| Author | Message | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 67 Registered: 10-2007 |
The title pretty much speaks for itself. Is anyone able to play this song? For a beginner, I'd have to say for a beginner, I'm an incredible bassist, but I can't play this song as fast as Chris Squire. If anyone's able to play this song, please say so! | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 317 Registered: 10-2005 |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWzj0FD5uXI This was one of my favorite songs to learn when it first hit the radio (Hint: does that give away my age?) I was able to play it note for note at speed with a pick. It's a bit harder to play that fast with fingers. Squire was one of my main influences, and why I bought at least 4 Rick basses. I then graduated to Alembic and stayed there. Much better build quality and versatile sound. Yes is still one of my favorite bands. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSt2usXDC2c&feature=related If you like Squire's bass on Roundabout, you will probably like Jeff Berlin's bass playing on any of Bill Bruford's albums. "Gradually Going Tornado" is one of my favs. There's some real sick stuff played on that disk which is easily 10 times harder to learn than Roundabout. I saw them do it live at Toad's place in New Haven, CT way back, and Jeff was singing lead AND playing these lines too. Still hard to imagine even now! Here's one of Bruford's songs to choke on! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjWu9p-GTT4 Enjoy! Kris | ||
| darkstar01
Intermediate Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 117 Registered: 6-2005 |
i'm pretty sure roundabout was the first song i learned... i remember my dad saying 'check out this bassline.' and i had never really listened to the bass player before. good stuff, although i find most of yes('s?) work to not really be my thing. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6642 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kris; that's a great clip of Roundabout from Union! Thanks for posting it; nothing like some Yes cranked up on the stereo to start my Saturday morning! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1404 Registered: 10-2003 |
YES! | ||
| briant
Intermediate Member Username: briant Post Number: 196 Registered: 12-2004 |
"If anyone's able to play this song, please say so!" I can play it fingerstyle or with a pick... but why is that helpful? Just keep practicing and eventually you'll be able to play it. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1405 Registered: 10-2003 |
Once you get the original part down, which you will, then work out the second *hidden* bass track, which I didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me! John | ||
| briant
Intermediate Member Username: briant Post Number: 198 Registered: 12-2004 |
"Once you get the original part down, which you will, then work out the second *hidden* bass track, which I didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me!" So what part are you talking about? | ||
| eligilam
Intermediate Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 109 Registered: 2-2006 |
I read in an old Bass Player mag that the "Roundabout" bass part was actually two overlapping lines: one was Squire's bass part (played with the Ric) and the other was a "tic tac" muted part played with a pick on something like a Fender VI. That second part is what gives the line it's delicious clickiness. | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2007 |
I love those Rickenbacker basses. but about playing, remember, I'm 13 and conversing with a bunch of people possibly in their 40's or so. That's like placing a Smurf next to the Incredible Hulk. It makes me feel a little inadequate to talk to someone that could play with their feet(mind you, I'm being sarcastic on that last bit) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6646 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jared; I believe the answer to your question is, yes people can play Roundabout. The fact that you can't play it as fast as Chris Squire right now is ok; there's nothing wrong with that. My recommendation is to practice technique. In my view, a good approach to playing this song at speed is to first develop the technique necessary to play the song. Of course it may take a while, but that's ok. And I think it also important to know the theory as well. For instance, the basic riff in this song is essentially a blues scale in E. On the Tsongas DVD, they completely change the feel and play it with much more of a blues feel. So I tend to think practicing blues scales is important. The rhythm of the basic riff is essentially a pattern of eighths and sixteenths. You may find practicing this rhythmic pattern easier up on the neck. For instance, play the riff in the key of A starting on the A on the 12th fret. Just play the first three notes back and forth, A-B-C-B-A, over and over, slowly; paying attention to both right hand and left hand technique. Then add the D-E-G-A on the D and G strings. In this exercise, your left (fretting) hand should not move laterally; your first finger should always remain on the 12th fret, third finger on the 14th fret, fourth finger on the 15th fret. And you'll notice that you are playing an A minor scale without the six. This exercise helps develop technique, and helps understand the theory behind the song. If you have a five string, you can actually play the riff with this pattern in E. And if I may, a few other suggestions that you may, or may not, find helpful. As far as being "an incredible bassist", I would suggest letting go of that idea. In my view, music isn't a contest or competition; just play from the heart. Thinking of how good you may or may not be gets in the way of just playing. Develop your technique, develop your knowledge of theory, open your heart, and just play. And as to feeling "a little inadequate", let go of that too. Seeking knowledge is a good thing. When the mind starts to feel inadequate, the mind starts building barriers. There is nothing "wrong" with feeling inadequate; it's a natural defensive response of the mind. But when you notice that feeling, just notice it and let go of it. It's not easy; in fact, it takes practice. Just like scales. So ask questions; and we will try to answer them to the best of our limited abilities. Personally, I love Roundabout; I think it's a wonderful tune. And thanks to you, I've listened to it several times over the last two days! Enjoy! | ||
| darkstar01
Intermediate Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 118 Registered: 6-2005 |
uh.. i'm 20. for the record. not that that's impressive or anything, just throwing it out there. well said, dave. practice practice practice practice....... | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1406 Registered: 10-2003 |
If you listen, there is a separate bass track in the middle that is extremely divergent from the obvious track. It's very low in the mix, and it's all bottom, but it's definitely there. My sister in law, who is an excellent musician, couldn't believe I hadn't heard it all along. She's amazing though, so I don't feel completely stupid.  John | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1407 Registered: 10-2003 |
"I love those Rickenbacker basses. but about playing, remember, I'm 13 and conversing with a bunch of people possibly in their 40's or so. That's like placing a Smurf next to the Incredible Hulk. It makes me feel a little inadequate to talk to someone that could play with their feet(mind you, I'm being sarcastic on that last bit)" When I was 13, I doubt anything I played was listenable. Now, at 46, I'm not as much better as one would have hoped. It's all good, and there are lots of things I can't begin to touch technically. So I reckon if there's anything any of us can offer to help your journey through a musical life, it would have to be to like what you play and play what you like, as well as you are able. If you're doing that, everything will improve and you'll be a happy man. As far as your Squire-envy goes (and I suffer from it as well), he's just a guy. I haven't met him, but I've met his bandmates and they're all just really nice guys. One day there may well be a flock of promising young bassists who view you as a god, and then you'll see how silly we all can be about such things. ;) John | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2007 |
John, you're serious? You've met his bandmates, Howe and Anderson and White and Wakeman? Did you get their autograph? As for playing, if people don't think I'm good, I get bored with playing but I can't stop. It's weird. Oh, I got got back from this conecert last night with a bunch of Hardcore Metal bands,including a local one that is awesome called "Hijacking an Airplane!". It was freakin' awesome and there were, like, 5 mosh pits that I got into! | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 624 Registered: 11-2003 |
Jared, I don't know if I can add much more than Dave's (as usual) eloquent post has. I'll try, though ... I've been playing for 31 years and counting. Started when I was 15. I grew up playing Yes, Rush, Genesis, Frank Zappa, etc. In those days I was pretty much a by-ear guy. We didn't have CD players, so basically I'd sit in the basement and replay things on a record player at 33 1/3 RPM. I tended to do this until I could play things note for note. Today, my fellow musicians tend to be surprised when I can pick tunes up very quickly. I attribute it to this "training" regimen. As for Roundabout, I used the same technique, and can play it pretty much note for note. You might want to give it a shot in addition to the other pointers here. To add to Dave's post, I'd say this - there will always be someone better than you technically (for example, Dave is a much better player than me - thanks Dave! ;-)). They'll be able to tap, slap, pop, fingerstyle, pick style, out harmonic you. And that's OK. It's not so much what you can do, but when you do it. I always get a kick out of these guys who can tap and slap like mad, yet cannot play a line in the pocket if their life depended on it. Impressive, yes, useful in most situations? IME no. Like Dave said, it's all about heart. Practice. Don't quit. Enjoy laying down the bottom. It will provide you a lifetime of enjoyment, I guarantee you. Alan | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1408 Registered: 10-2003 |
Jared, If you go to a YES concert, chat up the sound guy early in the evening before they start, and hang out by the stage door after the show, they will gleefully shake your hand and autograph whatever you've got. It was my daughter's first concert. She was eleven years old, and they each treated her significantly differently than the rest of us. John Anderson put his arm around her and asked her a lot of questions about why she came, what music she liked, what she didn't like and other interesting and relevant topics. http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/131264817_3NJcp-L.jpg Wakeman hugged her and told her a couple of jokes. http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/131264718_wsUtu-L.jpg Steve didn't touch her (or allow anyone to touch him), but asked her questions as well. http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/131264730_9P5MD-L.jpg Alan White was just cool and friendly, like a familiar uncle. He gave her a warm hug and thanked her for coming. http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/131264674_ugmhc-L.jpg Squire had already left for the bar..  Just people though, and one day maybe we'll line up and wait for you to exit the stage door. Read Neil Peart's "Ghost Rider" and "Roadshow" when you get time. I think you will enjoy them. John | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 755 Registered: 3-2004 |
All ernest young players can see themselves on the cover of a magazine as they dream of the future. Most veterans can tell you that goes away and the sheer love of playing takes over. I learned like AJ did. Wore out several turntables in the process. I always seek out players that can kick my butt from here to heck and back. Why? Because I love the instrument and admire dedication and skill. Adam Nitti is the latest in a long line of devastating players that inspire me. Also the best player is not always the one who gets the gig. I know guys who tour all over the country and world who aren't any more talented than a bar band player. But they are playing huge festivals and the others are playing to the locals for not too much a night. Enjoy the bass, practice like the dickens, and never tell yourself you've reached the limits of your talent. Oh, and if you can sing, work on getting that together with your playing. You'll get more opportunities that way! | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 73 Registered: 10-2007 |
I guess so. Danno's right. I was just at this hardcore metal concert and the bands were awesome, but their playing basically consists of open notes and the 1st frets. play like that in Drop- C Tuning and it sounds awesome. Mind you, I'm just into that kind of music. so, yeah. by the way, if anyone likes that kind of music, they've probably heard the 3rd fret be played in a bent harmonic. I don't know how to do that because I'm a lefty and a play a right- handed guitar upside- down, so I can't bend it right | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 74 Registered: 10-2007 |
I guess so. Danno's right. I was just at this hardcore metal concert and the bands were awesome, but their playing basically consists of open notes and the 1st frets. play like that in Drop- C Tuning and it sounds awesome. Mind you, I'm just into that kind of music. so, yeah. by the way, if anyone likes that kind of music, they've probably heard the 3rd fret be played in a bent harmonic. I don't know how to do that because I'm a lefty and a play a right- handed guitar upside- down, so I can't bend it right | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 324 Registered: 10-2005 |
Moder Dave, Love the post! Wish I had a dad like you! John, thanks for the pics and the story. I took my daughter (15 yrs old at the time) to her first concert last year. We saw Roger Waters in Hartford, CT. We had a very special time. Am really enjoying this topic! Kris | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1409 Registered: 10-2003 |
Danno's right on about the singing (and everything else). Singing while playing bass is challenging, and especially rewarding when you are able to do both well. I might also recommend learning as many Beatles tunes as you can. That will open lots of musical doors for you. John | ||
| briant
Intermediate Member Username: briant Post Number: 199 Registered: 12-2004 |
"If you listen, there is a separate bass track in the middle that is extremely divergent from the obvious track. It's very low in the mix, and it's all bottom, but it's definitely there. My sister in law, who is an excellent musician, couldn't believe I hadn't heard it all along. She's amazing though, so I don't feel completely stupid." At what point are you talking about? I either don't hear it or I've always heard it and just don't know what you mean. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1410 Registered: 10-2003 |
Without having it available to listen to, I believe the second bass part is during this section, and is a climbing part: Along the drifting cloud the eagle searching Down on the land Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees The rim of the land The eagles dancing wings create as weather Spins out of hand Go closer hold the land feel partly no more Than grains of sand We stand to lose all time a thousand answers By in our hand Next to your deeper fears we stand Surrounded by a million years | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1411 Registered: 10-2003 |
The second part is fairly easy to hear after 3:25 *if* you're listening for it. ;) Pathetic as it may seem, my only access to the original recording at this time is this video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyR-BNo-tUk So the guys down the hall in Networking think I'm watching a Jennifer Love Hewitt montage. I guess it could be worse! Too funny.. John edited twice because I apparently can't type (Message edited by 811952 on June 10, 2008) (Message edited by 811952 on June 10, 2008) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 313 Registered: 10-2006 |
Thanks for the link, John - in 37 years of listening to that song, that be the best it ever sounded Peter | ||
| kenbass4
Advanced Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 292 Registered: 10-2003 |
Just throwing my 1 1/2 cents in My band does this song too, and while I'm only playing the "main" bassline in this section, it's still really tough, because the vocal line is counter to the rhythm of the bass. Also, they added a bongo percussion line on top of the drum part as well. But the live version is still pretty humbling despite the "cheating" | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 936 Registered: 11-2004 |
Jared, Many great comments in these posts, not just for someone who is beginning but for all us old guys too. There are a couple of devices that might help you (1)learn a song's notes and (2) get the lick up to speed. (1) My Sony MP3 (as well as many digital players) has an A/B repeat function. You set the beginning and end of the segment you want it to repeat and it loops it, hands free, until you tell it to move on. You can concentrate on just a small piece of a lick until you learn it without having to wait through a lot of other stuff. (2) My looper will record something and then let me speed up or slow down the tempo. You can record on a higher speed and slow it down if the lick is too fast. Learn it on slow, then speed it up a little at a time. The looper changes the tempo without changing the pitch. As people have said, don't be too concerned that you aren't melting the frets off your guitar. Lightning licks do have their place and can add to your contribution to the overall package. However, great feel, a deep groove, and big ears make the music better for you and everyone else in the room. Rich | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 341 Registered: 6-2002 |
...Reminds me of how steve martin learned those lighning fast banjo licks..playing a LP at 16 rpms,which would make it an octave lower and half speed... ...to catch all those notes that at full speed become a beautiful blossoming bluegrass bouquet. Thanks all for this great thread, at 42 I'm just gettin the knack of 'letting go'; it makes playing easier when you can just play (fretting is for the fingers). Also, quitting smoking cigarettes helped the circulation and playing got better quickly.A very welcome surprise besides the obvious benefits.Hopefully Anarchyx ,you don't have this problem(I started when I was in junior high). | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 342 Registered: 6-2002 |
...Reminds me of how Steve Martin learned those lightning fast banjo licks..playing a LP at 16 rpms,which would make it an octave lower and half speed... ...to catch all those notes that at full speed become a beautiful blossoming bluegrass bouquet. Thanks all for this great thread, at 42 I'm just gettin the knack of 'letting go'; it makes playing easier when you can just play (fretting is for the fingers). Also, quitting smoking cigarettes helped the circulation and playing got better quickly.A very welcome surprise besides the obvious benefits.Hopefully Anarchyx ,you don't have this problem(I started when I was in junior high). ...back to practicing... | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 937 Registered: 11-2004 |
Jared, I was looking at some past issues of Bass Player magazine. In November 2007 they have a piece on "Learn to play - Roundabout". If you can't find it anywhere, just say so and I'll copy it and send it to you. Rich | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2007 |
no I don't have a copy | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 938 Registered: 11-2004 |
Okay. How can I send you a copy? Rich | ||
| artswork99
Advanced Member Username: artswork99 Post Number: 364 Registered: 7-2007 |
Jared, HERE is a video version lesson of Roundabout at Bass Player TV. After you arrive at this page from the navigation click on "Lessons" then "Yes: Roundabout". Enjoy the site if you haven't already discovered it. Play it Healthy! Art | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 77 Registered: 10-2007 |
Ok Rich, send it to me in, like, an e-mail or through mail? | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 939 Registered: 11-2004 |
Okay, I'll snail mail it. I don't have it in electronic form for an e-mail, just a paper copy. E-mail me your mailing address and put Alembic in the subject (I get lots of junk mail). Rich (Message edited by richbass939 on June 23, 2008) | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 82 Registered: 10-2007 |
Well, see, I'm not really able to give out my mailing address for personal reasons | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 940 Registered: 11-2004 |
Jared, You had mentioned sending it through the mail so I thought that would be acceptable. What about a parent's work address or some place other than your home address that you would be comfortable with? A guitar shop that you go to, etc? Rich | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 375 Registered: 6-2002 |
...very roundabout sorry couldn't resist. | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 333 Registered: 10-2005 |
Jared, Follow the link Art provided you on June 18th his post # 364. Click on "lessons" then "Yes: Roundabout." A picture is worth a thousand words. The song is broken down riff by riff with Brian Fox playing it solo on bass - nothing else to get in the way of hearing it. Let us know if you can find the clip, and if it helps you. Rich, you can't send anything if he doesn't give you an address. Kris | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 942 Registered: 11-2004 |
Kris, I found the Brian Fox video to be pretty cool. I have played "Roundabout" for years and haven't noticed a "hidden bass part" that was mentioned. I want to listen to "Yes in the House of Blues" (the only "Roundabout" recording I have) and see if it is there. It is CS playing on it but they don't play it the original way. There is a major part of the song missing. I'll have to see if I can pick it out. I can't send a copy unless I have an address, even if it has to get to Jared in a roundabout way (nyuk, nyuk, Elwood). I hope Jared can come up with a way for me to mail it that he is comfortable with. I have 2 sons about his age so I completely understand playing it safe with personal information. Jared, BRAVO to you on being careful. Let me know how I can mail it to you and I will. Rich | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 83 Registered: 10-2007 |
I guess I could go wit hthe guitar shop. here: All Around Sound 111 W North St. Lebanon, IN 46052 you should probably put a note or something in there saying it's for one of the student's family members | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 84 Registered: 10-2007 |
I guess I could go wit hthe guitar shop. here: All Around Sound 111 W North St. Lebanon, IN 46052 you should probably put a note or something in there saying it's for one of the student's family members | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 945 Registered: 11-2004 |
Jared, It went in today's mail. If you don't get it soon post here and I'll sent it again. Rich | ||
| anarchyx
Member Username: anarchyx Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2007 |
hey i got it. It's kinda confusing but I'll figure it out eventually. Thanks Rich! | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 951 Registered: 11-2004 |
You're welcome. Enjoy the process of figuring it out. Rich |
