Putting the right notes in the right places is important, but there’s more…
By Jon Liebman
August 15, 2024
I came across a quote the other day, about a father giving advice to his son, who was about to play in a Little League baseball game. “When you get up to bat,” the father said, “be sure to swing hard, just in case you hit the ball!”
At first I laughed at the father said. Then I recognized a parallel between the father’s advice and the right way to approach playing the bass.
On the one hand, you could be ultra careful, play it safe, and concentrate on not making mistakes.
Or, on the other hand, you could lean into your playing, with total confidence, just in case you hit the right note!
Putting the right notes in the right places is important, but there’s also something to be said for playing with conviction and with guts! Watch this week’s video for a few examples on how to play assertively, along with a story or two to put it all in context.
Be sure to leave a comment and share your experience. I’d love to know your take.
Let’s play bass!
Jon
Great comments Jon. Reminds me of rehearsal with some guys and I am not “playing safe” Guitar player slightly annoyed. Drummer likes what I am adding. Says to the guitar player ( expletives ) let him play! We get to the gig and the guy that had played bass with them in the past is there. I decided…I am here NOW.. LOL. He comes up after the first set and goes…YES! You are not letting Rick ( guitar player) tell you what to do! Get on down with it! Thanks Jon!! Your baseball story reminded me of something the late Orlando Cepeda said about his approach to hitting a baseball. ( Yeah I know I am dating myself!!!) LETS PLAY BASS!!!
Awesome, John! I love your stories. And Orlando Cepeda — I haven’t heard that name in years! Takes me back to those days when I watched baseball with my dad, many (many!) years ago. Thanks again for weighing in.