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jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3479
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - 11:23 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 12:08 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 7:02 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 7:22 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 9:05 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 8:57 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 11:12 am:   Edit Post

Play along to some ACDC.
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 999
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 5:22 pm:   Edit Post

+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
Posted on Friday, June 14, 2013 - 4:18 am:   Edit Post

For some reason I just can't picture jazzy with a mullet :-)

graeme
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee

Post Number: 3502
Registered: 6-2002
Posted on Friday, June 14, 2013 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, June 14, 2013 - 11:21 am:   Edit Post

Pity da foo dat mess wit JV!

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