Tips For Playing Bass In A Band
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at
12:11 pm
Here’s some practical information on some common issues when playing bass in a band. I’m not trying to be like mr. all knowing bass guru or anything. I definitely don’t claim to be that. I’m just talking about things that I’ve had to tighten up and get better at in my own performance skills. And they’re the things that stood out most recently as I was preparing for my current gig. It’s a Blues/Rock (power) trio.
As far as the bass playing duties (haha, I said “duties”) in this particular band, there’s some improvisation, but mostly I’m playing through arranged parts. There’s usually only three of us so the bass parts have to be nailed and right on time. Plus there are tons of cues for the sections and changes that come at random times so I really have to pay attention to what’s going on around me and be ready for someone to signal for the changes.
To make matters worse, for this band I have to set up and stand to the left of the drummer. That means in order to look at my fretboard, I have to turn my head and look away from the band, since I’m right handed. I had to get used to looking at my fretboard as little as possible and be ready for cues the whole time on this gig, so I made up this video to talk about it.
If anyone else has anything valuable you want to add from your own experience, go right ahead and comment 
like I say, I don’t have all the answers, but we can all learn from each others experience!
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Tagged with: bass fretboard • bass lessons • bass tips • blues bass • video bass lessons
Filed under: BassGuitarStarter • General • Videos From Youtube
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If there is one thing I would add, especially in a power trio is that the bass player needs to keep incredibly tight time with the drummers foot. Your plucking fingers and his bass drum foot need to be almost one instument and for a really tight sound they need to be almost indistinguishable for the non musician listener.
Hey buddy, you have a GREAT style of teaching. You are calm, unassuming, through, and competent. One thing I can’t find is your name anywhere! Good luck on your 3 piece. I hate 3 pieces as I’m never comfortable with the lack of fullness a keyboard or 2ND guitarist brings. Check my bass track hijacking (using ProTools) out at:
http://www.myspace.com/todandrews
or me playing at HOB:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW-8pdIEg0M
The tracking thing is just a hobby of mine. I know what you mean about setting up on the left but I always do it now just feels balanced for me. Thanks again for the great videos.
Tod (Big T) Andrews