Tips & Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Bass Guitar.
The bass guitar a powerful instrument often overlooked by many music fans. Far too often bassists are considered the silent hero of a band. But when it comes to a great sound and a deep and richening rhythm, a well-crafted bass line can be essential. Whether you’re into classic rock, alternative, pop, or disco, getting the most out of a bass guitar truly comes down to mastering the instrument and honing your technique.
Start with the Basics
No matter what level of playing you’re at, it’s always important to start with the basics. Make sure you understand the basics of playing the bass before you begin to experiment with new techniques and styles. Ensure you can read and play basic bass lines, chord progressions, and scales with precision. This foundation will build your chops and allow you to progress onto more complex playing styles.
Determine Your Tone
The tone that your bass produces is extremely important. It is the embodiment of your style and influences the overall sound of the band. Learn the various techniques used to achieve a desired sound, such as varying your pick attack, amplifying to acceptable volumes, and tweaking your EQ. Research the tonal differences between solid body, hollow body, and active pickups. Understanding and using the right combination of techniques and equipment to suit the sound of the band is an essential task as a bass player.
Evaluate Your Playing
To improve your playing, you need to know what area you need to work on. Reflect upon your playing by listening to both recorded and live material. Evaluate different techniques and articulations that might be worth exploring and incorporate them into your playing. Ask yourself if you’re making the most of the available sonic space, can you incorporate any melodies into your playing, is there room for any funk patterns? Experiment and explore.
Get Creative
Learning more about different harmonic structures, rhythms, and creating your own lines will open up a door of opportunities for you. Knowing the basics allows you to have a more well-rounded playing style, which is essential for creating a lifetime’s work. Mix up simple and complex lines, fill in the gaps, and extend sections by ad-libbing tasteful solos to create thicker parts.
Stay Informed
It’s important to keep up with emerging trends, new technology, and fresh playing styles. Learn songs and study the bassists playing them. Read magazines, watch videos, and attend workshops when possible. Ask questions, take constructive criticism and keep an open mind. It helps to be exposed to influences outside of your niche or genre.
Bass guitars are highly underrated instruments, but they can be the driving force behind a great band if used correctly. Knowing how to make the most of your bass and mastering various techniques will take you a long way. Get creative and stay informed, there’s no telling where inspired playing can take you.