i) Focus on drums ii) Have fun iii) Get a proper setup iv) Play slow, avoid sloppiness v) Focus on how you sound in a band vi) Triads are more useful than scales vii) Learn multiple techniques viii) go outside and jam with others ix) you are a Jedi
Loved your discussion on listening(and how to listen)to the drums and the trampoline metaphor("just serve the song" always sounds so pedestrian and uncreative) We differ a bit on scales and I think knowing piano and theory is very important especially if you're trampolining the music..
"The drummers are not the time keeper, the whole band is the time keeper". Thank you from a drummer! Sure the bass and drums need to and are known for good timing, but if any other band mate speeds up or slows down it will mess with everyone no matter how tight the bass and drums are. Great video!
My last band made everything on me (as the drummer). I agree that the whole band keeps time. It was a lot of pressure put on just me when I think everyone had to do their parts too
As a Bass player I lock in with the drummer and together we control the speed, beat and rhythm of the song together we are the heart beat of the band. We both control the timing and speed of all in the band. If anyone is to fast or slow, off time or what ever we just maintain and that helps every one stay in snyc with the music and song.
I think it was mostly, historically, that you can ALWAYS hear the drums on stage. No matter how bad stage sound is, there is always that kick and snare. If the drummer is slow, most bands will slow down to the drummer. We are all time keepers, but if you cant hear the guitars speed up or slow down, no one else changes their playing to adapt.
I guess these are DOs, not don'ts. 1 - Learn the fretboard. Know all the notes. 2 - Learn to follow chord changes and read chord charts. Reading musical notes is not as important, but can be useful. Just don't try using the bass clef of a piano chart as the bass part -- it's always different. 3 - There are a number of standard patterns that are very useful to know when you're starting out. For example, the walking bass for blues changes or the old fashioned country 1-5 bounce with walk-ups on the chord changes or even the tonic note thumper. Shave and a haircut! Most are pretty easy. Learn ten of these basic patterns and you can play with a band pretty quick! (It's a great place to start, but don't stop there. It's a stepping stone to better things.) 4 - Unless you're planning on being a session player, you don't have to play in every style. Play the kind of music you enjoy. That said, don't be afraid to try something new. 5 - Check out good video teachers to learn great bass songs. Learn how to play "Ramble On" and "Silly Love Songs" and "Money" and "Taxman" and "Green Onions." (Great audition pieces.) Learn the stuff you like to listen to. 6 - Don't be intimidated! Get out there and do it!
Tip: if you are at the very beginning now, know this - keep watching beginner videos like this one, no matter how far you get! I only stand at the beginning of my 3rd year on bass, but videos like this keep me from getting lost as I get further. Different aspects gain importance, as I hear them presented differently. That being said, great video! 👍
As I grew up I realised and came to appreciate bass so much more. I probably could've guessed it was important as a kid and later learned how important, but in the last few years I bought one after playing guitar for a few years and really enjoy it, although I still play guitar more. But I realised just now that the bass is like the healer class in a game, I've been playing Final Fantasy XIV as a white mage, the pure healer class, and it's so satisfying to prevent people from dying and not just doing big damage. Bass is the same way and I think if you view it as a very necessary support role you can appreciate it and feel cooler playing it
My tip: Record yourself. Just use your phone to begin with. So you can listen back and use it as a learning tool. Best thing for me was learning songs, recording myself and being critical of my playing.
Very cool hat logo! Point 7 (the last of the "10 Don'ts"?) is very important. I have my own story. In my small musical community, there were two bassist, and one was me. The other guy was a far more skillful bassist. He could play complex, melodic lines from Yes and Rush, but the bands all preferred to play with me because I would just play simple, solid lines that fit the music and gave a foundation the other band members could rely on. I would ad that every bass player also spend a lot of time playing some kind of drums or percussion (drum kit, congas, cowbell, whatever). I took a break from bass and switched to drums and percussion for many years, and when I returned to bass, I was much better. Rhythm was always my strong suit, but the drumming really helped me deeply understand how rhythm works in music.
I am only interested in playing the Bass Guitar and no other instrument so all my time is spent on the Bass and I feel that my dedication has made me more knowledgeable and comfortable on the Bass and that has help me write my own original music.
#5 is gold. A bass on its own is a completely different thing than a bass in the mix. Small differences go a long way. Get a good EQ and the right bass and you're game.
Man, I couldn't agree more with each and every point. Love it! I would add something to #7 you somehow implied: don't overdo, and learn to really love playing less and enjoying simple lines, enjoying just the sound of each note, because bass sounds awesome! Great video Philip!
YES! But... if you are 8 Years old and you wanna start playing the Bass, you dont wanna learn how to set it up yourself. Might be a bit to much at the beginning. But in the long run... Definitely worth it! ;)
This for sure. My main bass is actually a Squire Jag SS, but I set it up perfectly and with some really nice flat wounds, thing plays beautifully. I also setup my band mates guitars, handy skill to have.
@@MountainBlade Among other basses I have a Squire classic vibe 50s P Bass in sunburst. I put Fender chrome pickup and bridge covers on it to give it a more authentic look. Quality is really pretty good and Squier has upped their game recently. Price for a Fender 50s P Bass is around $2,500.00 but perfectly happy with the Squire.
Your trampoline metaphor was pure genius. Such an incredible way to articulate and bring clarity to a concept that you can't really teach even though anyone can learn it. The hear with your ears like you see with your eyes exercise was equally as impressive considering how subtlety you pulled everyone into the video. It reminded me of the way that when there's a nice groove going people are starting tapping their foot or moving her head without even realizing it. Phenomenal teaching. There are many time periods that people may wish that they were born and lived in. Yeah being able to afford a house and put the kids through school while working at the loval grocery store as a cashier might be everything to some people . I don't think I could ever give up living in a our present time. To my knowledge there has never been a time before now where a regular guy like myself could have access to so many high caliber teachers that generously inpart lifetimes of their hard learned and earned lessons ...while asking for virtually nothing in return. Respect 👊🏼✨
@kevinmichael9482 Thank you, Kevin. I may be moving back to bass guitar for a bit. I've already switched to a smaller gauge string set, as my finger strength isn't what it was.
Playing with a pick can be a lot of fun and gives a lot of variety of tone (especially compared to fingerstyle if one's thumb is glued to the top of the pickup). I like using palm muting and also varying the pick point along the string to name just two pick techniques.
@@unclemick-synths I can tell that you are way better with playing with a pick than me. When I was playing bass I relied 90% on doing just that-playing with the middle & index fingers with my thumb on the pick up. I did use the slap/pop, too.
Great tips. About playing with a pick, it's sometimes required by the style of music you're playing. You can't get that specific attack and tone with the fingers.
Thanks for the part about simplifying. I'm a new player and this always stresses me out. I like learning my favorite songs from tabs and if there are parts that get a bit complex or require some faster fingering I tend to get discouraged and stop playing or get stuck until I get it right. Doing this makes it less enjoyable because sometimes there are fun parts of the song I miss out on. Now I skip over those parts and stick with getting the easy parts right and then come back and learn a simplified version of the hard parts so I can play the song all the way through. I find that later when I have advanced a bit more I'm able to play those parts properly and then revise the song. Getting all the way through a song for rhe first time even with simplified parts gives me a boost in confidence. Being able to go back and replay it properly after some time is the icing on the cake.
Fantastic advice and I completely agree with all that you're saying. My Dad is a professional jazz bass player who has played with many of the greats and he taught me. I started on bass in 1983 and I eventually picked up guitar as well. My Dad said most these things, if not directly certainly in spirit. I hope you inspire the next generation with your channel!
Love it! I can see where #3 came from :) Better have a $150 instrument professionally setup, than a $1500 instrument with no setup. Musical instruments are made of wood, they change with temperature and humidity. Every bass needs adjustment, even these $10,000 fender custom shop relic ones.
Almost forty years of playing bass, and this advice and guidance would have helped when I got started. I think I've done every one of these "don'ts" Thanks, Philip! Great video
Definitely wish i had learned the fretboard from the beginning. Bass tab number system created some bad habits and ways of thinking that took a long time for me to overcome. Great video.
Yo triads>scales is a fantastic piece of advice. I started learning the language of bass playing so much faster when I started to pick up on the triads in nearly every song I heard
All great points. I just turned 71 and played bass in what we called garage bands back in the late 1960s & early 70s. Sometimes we sucked but other times pretty good. Practicing by yourself is good but you cannot beat playing with others. Also, I set up all my basses myself, It's not that hard and there are plenty of RUclips vids out there to help you. Those garage band days were the best days in my life, and it is sad that not too many people do it now.
Thanks for the wise words! As a guitarist with over 40 years of bothering six stringed instruments I am really enjoying the change of playing around with a cheap bass 😎
Great video, thanks! One thing for me is singing or humming along with what you’re playing when you’re practicing, I didn’t do this until recently and it really helps develop your ear, especially to recognise intervals and chord changes
the balancing fun and discipline is definitely something i believe is very important in keeping the motivation to learn and grow there. i lucked out and started this instrument after a decade of playing brass so a lot of the theory and conceptual side of music is something i’ve gone through already but i’ve seen so many people get bogged down trying to jump into that first before just getting playing as the primary practice and doing that sorta study to facilitate the progression of skills.
Back in the lockdown times I saw a live stream concert that you did with Rhett. I remember thinking "Damn that bass player's badass"! If you want, you should do breakdowns of your favorite baselines and or players. Not sure if that's too overdone but I'd watch you for sure!
I agree with all of this! The one thing that didn’t sit with me was when you said there’s thousands of scales. I can think of less than 20 that are commonly used in music. I totally agree that learning triads is the perfect starting point but, scales are incredibly important. Just thought I’d put those two cents in. Nice video!
You are correct and right on. I learned it all as I was growing up, I started at age 11 and as more as I practice with my self and played in many bands with different types of music I slowly evolved and it all came together, don't know when it happened but it happen. I play with both fingers and pick it all depends on the song. I like a good drummer can't play with a bad drummer. With a good drummer we work together so the Lead Guitar can play and solo their best the same applies with a singer, the song can now be all what it is suppose to be and more.
(re)beginning bass player here. this is the most perfect distillation of every gobbet of basslore I've picked up from various videos and interviews so far - echoing advice from some greats, like Leland Sklar and Krist Novoselic. and this gal who has a lil video on playing country bass. incredible. i cheered when you got to the "servant" part, because I've actually said, "My mission is to play this bass as a service instrument." meaning exactly what you said. definitely subscribing. ✌🏻🎼🙏🏻
Glad I saw your video! I totally agree on all points that you mention... I started playing/studying upright 4 years ago (jazz!) And have been asked to play the e-bass (which I played for short periods of time - as I played guitar too). It is a new world, loving it! Thank you for the tips and see you on Instagram! Greetings from Mexico!
Concerning getting a good setup, I totally agree that have a quality setup is so important. It is so easy to make the sound of an instrument punch above its price point with a proper setup. I would go a step further however, and encourage new players to learn how to adjust the setup themselves. Truss rod, action, and intonation adjustments can all be completed with a basic toolbox, which most folks should have in general if they don't already. It also allows you to customize the setup to your preference instead of getting the more generic "good" setup a shop will give you. Adjusting and maintaining my instruments myself has made me feel much closer to them and helped me take a greater ownership of my sound.
Totally agree. I setup my bass myself. It kind of build a rapo between you and your instrument. At the end of the day what really matters is how you feel when you play your instrument.
Great Video! Been playing Bass since Feb. 1973 and recently started teaching teens at church. I focus on 3 things I wished I had learned early in my journey. “Hand Position and Muting” are key to help us articulate the notes we play. My students catch on quickly and sound much better! But the 3rd and Most Important thing is playing with a drummer. I’ll play a simple repetitive pattern, then add the drums and introduce them to The Groove! Now they’re Hooked!
Great vid. I'd heard a teacher say the greatest thing once.. "Don't play it as fast as you CAN'T".lol So many players get lost in crap which is less important than just being really solid.
These are tips many players have spent years learning on their own. A couple of personal observations. #4 When you slow down a phrase you can easily employ fingering techniques that aren’t possible at higher tempos so pay attention to the mechanics needed to play at proper tempo #6 Super glue to the rescue for callouses. Seriously. Personally I play fingerstyle, thumb pluck with palm mute and the funkity slapitty. No pick for me on bass (guitar yes). Keep up the good work! 🤘🤩🤘
This is an incredibly valuable video to me. I'm dragging it to my bookmarks bar which doesn't have much on it and barely ever a link to a single video but I want to make sure I revisit this regularly. I clicked into this never having seen you and thinking 'how many of these 10 things could I possibly agree with?' - especially their presence on this list, priority-wise. But then I found it to be spot-on, with things I didn't previously, consciously think about - like that about triads. I love your analogy of double-jumping on a trampoline and that priority of being of service. Thank you very much
GREAT video Philip!! #7 TOTALLY rang true to me!! I also have a "Franciscan" background so the "stars align" with your wisdom on this one for me. Thanks so much!
Your content is always amazing. I would love to add to the first one about locking in with teh drums - something I wish someone told me: "learn" drums. Like... for real - "learn" what they do. Meaning I grew up playing guitar and bass and because my brother played drums I wanted him to have "his thing" and me to have "my thing" (SMH LOL). So over the years people would say "lock in with the drums" though I really had no idea how drummers did what they do - not even basic beats. So several years ago I started studying drums - first buying some sticks and a basic drum pad and doing traditional grip and rudiments. I also make hip hop beats. For me - undersatnding that even though it can get wild, basic drumming is often 4/4 with bass drum on the 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4 with lead hand mapping out 1 2 3 4. Obviously that's veeeery basic though it's important to know what part the bass would be locking in. Now I'm very mindful of where things fall and, often, choose to program drums in the studio because it keeps me from overplaying... not that there's anything wrong with that... though making sure the drums is that team you mentioned. Anyway respect always - and BRO I'M STILL LOVING MY BEATLE BASS - thank you for the motivation to just pull the trigger already.
As someone who plays bass myself, I think you've been spot on with about everything you've said. Especially that last part about being a servant. Very insightful. The key note that I'd point out is that I don't think the "everyone keeps time" thing is set in stone. That's because sometimes the non-rhythm musicians may need to break formation to usher in the spirit and really help set the mood. So the rhythm pair is kinda the anchor for em. So all musicians contribute to the time and feel, but the drummer and bassist seem to take point in that regard. Also, my personal way of viewing the band is like a mix between an airplane and a Star Trek ship. You have the drummer and bass as co-pilots, the keys player as the shield guy, the guitar or other keys player (gospel church background) as the weapons system, and the organist and music director as the captain in the chair at the center of the main deck (our music director plays both roles). We all contribute, and the captain is still in command, but the drums and bass are the de facto pilots of the ship. We may not necessarily run the ship.......we just drive it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And you're spot on regarding the servant mentality. Heck, you may even be a leader in a way. You have a LOT of power with the rhythm section, because people don't always hear you but they _feel_ you. Imo, a band (or music for that matter) is like a pyramid........... ........_Every_ block in the pyramid is important. 😎😎😎😎😎
Seriously considering picking up bass after having not touched a guitar in like 5-6 years. This video helped me understand a lot of things. I’m absolutely enamored with the instrument.
Good tips, this one goes into the Favorites playlist! I enjoyed your basic course. I have been a very mediocre/poor guitarist and bass player for many years. Your course taught me to focus on simple stuff that I should have been doing all along. Didn't realize you had the triad courses. I will be checking them out next!
4-6 are gold. The tone in a band vs solo is why I’m a P bass die hard. Also agree 1000% that triads get you a ton of mileage. Learning arpeggios in all directions will get you paid lol! I’d add learning the basics of chord theory and how modes play into that is very important, but triads can get you through the first 10 years.
Dude, that last point is the one. I just joined a band and they all really dig me because I focus on making them and the song sound better. The difference between what they had before I joined and what we're working on now is just miles apart. It's all about feeling what's missing in the song, tapping your knowledge base and adding that. And, 99% of the time, it isn't bass in and of itself that's missing.
Most of these are frankly common sense ideas that all bass players will end up having to follow or they'll sound like crap in a band, so I'm not worried about this not reaching newbie players. :)
My first time seeing you, RUclips brought me to you and I'm glad it did. Nice video, thank you! That'll be not the last time I'm watching your stuff. Sorry for my English, I'm from a martian minority on Jupiter and don't even understand my mother tongue.
I'm a bassist who's picking up the bass after not playing for a while, and getting the things right that I never knew about before (hello, flying pinky!). That triads > scales is so true -- once you said it I knew why, but I'd never formulated it as something to practice before.
Thanks. I'm a guitar player and I have a bass for composing and fun purposes. I was talking to a friend about playing bass. it's a different whole world compared to guitar. Can you make a video for guitar players or other musicians on how the approach has to be when it comes to playing bass? My friend told me: "Don´t play the bass with a guitar player mindset, play it like a bass" and I'm not referring to strumming or something like that, I mean that I'm too melodic when I play bass.
I've been playing bass since 1968 along with guitar and drums. Early on when asked why I enjoy bass so much I would say because it is both bass guitar and percussion. You started your list with a major great point. I liken it to what is now recognized today about Ringo Stars ranking. It was in reverse to what you are saying about bass. You have to listen to the song and come up with the most complementary addition. Ringo is one of the greats. I agreed with all the other points you made but the first one was my favorite.
great video brilliant advice, a lot of people that play bass more recently forget its a rhythm instrument and overplay massively like its a lead guitar or something it can sound cool but very rarely flows with a song so i definitely agree with having restraint when i play bass i know I'm a rhythm to keep beat like drums while the lead and rhythm guitar are the highlights unless its a song that specifically has a bassline intended to be the main riff like in some hives songs etc and the guitars keep the tick with the drums, some styles require you to be more busy like Wooten Charles Berthoud styles etc but your not going to be playing like that in any band or situation overplaying is very common these days in bass, excellent video
Awesome tips. I would suggest a possible alternative to tip #6, that being "Learn your intervals". If you learn all of your intervals solidly, scales and triads, and even extensions become things you play through without having to think about how to play, so much as what to play. Regarding Tip #7, yes, learn and practice all of your techniques, even different muting techniques for both hands, tapped harmonics, etc.,but make sure your primary techniques are all SOLID first. Treat technique like your pronunciation, and how you articulate what you are trying to say without words. Are you trying to whisper, or scream, or grunt, or slur your sounds? More often than not, saying less than necessary is best. Another tip not on the list but has saved my butt on so many gigs: If your fingers are sore, put super glue on them, and let it dry. You might need to put a fresh coat on every couple of tunes, depending on how hard you play, but it can get you through most gigs, even if your fingers were literally raw and bleeding before you put the glue on. I recommend Krazy Glue, all purpose. Bonus tip: One of the highest levels of mastery is playing a line so well and effectively that people hear notes that you're not actually playing, but implying and leaving space for their brains to fill in. So....Do not play ALL of the notes.
I love the samurai analogy for the role of the bass! I love samurai! Makes sense! I've always seen it as a "support" instrument. After playing trombone since middle school, I look forward to learning other instruments! My dad played drums and my brother plays bass and used to play guitar. Bass is in bass clef like a trombone, so I feel I can adapt that a little easier, and I'm more used to the support role too. Good stuff, man! Very useful and insightful! I wanna be a bass samurai! 😅😆😎😁👍🏻
I've been playing bass 30 years and have played around 500 live gigs with over a dozen different bands and styles of music. I was a practicing/gigging musician for 22 years. The #1 piece of advice for any new bass player is: Do not let others tell you how to play! Learn from other musicians, but you must find and nurture your own unique style of playing. You will find it very hard to do that if you let others control the way you play. If you want to play progressively, learn to do that well. If you want to play low key and stay in the groove pocket, that's fine too. Be yourself and be your own bass player!
You should learn how to play bass with a pick, with your fingers and with your thumb. All styles are valid....learn when to use which style. Thumb and finger pulls are slap, (disco, funk, top 40 dance ) pick is country or speed metal, finger style is jazz or blues,(bebop, 50's elvis and 60's hippy ,)
Great video. Great talking points. Inspired! Be a Jedi warrior down in the engine room and drive, shape and even play the music the other players are making and if you listen hard enough you can turn small things into events some say are called MUSIC. Be here now. Awake the giant within. Although with this power comes great responsibility to the groove. One must remember that without limitations there is no creativity. Thinking too much is the enemy of creativity. Be here now. Feel is most paramount! both stylisticaly and "feeling" the music. Be more felt than seen!
Great video! Excellent advice. Major Scale and Triads are like two oxen pulling a musical brain along. I know so many play by ear types who know chords all ways to Sunday, but can't separate an F from an F# and only know the major scale from a singing standpoint (Do Re Mi...). Can't improvise melodies that are more than 65% in key and waste lots of time trying to explain why knowing the major scale on the guitar isn't necessary, if you have a good ear. I'd rather jam with the scale guy, to be honest. Plus, it's so easy to start learning triads after learning how to play a major scale from memory on the guitar.
Been playing bass for 25 + years and your number 5 tip is as relevant now as when I started …check out Chuck Raineys bass tone on “Josie “ brutal solo perfect in the mix
Thanks Philip great video 👌 Maybe you could explain a little bit more what a good band-tone is and what to look out for. I am struggling at the moment with finding a good band-tone which I can hear somewhat clearly but is not too annoying at the same time. 😅
Bass sound: I have run into this problem a lot. I get a great bass tone "in my bedroom" but when I have a chance to listen to the live recording (after the fact) , it's buried in the mix. How to get around this?
This is a great video and most of what you're saying is generally good advice for life. Very cool mate ❤ I may just learn this time around 🤦♂️😂 Keep it up 👍
Great video man. Another good piece of advice would be get to know the bass you have. This goes for beginners and experts. Having a bunch of different basses can be great but it won’t make you a better player and can actually hinder progression because you can be so fixated on the next “best” thing. Get to know the instrument you have and know it well. Whether it’s a $500 bass or a $5000 bass, you’re still going to sound like you at the end of the day.
Great video. My advice to intermediate players would be not to play just your own material--cover other people's stuff! As you're starting to get the hang of making music, it's easy to start prioritizing your own songs rather than playing covers. But covers can widen your horizon and skillset significantly. I get that there's a lot of players who prioritize covering songs, but for players like me it's easy to forget that there's so many great ideas already out there.
![He told me how to Find the Pocket with ANY Band [ft. Tim Pierce]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/walos4a-6Yw/mqdefault.jpg)
i) Focus on drums
ii) Have fun
iii) Get a proper setup
iv) Play slow, avoid sloppiness
v) Focus on how you sound in a band
vi) Triads are more useful than scales
vii) Learn multiple techniques
viii) go outside and jam with others
ix) you are a Jedi
These are the things NOT to do?!
@@f.herumusu8341right- stay in your basement
@@user-pq9ji7kt4lyeah! Be a real gamer!
“A selection of bass dos & donts”. Looks like one of the do’s is “focus on the bass not youtube titles”
Loved your discussion on listening(and how to listen)to the drums and the trampoline metaphor("just serve the song" always sounds so pedestrian and uncreative)
We differ a bit on scales and I think knowing piano and theory is very important especially if you're trampolining the music..
I've been playing bass for over 30 years now, and every single one of these points are so on the money.
"The drummers are not the time keeper, the whole band is the time keeper". Thank you from a drummer! Sure the bass and drums need to and are known for good timing, but if any other band mate speeds up or slows down it will mess with everyone no matter how tight the bass and drums are. Great video!
My last band made everything on me (as the drummer). I agree that the whole band keeps time. It was a lot of pressure put on just me when I think everyone had to do their parts too
As a Bass player I lock in with the drummer and together we control the speed, beat and rhythm of the song together we are the heart beat of the band. We both control the timing and speed of all in the band. If anyone is to fast or slow, off time or what ever we just maintain and that helps every one stay in snyc with the music and song.
I think it was mostly, historically, that you can ALWAYS hear the drums on stage. No matter how bad stage sound is, there is always that kick and snare. If the drummer is slow, most bands will slow down to the drummer. We are all time keepers, but if you cant hear the guitars speed up or slow down, no one else changes their playing to adapt.
I had that problem so I quit that band then started bad mouthing me funny story
I learned. Talent is the end result of hard work, not the beginning. Persistence pays.
I guess these are DOs, not don'ts.
1 - Learn the fretboard. Know all the notes.
2 - Learn to follow chord changes and read chord charts. Reading musical notes is not as important, but can be useful. Just don't try using the bass clef of a piano chart as the bass part -- it's always different.
3 - There are a number of standard patterns that are very useful to know when you're starting out. For example, the walking bass for blues changes or the old fashioned country 1-5 bounce with walk-ups on the chord changes or even the tonic note thumper. Shave and a haircut! Most are pretty easy. Learn ten of these basic patterns and you can play with a band pretty quick! (It's a great place to start, but don't stop there. It's a stepping stone to better things.)
4 - Unless you're planning on being a session player, you don't have to play in every style. Play the kind of music you enjoy. That said, don't be afraid to try something new.
5 - Check out good video teachers to learn great bass songs. Learn how to play "Ramble On" and "Silly Love Songs" and "Money" and "Taxman" and "Green Onions." (Great audition pieces.) Learn the stuff you like to listen to.
6 - Don't be intimidated! Get out there and do it!
Excellent advice. All of it.
One of the best bass videos out there...without ever playing a bass.
Tip: if you are at the very beginning now, know this - keep watching beginner videos like this one, no matter how far you get!
I only stand at the beginning of my 3rd year on bass, but videos like this keep me from getting lost as I get further. Different aspects gain importance, as I hear them presented differently.
That being said, great video! 👍
As I grew up I realised and came to appreciate bass so much more. I probably could've guessed it was important as a kid and later learned how important, but in the last few years I bought one after playing guitar for a few years and really enjoy it, although I still play guitar more. But I realised just now that the bass is like the healer class in a game, I've been playing Final Fantasy XIV as a white mage, the pure healer class, and it's so satisfying to prevent people from dying and not just doing big damage. Bass is the same way and I think if you view it as a very necessary support role you can appreciate it and feel cooler playing it
Great analogy, love it.
My tip: Record yourself. Just use your phone to begin with. So you can listen back and use it as a learning tool. Best thing for me was learning songs, recording myself and being critical of my playing.
Very cool hat logo!
Point 7 (the last of the "10 Don'ts"?) is very important. I have my own story. In my small musical community, there were two bassist, and one was me. The other guy was a far more skillful bassist. He could play complex, melodic lines from Yes and Rush, but the bands all preferred to play with me because I would just play simple, solid lines that fit the music and gave a foundation the other band members could rely on.
I would ad that every bass player also spend a lot of time playing some kind of drums or percussion (drum kit, congas, cowbell, whatever). I took a break from bass and switched to drums and percussion for many years, and when I returned to bass, I was much better. Rhythm was always my strong suit, but the drumming really helped me deeply understand how rhythm works in music.
I am only interested in playing the Bass Guitar and no other instrument so all my time is spent on the Bass and I feel that my dedication has made me more knowledgeable and comfortable on the Bass and that has help me write my own original music.
Loved the trampoline metaphor! It's that kind of playfullness that should guide our "playing".
#5 is gold. A bass on its own is a completely different thing than a bass in the mix. Small differences go a long way. Get a good EQ and the right bass and you're game.
The first bass lesson I ever had, the guy told me when in doubt to follow the kick and the high hat. Thanks for reinforcing that tip!
Don't follow, meet. If you follow you'll always be late.
Man, I couldn't agree more with each and every point. Love it!
I would add something to #7 you somehow implied: don't overdo, and learn to really love playing less and enjoying simple lines, enjoying just the sound of each note, because bass sounds awesome!
Great video Philip!
If I could add to #3 please...learn how to do these things, and over time you will be able set up YOUR instrument to your playing style and feel. 😊
YES! But... if you are 8 Years old and you wanna start playing the Bass, you dont wanna learn how to set it up yourself. Might be a bit to much at the beginning. But in the long run... Definitely worth it! ;)
This for sure. My main bass is actually a Squire Jag SS, but I set it up perfectly and with some really nice flat wounds, thing plays beautifully.
I also setup my band mates guitars, handy skill to have.
@@MountainBlade Among other basses I have a Squire classic vibe 50s P Bass in sunburst. I put Fender chrome pickup and bridge covers on it to give it a more authentic look. Quality is really pretty good and Squier has upped their game recently. Price for a Fender 50s P Bass is around $2,500.00 but perfectly happy with the Squire.
Your trampoline metaphor was pure genius. Such an incredible way to articulate and bring clarity to a concept that you can't really teach even though anyone can learn it.
The hear with your ears like you see with your eyes exercise was equally as impressive considering how subtlety you pulled everyone into the video.
It reminded me of the way that when there's a nice groove going people are starting tapping their foot or moving her head without even realizing it.
Phenomenal teaching. There are many time periods that people may wish that they were born and lived in. Yeah being able to afford a house and put the kids through school while working at the loval grocery store as a cashier might be everything to some people . I don't think I could ever give up living in a our present time. To my knowledge there has never been a time before now where a regular guy like myself could have access to so many high caliber teachers that generously inpart lifetimes of their hard learned and earned lessons ...while asking for virtually nothing in return.
Respect 👊🏼✨
Thanks for talking about picks. Too many bassist neglect or outright reject that skill set. Great video man!
I'm guilty as charged. I can and do play with a pick occasionally, but it doesn't come easy for me.
@kevinmichael9482 Thank you, Kevin. I may be moving back to bass guitar for a bit. I've already switched to a smaller gauge string set, as my finger strength isn't what it was.
Playing with a pick can be a lot of fun and gives a lot of variety of tone (especially compared to fingerstyle if one's thumb is glued to the top of the pickup). I like using palm muting and also varying the pick point along the string to name just two pick techniques.
@@unclemick-synths I can tell that you are way better with playing with a pick than me. When I was playing bass I relied 90% on doing just that-playing with the middle & index fingers with my thumb on the pick up. I did use the slap/pop, too.
@@Larrymh07 just the result of many hours noodling! 😀
Great tips. About playing with a pick, it's sometimes required by the style of music you're playing. You can't get that specific attack and tone with the fingers.
Everything you said is spot on.
I learned these points through experience/trial and error.
Thanks for the part about simplifying. I'm a new player and this always stresses me out. I like learning my favorite songs from tabs and if there are parts that get a bit complex or require some faster fingering I tend to get discouraged and stop playing or get stuck until I get it right. Doing this makes it less enjoyable because sometimes there are fun parts of the song I miss out on. Now I skip over those parts and stick with getting the easy parts right and then come back and learn a simplified version of the hard parts so I can play the song all the way through. I find that later when I have advanced a bit more I'm able to play those parts properly and then revise the song. Getting all the way through a song for rhe first time even with simplified parts gives me a boost in confidence. Being able to go back and replay it properly after some time is the icing on the cake.
As a beginner, this is a fantastic list and I'm going to check out your triads video next.
Fantastic advice and I completely agree with all that you're saying. My Dad is a professional jazz bass player who has played with many of the greats and he taught me. I started on bass in 1983 and I eventually picked up guitar as well. My Dad said most these things, if not directly certainly in spirit. I hope you inspire the next generation with your channel!
My dad was a jazz organist, he played jazz pedals for the bass lines... I learned jazz standards from him...
.
Love it! I can see where #3 came from :)
Better have a $150 instrument professionally setup, than a $1500 instrument with no setup.
Musical instruments are made of wood, they change with temperature and humidity. Every bass needs adjustment, even these $10,000 fender custom shop relic ones.
Almost forty years of playing bass, and this advice and guidance would have helped when I got started. I think I've done every one of these "don'ts"
Thanks, Philip! Great video
Definitely wish i had learned the fretboard from the beginning. Bass tab number system created some bad habits and ways of thinking that took a long time for me to overcome. Great video.
I'm a guitar player hoping to get into bass and I found your words super inspiring. I really enjoy your video style!
Thanks so much! Glad to have you here
Yo triads>scales is a fantastic piece of advice. I started learning the language of bass playing so much faster when I started to pick up on the triads in nearly every song I heard
GREAT point about prioritizing group sounds. I need to work on that
All great points. I just turned 71 and played bass in what we called garage bands back in the late 1960s & early 70s. Sometimes we sucked but other times pretty good. Practicing by yourself is good but you cannot beat playing with others. Also, I set up all my basses myself, It's not that hard and there are plenty of RUclips vids out there to help you. Those garage band days were the best days in my life, and it is sad that not too many people do it now.
Really enjoy your speaking style and demeanor, Philip. I think this is a very helpful video, thank you.
Thanks so much! Happy to have you here
Thanks! Agree with all of them, especially the last one. But really all… certainly recognized myself a few times
Thanks for the wise words! As a guitarist with over 40 years of bothering six stringed instruments I am really enjoying the change of playing around with a cheap bass 😎
Great video, thanks! One thing for me is singing or humming along with what you’re playing when you’re practicing, I didn’t do this until recently and it really helps develop your ear, especially to recognise intervals and chord changes
Absolutely. Singing along helps you internalize the notes. Excellent point.
Yeah, and avoid tabs lol. Tabs are for lazy people. Use your ears. The only acceptable tab, is the tab you transcribed yourself.
Number 1 is one of the most important lessons in music. Period
Can be applied to any instrument
the balancing fun and discipline is definitely something i believe is very important in keeping the motivation to learn and grow there. i lucked out and started this instrument after a decade of playing brass so a lot of the theory and conceptual side of music is something i’ve gone through already but i’ve seen so many people get bogged down trying to jump into that first before just getting playing as the primary practice and doing that sorta study to facilitate the progression of skills.
Great video, Philip. It’s very encouraging what you said. And I really appreciate it, because I just started bass journey. 👍
I should rewatch it few times. Thank you!
Back in the lockdown times I saw a live stream concert that you did with Rhett. I remember thinking "Damn that bass player's badass"! If you want, you should do breakdowns of your favorite baselines and or players. Not sure if that's too overdone but I'd watch you for sure!
I can second this, I would love to see that.
I agree with all of this! The one thing that didn’t sit with me was when you said there’s thousands of scales. I can think of less than 20 that are commonly used in music. I totally agree that learning triads is the perfect starting point but, scales are incredibly important. Just thought I’d put those two cents in. Nice video!
You are correct and right on. I learned it all as I was growing up, I started at age 11 and as more as I practice with my self and played in many bands with different types of music I slowly evolved and it all came together, don't know when it happened but it happen. I play with both fingers and pick it all depends on the song. I like a good drummer can't play with a bad drummer. With a good drummer we work together so the Lead Guitar can play and solo their best the same applies with a singer, the song can now be all what it is suppose to be and more.
(re)beginning bass player here. this is the most perfect distillation of every gobbet of basslore I've picked up from various videos and interviews so far - echoing advice from some greats, like Leland Sklar and Krist Novoselic. and this gal who has a lil video on playing country bass. incredible. i cheered when you got to the "servant" part, because I've actually said, "My mission is to play this bass as a service instrument." meaning exactly what you said. definitely subscribing. ✌🏻🎼🙏🏻
ruclips.net/video/xr_195q_Bnk/видео.htmlsi=z3bxFJlRItkVtziX
Glad I saw your video! I totally agree on all points that you mention... I started playing/studying upright 4 years ago (jazz!) And have been asked to play the e-bass (which I played for short periods of time - as I played guitar too). It is a new world, loving it! Thank you for the tips and see you on Instagram! Greetings from Mexico!
Concerning getting a good setup, I totally agree that have a quality setup is so important. It is so easy to make the sound of an instrument punch above its price point with a proper setup. I would go a step further however, and encourage new players to learn how to adjust the setup themselves. Truss rod, action, and intonation adjustments can all be completed with a basic toolbox, which most folks should have in general if they don't already. It also allows you to customize the setup to your preference instead of getting the more generic "good" setup a shop will give you. Adjusting and maintaining my instruments myself has made me feel much closer to them and helped me take a greater ownership of my sound.
Totally agree. I setup my bass myself. It kind of build a rapo between you and your instrument. At the end of the day what really matters is how you feel when you play your instrument.
One of my basses requires familiarity with its quirks in order to finesse the intonation!
in the first few minutes, the way you describe the drums is really helpful! I have never heard it like that! Really good man!
Keen on those triad courses. I've been playing bass since '99 and I've never learned them. Missing out.
Give it a try! If you don’t like within a week I can send you a refund ⚡️
Thanks so much! This is very thoughtfully spoken and valid. Just subscribed. Keep up the great work. Bless you 🙏
Great Video! Been playing Bass since Feb. 1973 and recently started teaching teens at church. I focus on 3 things I wished I had learned early in my journey. “Hand Position and Muting” are key to help us articulate the notes we play. My students catch on quickly and sound much better! But the 3rd and Most Important thing is playing with a drummer. I’ll play a simple repetitive pattern, then add the drums and introduce them to The Groove! Now they’re Hooked!
Great vid. I'd heard a teacher say the greatest thing once.. "Don't play it as fast as you CAN'T".lol So many players get lost in crap which is less important than just being really solid.
Highly skilled and humble, I like the trampoline analogy, it’s good sound practical advice.
These are tips many players have spent years learning on their own. A couple of personal observations.
#4 When you slow down a phrase you can easily employ fingering techniques that aren’t possible at higher tempos so pay attention to the mechanics needed to play at proper tempo
#6 Super glue to the rescue for callouses. Seriously. Personally I play fingerstyle, thumb pluck with palm mute and the funkity slapitty. No pick for me on bass (guitar yes). Keep up the good work!
🤘🤩🤘
i think this is the vid to take me out of my rut. im another victim of an imbalanced "fun scale" lol
thanks for this dude, awesome list thru and thru!
This is an incredibly valuable video to me. I'm dragging it to my bookmarks bar which doesn't have much on it and barely ever a link to a single video but I want to make sure I revisit this regularly. I clicked into this never having seen you and thinking 'how many of these 10 things could I possibly agree with?' - especially their presence on this list, priority-wise.
But then I found it to be spot-on, with things I didn't previously, consciously think about - like that about triads.
I love your analogy of double-jumping on a trampoline and that priority of being of service.
Thank you very much
Simple, humility, very classy, THANKS. 😊
Thank you!
GREAT video Philip!! #7 TOTALLY rang true to me!! I also have a "Franciscan" background so the "stars align" with your wisdom on this one for me. Thanks so much!
Breaking down each individual component of the drum set was super helpful. Thanks!
Your content is always amazing. I would love to add to the first one about locking in with teh drums - something I wish someone told me: "learn" drums. Like... for real - "learn" what they do. Meaning I grew up playing guitar and bass and because my brother played drums I wanted him to have "his thing" and me to have "my thing" (SMH LOL). So over the years people would say "lock in with the drums" though I really had no idea how drummers did what they do - not even basic beats. So several years ago I started studying drums - first buying some sticks and a basic drum pad and doing traditional grip and rudiments. I also make hip hop beats. For me - undersatnding that even though it can get wild, basic drumming is often 4/4 with bass drum on the 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4 with lead hand mapping out 1 2 3 4. Obviously that's veeeery basic though it's important to know what part the bass would be locking in. Now I'm very mindful of where things fall and, often, choose to program drums in the studio because it keeps me from overplaying... not that there's anything wrong with that... though making sure the drums is that team you mentioned. Anyway respect always - and BRO I'M STILL LOVING MY BEATLE BASS - thank you for the motivation to just pull the trigger already.
Best. Bass. Video. EVER!
As someone who plays bass myself, I think you've been spot on with about everything you've said. Especially that last part about being a servant. Very insightful.
The key note that I'd point out is that I don't think the "everyone keeps time" thing is set in stone. That's because sometimes the non-rhythm musicians may need to break formation to usher in the spirit and really help set the mood. So the rhythm pair is kinda the anchor for em. So all musicians contribute to the time and feel, but the drummer and bassist seem to take point in that regard.
Also, my personal way of viewing the band is like a mix between an airplane and a Star Trek ship. You have the drummer and bass as co-pilots, the keys player as the shield guy, the guitar or other keys player (gospel church background) as the weapons system, and the organist and music director as the captain in the chair at the center of the main deck (our music director plays both roles). We all contribute, and the captain is still in command, but the drums and bass are the de facto pilots of the ship. We may not necessarily run the ship.......we just drive it. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And you're spot on regarding the servant mentality. Heck, you may even be a leader in a way. You have a LOT of power with the rhythm section, because people don't always hear you but they _feel_ you.
Imo, a band (or music for that matter) is like a pyramid...........
........_Every_ block in the pyramid is important. 😎😎😎😎😎
Seriously considering picking up bass after having not touched a guitar in like 5-6 years. This video helped me understand a lot of things. I’m absolutely enamored with the instrument.
This is some really great advice.
Good tips, this one goes into the Favorites playlist! I enjoyed your basic course. I have been a very mediocre/poor guitarist and bass player for many years. Your course taught me to focus on simple stuff that I should have been doing all along. Didn't realize you had the triad courses. I will be checking them out next!
4-6 are gold. The tone in a band vs solo is why I’m a P bass die hard. Also agree 1000% that triads get you a ton of mileage. Learning arpeggios in all directions will get you paid lol! I’d add learning the basics of chord theory and how modes play into that is very important, but triads can get you through the first 10 years.
Dude, that last point is the one. I just joined a band and they all really dig me because I focus on making them and the song sound better. The difference between what they had before I joined and what we're working on now is just miles apart.
It's all about feeling what's missing in the song, tapping your knowledge base and adding that. And, 99% of the time, it isn't bass in and of itself that's missing.
This is absolute gold! I really hope the algorithm gets this to the next gen of bass players.
Most of these are frankly common sense ideas that all bass players will end up having to follow or they'll sound like crap in a band, so I'm not worried about this not reaching newbie players. :)
as a guitarist when i wanted to get serious on bass i learnt many techniques, all the points made here are great.
the beat at the start reminded of brick house, they were just playing live in Turlock, CA.
there was also blue keys on your keyboard, and a small blue box thing on the shelf behind you. Great video btw :)
My first time seeing you, RUclips brought me to you and I'm glad it did. Nice video, thank you! That'll be not the last time I'm watching your stuff.
Sorry for my English, I'm from a martian minority on Jupiter and don't even understand my mother tongue.
I'm a bassist who's picking up the bass after not playing for a while, and getting the things right that I never knew about before (hello, flying pinky!). That triads > scales is so true -- once you said it I knew why, but I'd never formulated it as something to practice before.
Thanks. I'm a guitar player and I have a bass for composing and fun purposes. I was talking to a friend about playing bass. it's a different whole world compared to guitar. Can you make a video for guitar players or other musicians on how the approach has to be when it comes to playing bass?
My friend told me: "Don´t play the bass with a guitar player mindset, play it like a bass" and I'm not referring to strumming or something like that, I mean that I'm too melodic when I play bass.
Been playing for over 25 years, all of these are very good tips.
Thank you!
Love the Samurai / Jedi analogy 🇨🇦🖤
this is really great things to think about!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been playing bass since 1968 along with guitar and drums. Early on when asked why I enjoy bass so much I would say because it is both bass guitar and percussion. You started your list with a major great point. I liken it to what is now recognized today about Ringo Stars ranking. It was in reverse to what you are saying about bass. You have to listen to the song and come up with the most complementary addition. Ringo is one of the greats. I agreed with all the other points you made but the first one was my favorite.
Practice with a metronome to develop great time~!!! Put metronome on beat 2 and 4 like the clik of the snare drum!!!!!
It's definitely the best way to use a metronome - the drummer will be delighted to not have the bassist dragging on the beat!
great video brilliant advice, a lot of people that play bass more recently forget its a rhythm instrument and overplay massively like its a lead guitar or something it can sound cool but very rarely flows with a song so i definitely agree with having restraint when i play bass i know I'm a rhythm to keep beat like drums while the lead and rhythm guitar are the highlights unless its a song that specifically has a bassline intended to be the main riff like in some hives songs etc and the guitars keep the tick with the drums, some styles require you to be more busy like Wooten Charles Berthoud styles etc but your not going to be playing like that in any band or situation overplaying is very common these days in bass, excellent video
Awesome tips. I would suggest a possible alternative to tip #6, that being "Learn your intervals". If you learn all of your intervals solidly, scales and triads, and even extensions become things you play through without having to think about how to play, so much as what to play.
Regarding Tip #7, yes, learn and practice all of your techniques, even different muting techniques for both hands, tapped harmonics, etc.,but make sure your primary techniques are all SOLID first. Treat technique like your pronunciation, and how you articulate what you are trying to say without words. Are you trying to whisper, or scream, or grunt, or slur your sounds? More often than not, saying less than necessary is best.
Another tip not on the list but has saved my butt on so many gigs: If your fingers are sore, put super glue on them, and let it dry. You might need to put a fresh coat on every couple of tunes, depending on how hard you play, but it can get you through most gigs, even if your fingers were literally raw and bleeding before you put the glue on. I recommend Krazy Glue, all purpose.
Bonus tip: One of the highest levels of mastery is playing a line so well and effectively that people hear notes that you're not actually playing, but implying and leaving space for their brains to fill in. So....Do not play ALL of the notes.
Good advice ! It is essential to play with other musicians...
I love this! Esp. the talk of Triads but mostly #7. Thank you.
I love the samurai analogy for the role of the bass! I love samurai! Makes sense! I've always seen it as a "support" instrument. After playing trombone since middle school, I look forward to learning other instruments! My dad played drums and my brother plays bass and used to play guitar. Bass is in bass clef like a trombone, so I feel I can adapt that a little easier, and I'm more used to the support role too. Good stuff, man! Very useful and insightful! I wanna be a bass samurai! 😅😆😎😁👍🏻
Honestly man I really didn't wanna pick it up today but after watching this and thinking about it, I'm gonna grab it off my bed and learn some more.
Good advice for bassists of all levels.
I've been playing bass 30 years and have played around 500 live gigs with over a dozen different bands and styles of music. I was a practicing/gigging musician for 22 years. The #1 piece of advice for any new bass player is: Do not let others tell you how to play! Learn from other musicians, but you must find and nurture your own unique style of playing. You will find it very hard to do that if you let others control the way you play. If you want to play progressively, learn to do that well. If you want to play low key and stay in the groove pocket, that's fine too. Be yourself and be your own bass player!
You should learn how to play bass with a pick, with your fingers and with your thumb. All styles are valid....learn when to use which style. Thumb and finger pulls are slap, (disco, funk, top 40 dance ) pick is country or speed metal, finger style is jazz or blues,(bebop, 50's elvis and 60's hippy ,)
Great video. Great talking points. Inspired! Be a Jedi warrior down in the engine room and drive, shape and even play the music the other players are making and if you listen hard enough you can turn small things into events some say are called MUSIC. Be here now. Awake the giant within. Although with this power comes great responsibility to the groove. One must remember that without limitations there is no creativity. Thinking too much is the enemy of creativity. Be here now. Feel is most paramount! both stylisticaly and "feeling" the music. Be more felt than seen!
Great video! Excellent advice. Major Scale and Triads are like two oxen pulling a musical brain along. I know so many play by ear types who know chords all ways to Sunday, but can't separate an F from an F# and only know the major scale from a singing standpoint (Do Re Mi...).
Can't improvise melodies that are more than 65% in key and waste lots of time trying to explain why knowing the major scale on the guitar isn't necessary, if you have a good ear.
I'd rather jam with the scale guy, to be honest.
Plus, it's so easy to start learning triads after learning how to play a major scale from memory on the guitar.
Great advice. Thank you😊
Those are some of the best tips that I had 😊
Thanks!
Thank you!!
Been playing bass for 25 + years and your number 5 tip is as relevant now as when I started …check out Chuck Raineys bass tone on “Josie “ brutal solo perfect in the mix
Thanks Philip great video 👌 Maybe you could explain a little bit more what a good band-tone is and what to look out for. I am struggling at the moment with finding a good band-tone which I can hear somewhat clearly but is not too annoying at the same time. 😅
Love your video and as a guitarist I feel strongly urged to follow rule number 7 , the foundation of the song.
Bass sound: I have run into this problem a lot. I get a great bass tone "in my bedroom" but when I have a chance to listen to the live recording (after the fact) , it's buried in the mix. How to get around this?
Mids cut through the mix so make sure you don't scoop them out. Get the mids to work and add lows to taste.
Well, there are two 6's, two 7's and 9 tips overall.
But overall, I agree with all of them.
I’m a bass player; I can only count to 4 😆
@@philipconradmusic lol I’ve dabbled in prog, so that explains it
@@philipconradmusicahahaha love it
Love you Philip!
I know 🌌
Your triads advice definitely resonates. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
This is a great video and most of what you're saying is generally good advice for life. Very cool mate ❤
I may just learn this time around 🤦♂️😂
Keep it up 👍
Thanks so much! Glad to have you here ⚡️
Great list, also learn to sing. Melody and harmony
Great video man.
Another good piece of advice would be get to know the bass you have. This goes for beginners and experts. Having a bunch of different basses can be great but it won’t make you a better player and can actually hinder progression because you can be so fixated on the next “best” thing. Get to know the instrument you have and know it well.
Whether it’s a $500 bass or a $5000 bass, you’re still going to sound like you at the end of the day.
Great video. My advice to intermediate players would be not to play just your own material--cover other people's stuff! As you're starting to get the hang of making music, it's easy to start prioritizing your own songs rather than playing covers. But covers can widen your horizon and skillset significantly.
I get that there's a lot of players who prioritize covering songs, but for players like me it's easy to forget that there's so many great ideas already out there.