don't try Jacko.... please..... lol  About the closest to a mullet!! Jazzyvee | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 135 Registered: 6-2012 |
Pity da foo dat mess wit JV! |
