Walking Basslines?

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Sorry about losing the gig.

As for learning to read the charts for walking; you just need to learn where the notes are on the bass until they become automatic. Then you have to learn them in different positions. The good thing about walking bass lines is that for the most part, you won't have to deal with too much rhythm seeing as it should be mostly quarter notes.

In terms of checking the chart out, you might want to scope notes to see where they go high (above C, one ledger line above the staff) to find out and plan when you have to change positions (beyond 1st and 2nd).

 

[N.F.A.]

I went ahead and bought Bass Grooves from Ed too. Looks like it's going to be very helpful. Sorry you lost the gig bassmonkey. I bet something else comes along soon.

 

[bassmonkey]

I went ahead and bought Bass Grooves from Ed too. Looks like it's going to be very helpful. Sorry you lost the gig bassmonkey. I bet something else comes along soon.

Hope so. I've been in Perth 10 months. I've seen some great local bands but nothing remotely near what I want to do has come along.

My wife suggested I start my own band, but I don't really know the local scene, so would not have the confidence yet to try that.

 

[N.F.A.]

Here where I live at least the economy has slowed down band bookings big time. Time to hone some chops maybe?

 

[Aussie Mark]

A good way to fudge a walking line if you are not sure of what to play next is a strict chromatic run up to the next chord, ala James Jamerson. That gets me out of trouble lots of times, and it sounds good too.

 

[maddog]

My wife suggested I start my own band, but I don't really know the local scene, so would not have the confidence yet to try that.

Do eet!

Got Craigslist?

good place to start, a local advert in the bolor supplement.

I dig M. Python.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I've been in Perth 10 months.

My wife suggested I start my own band, but I don't really know the local scene

Craigslist is dead in Australia, but here are some other options for you in terms of finding a band or like minded musicians in Perth ....

Perth local musicians, artists - Local Classifieds at Gumtree Perth Free Classifieds

Perth Musicians Classifieds Everybody

Casting Calls - Musicians wanted, West Australia, Australia - StarNow.com.au

bmusic Australia Discussion - ESP LTD & Guitar Rig Mobile Giveaway On Now! Plus massive discounts on all ESP & LTD Guitars & Basses • View forum - Musicians Wanted

Muso's Connection - FasterLouder.com.au

 

[bassmonkey]

Craigslist is dead in Australia, but here are some other options for you in terms of finding a band or like minded musicians in Perth ....

Perth local musicians, artists - Local Classifieds at Gumtree Perth Free Classifieds

Perth Musicians Classifieds Everybody

Casting Calls - Musicians wanted, West Australia, Australia - StarNow.com.au

bmusic Australia Discussion - ESP LTD & Guitar Rig Mobile Giveaway On Now! Plus massive discounts on all ESP & LTD Guitars & Basses • View forum - Musicians Wanted

Muso's Connection - FasterLouder.com.au

Thanks for that Mark, appreciate the help.

I check these on a daily basis anyway.

Problem is the bands are either in their late teens/early 20s and I'm not! I have, for the first time in my life experienced ageism at an audition here in Perth! Or they are heavy/thrash/death metal bands. I'm more into funk and soul, so am holding out for that.

I'm feeling more positive today. The shock of a sacking has worn off.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Problem is the bands are either in their late teens/early 20s and I'm not!

True, most are, that's life at our age, but if you are patient enough you will find the right situation and people that suit.

I have, for the first time in my life experienced ageism at an audition here in Perth!

I hear you. A couple of months ago I was told I was too old for a P!nk tribute show. I didn't even get a chance to show them my trapeze work (just kidding about the trapeze bit)

Or they are heavy/thrash/death metal bands.

Same in Sydney, there are 500 of those type of bands, and only 2 venues that play that "genre", so the rehearsal rooms are filled with bands like that making a hell of a racket (without bass players) and never gigging. Amazing the number of those bands who advertise - "must be prepared to play our custom 5 string bass that we have had tuned F# F# F# F# B". Yeah, right.

I'm more into funk and soul, so am holding out for that.

Patience, grasshopper. I had a lean period of 12 months testing the waters with several start-up bands, flaky types etc, and now I have plenty of gigs, in good venues for nice money. One other thing I've found that has assisted greatly in strangers contacting me out of the blue for gigs (both permanent and fill-ins) has been my Myspace page - specifically putting the workds "Sydney bass player" in the name - amazing the number of people who search for things like that. You could do the same thing with "Perth bass player" if you have a Myspace page.

 

[EdFriedland]

Well, there is nothing like becoming a better bassist and musician to generate opportunities. It takes time, but... learning how to walk through chord changes is a very useful skill. It not only allows you to handle situations like the one that just slipped away from you, it also makes every other type of gig seem much easier. Anyway, keep your chin up, and dig in to some new skills.

 

[bassmonkey]

Well, there is nothing like becoming a better bassist and musician to generate opportunities. It takes time, but... learning how to walk through chord changes is a very useful skill. It not only allows you to handle situations like the one that just slipped away from you, it also makes every other type of gig seem much easier. Anyway, keep your chin up, and dig in to some new skills.

Cheers, Ed.

I was a little fed up at first, but it has given me a boost, in a perverse way. My aim, now, is next time I get an opportunity like this I will ace it.