What bass line gives you trouble?

[muggsy]

A lot of Jamerson doesn't go beyond 8th notes and that stuff is awesome. Check out 'What's going on?'

When I was taking lessons a few years ago, I spent about two months working through the transcription of What's Going On from the Standing in the Shadows of Motown book. I was in way over my head on that one, but what a great line! By breaking down the hard parts into manageable sections, with a lot of help from my teacher, I was eventually able to play it all the way through. That felt like a hell of an accomplishment. Of course, now I've forgotten most of it....

 

[shamus63]

Yo, holmes, "Smoke on the Water" is HARD.

I refuse to learn "Poppa Was A Rolling Stone". I like it, mind you, but what is the count on that? It freaks me out - a band I was in back in the late 70s, when such things were cool, used to write stuff in 11/32 and alternating time signatures and I loved it, was all over it, but "Poppa Was A Rolling Stone" just eats my lunch.

One I really LOVE to play, although I'm sure I'm not playing it accurately, is "Watching The Detectives" by Elvis Costello.

And anything, lately, by Barenaked Ladies.

But that's probably a new thread.

Jack

Hey Bo -

I'm listening to "Papa..." right now, and the way I have it figured out (for being ear-trained) is that for the first riff, the bass comes in between the 4 and the 1 (then start your 4-count).

The second riff starts on the 2, although it *sounds* like Jamerson has a *slight* drag on that start.

The whole process just repeats itself throughout the entire song. It's the syncopated clapping that can throw you off. Concentrate on the high-hat, and you'll be fine!

 

[skabassist13]

Tommy the Cat by Primus/ Les Claypool. Just the main riff is hard. Well, at speed it is. At a slower tempo its not very hard at all, but for me, getting even close to the actual tempo causes me to mess up.

 

[shamus63]

Another sick bass line...

BTW, here's one for the books...


Elvis Costello and The Attractions "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea".


One of the sickest bass lines ever laid down!


Heads-up to Bruce Thomas for that one!

 

[phatduckk]

Tommy the Cat by Primus/ Les Claypool.

ya that one's a bitch ... and he sings too

 

[skabassist13]

Yep. The solo on that song isn't any better either.

 

[bassmonkey]

When I was taking lessons a few years ago, I spent about two months working through the transcription of What's Going On from the Standing in the Shadows of Motown book. I was in way over my head on that one, but what a great line! By breaking down the hard parts into manageable sections, with a lot of help from my teacher, I was eventually able to play it all the way through. That felt like a hell of an accomplishment. Of course, now I've forgotten most of it....

You think that's hard? (It is BTW) Check out "How Long Has that Evening Train Been Gone?" It took me 4 days, man, it felt amazing when I nailed it.

 

[T-bone]

Hell, I knew I wasn't in the same league as most of you guys. I'm embarrassed to say, but.........George Harrison's "Old Brown Shoe" with McCartney on Bass (still my favorite bassist) always gets me. I usually end up dropping a few (or hanging onto) a few notes.

tbone

 

[spectorbassguy]

Hell, I knew I wasn't in the same league as most of you guys. I'm embarrassed to say, but.........George Harrison's "Old Brown Shoe" with McCartney on Bass (still my favorite bassist) always gets me. I usually end up dropping a few (or hanging onto) a few notes.

tbone

Tbone it def ain't about being in leagues man. It's just about being the best you can be for the music you play. I'd much rather go and listen to a simple groovin' bass player than one that needs to show you his technical prowess on every song.

 

[shamus63]

Tbone it def ain't about being in leagues man. It's just about being the best you can be for the music you play. I'd much rather go and listen to a simple groovin' bass player than one that needs to show you his technical prowess on every song.

Ayyyyyyyyymen!!

 

[phatduckk]

Tbone it def ain't about being in leagues man. It's just about being the best you can be for the music you play.

+1

if you have more fun than "me" then you're the better bassist
its all about heart and having fun dude ... no one's keeping score

 

[Alvabass]

One song that really frustrates me and pisses me off is "Higher Ground" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers because the slap riff is very easy and I can play it very well when practicing, but the few times I've played it live my right index finger misses the D string for playing the popped octaves ONLY DURING THE INTRO . I haven't played that tune with my band in a long time, but I know that this created on me sort of a "fear" to play that intro live. I'd like to find a cure for that (practicing isn't. I did it a lot and can play that blindfolded at home).

 

[prickly_pete]

One song that really frustrates me and pisses me off is "Higher Ground" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers because the slap riff is very easy and I can play it very well when practicing, but the few times I've played it live my right index finger misses the D string for playing the popped octaves ONLY DURING THE INTRO . I haven't played that tune with my band in a long time, but I know that this created on me sort of a "fear" to play that intro live. I'd like to find a cure for that (practicing isn't. I did it a lot and can play that blindfolded at home).

Keep practicing, that's a very simple bass line. Practice it until you have the confidence to play it live.