Nothing has to be dull and tedious!
By Jon Liebman
July 4, 2024
Do you ever feel like the stuff you need to practice on the bass is boring and uninspiring?
Well, there’s no reason you can’t take any piece of music, even exercises and studies, and make it interesting, musical… and fun!
I made a short video for you, demonstrating how to take something as simple as a chromatic run up and down the bass fingerboard, and make it totally groove.
Check it out, then hit me back and let me know your takeaways.
Let’s play bass!
Jon
I totally agree Jon. Boring is getting you know where. Making anything groove will help you with creating bass lines within the context of a tune. Which I think it was always about. And speaking about playing in the context of a song Lee Sklar masjid it best. A lot of bass gymnasts on you tube, but I’ve yet to see any play a song with creativity. You just gotta love Lee. Talk about a guy who’s played many a basslines on thousands of songs.
Right on, Vinny! Thanks.
What a great video. No need to be ” Lurch” on the bass when practicing. Like James Jamerson was known to say “put something in it!”
Great video. Keeping it short because it’s time to play bass. 😉😁😎
Thanks, John!
I followed your advice.
I took your piece on two octave scales with slides and 1/16-1/8 notes and rests to make bit of fun while practicing.
I think it sounded good.
I had fun doing scales up AND down- it was a little challenging to do so but I worked it out.
Joe
That’s great, Joe. Thanks for letting me know. Here’s another twist… We all tend to play our scales from the bottom up. Try starting from the top instead, playing them down and then up. It’ll perk up your mind AND your fingers! 🙂