Bass Playing In A Hard Place

Picture Of Jack Bruce

By Mark Grove


How To Fill The Bass Slot In A Band Doing It Your Way

Filling the space left by a bass player who may have been with a band for years is tough to say the least.Dee Curtis,Canadian Guitar Player Consultant has been filling the bass slot with different Bass players
in his band like it was a task to do.Not some kind of problem that never seems to end.

Being able to hold down the bottom-feeding like a bastard is important. How you hear each instrument is also a part of the equation.By playing what you hear and playing enough of what the others in a band are doing, then doing your own thing on an improvisational level will help you more than anything.

But being a world class session guy doesn't mean you'll get that dream bass gig.You may be able to play the bass with just about anybody,but if you don't have the feel for a studio or live session then you may not get the job.Depends on the front man,producer or the rest of a band who have equal votes in who becomes the resident bass player.

A guy who can't read music,but plays with great feel for both live or studio work,may get it over you.

And the gear you use or have to use could be part and parcel of whether you get a gig as well.Learning new gear or even a bass could help or hinder your playing.Be willing to learn different amps,effects and recording gear even if you don't ultimately get the gig.

If you're dealing with a blues band that plays some jazz gigs,be willing to stretch your playing ability by learning that material,and playing with some jazz cats that play the type of material that the blues band you're auditioning for plays. Playing jams are so important to become better. A players who's been gigging for only six months could show you a thing or two some veterans may not be able to.

Having an attitude that says I'm willing to do anything to get into that blues band will help you more than anything.

Trying different Recording techniques will see how well you play as a bass player too.Change up your mic placements on your cab,or go direct into the board without a mic will challenge your playing and force you to play with different chording,tempos or string tuning. Sometimes less recording gear can make you a better bottom feeder and be more creative.

Even try an old Tascam tape deck instead of a hard disk or Pro Tools.

Play like you mean it and you don't care about getting the gig:

Your goal shouldn't be about getting the gig.It should be about playing with people who's music you like,and you're willing to work hard as nails to get it down.Not make money.Most don't make it because they only want the gig,they don't want to do what's needed to play with musicians who care about music that says something.

So, Don't need the gig to make more money or think you'll be a better player. Do it because you love being a bottom feeder and jamming with others.

Peace and success to all Bottom Feeders