Theory to Real World Practicality

paco97 · Newbie Alert Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

I've had a bass for about 6 years and am completely self-taught. I have taught myself music theory and have a good grasp of it. about 3.5 years ago I put the bass away in the closet because I became frustrated. I got tired of playing the roots and had a hard time at progressing further on my own. Due to work schedules I just don't have the time to take formal lessons.

Recently I dug my bass out of the closet and am determined to go to the next step. I want to go beyond playing roots and have a few questions about going to the next level. I ordered 2 DVD lessons and they have been a great refresher for me (Rock House Beginner & Rudy Sarzo's). Can you guys help me get on the right track to progress. My bass playing is done in a Church Worship team setting playing contemporary praise & worship and for my youth group.

I understand that you can play just the roots or you can play the 1-3-5 over a guitar chord. Now from what I've learned in the past, can you take a song in a particular key and play a bassline in the key of the song? i.e. a song in the key of "G", can I take the "G" scale and form my own riffs for it?

I get a little confused because when I played roots, when the guitar switched chords, then I would switch roots. I would like some explanation as to how to play a scale in a song and how that relates to the notes a bass plays vs. which chords a guitar is playing? Hope this makes sense.

Mkuk0 · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:26 pm Post subject:

Hmm right, okay *takes deep breath*

The idea of a 'key' is just to let every band member know what chord to start in, once the song is underway, as a bass player you should be playing your 'riffs' in whatever chord is currently being played. Dont get caried away with playing riffs though, the idea of a bass line is to keep it simple with the occasional fill, bass should lock in with the drums to give the guitarist(s) a good rythym to play against. Groove is the thing, you may only be playing roots, but are you playing them in a good rythym? Get yerself a good groove and even playing roots can be a blast!

I dunno if this helps or not, but keep posting and we'll get yer sorted.

Welcome aboard, enjoy yourself here, we will all try to help as we can!
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paco97 · Newbie Alert Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Yeah, that makes sense. I was under the impression that there were three ways to play the bass. Play the roots, play the chords, play in the key. I was just confused as to how to play in a key over a song. Thanks for the help! I just needed to be put on the right track. Ive also ordered a scales book so that should help me out as well.

Mkuk0 · Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:47 am Post subject:

You can play chords on bass, but its not so easy because you're missing the 2 extra strings, I don't bother meself, still too much to learn playing single notes!

Playing roots is a good starter, just start in the Key suggested and then move around as the song progresses, start adding 3rds,5th whatever as the confidence improves, make your own fills up, enjoy....its all about enjoying what you play!
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Greasy Lil · Kitten Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 129 Location: UK

MK has given some great advice. The thing is NOT to try and be all over the fretboard simply because you're bored of roots.

Elaborate a bit but keep the groove with the drummer. Theres nothing in the world like a great bass and drum rhythm. Let the guitarist or keyboard do all the fiddly hero stuff ( unless you want to be one of those Stanley Clarke / Marcus Miller clones )

Theres nothing wrong with being inventive, but within a bracket.
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Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

I find it fun to play chords sometimes,but nothing satisfies me more than playin a nice groove,i think thats what the bass guitar is all about and what makes it stand out, the grooves, I don't know if what I just said makes sense but anyways. Laughing

Greasy Lil · Kitten Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 129 Location: UK

makes perfect sense Cool

Hopping along in a nice fat groove with a drummer is where its at for me. Theres a place for all sorts, including the players who dance all over the fretboard like a lead guitarist, and if thats your thang then ROCK ON !! It bores me silly, but of course thats very personal and subjective.

Probably why i dont like the Marcus Millers and Stanley Clarks of this world.

They are undeniably talented , but for me, the likes of Mick Karn is where life's at in the bass world
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Apostolis · Tadpole Joined: 20 Mar 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Greece