Been a while since Canadian Guitar Player has done a post on bass playing and I'm due.This is a simple tip that the pros of rock and blues use everyday in the studio and live.Bass players seem to think that cranking amps to 12 and obliterating the drums and lead guitar,is a good thing.
Wrong!!
What I mean by all that is Dee Curtis a Canadian Guitar Player consultant,and very aloof from the CGP fold,has always said you don't need to be loud to get great tone.That's part of the reason he's designing and building his own low watt amp.
You tend to lose your best tone by cranking it.Lower watt amps tweaked just right can elicit the best tones you've ever heard out of your guitar and amp.Amps like a 10 or twenty watt amp set at volumes of 5 or 6, and the EQ and other settings set just at medium range can warrant better tones a Marshall 50 or 100 watter.
Pickups and Using Picks Tip:
Even if you're a metal player,don't have strictly Humbuckers in the fold.Two Hums and a solid single coil will give you the tone you want without destroying your intentions.
If you need extra bottom-feeding bass tone,use a solid wah pedal or stomp box.Use a stomp that coincides with your type of music.Here's a good pic tip.Don't always use a pick.
I realize you want to be able to cut through the drums and guitar and be heard,but at what cost to your band sound.You can still be heard at low volumes without a pick.Just use your fingers.That connects you more to your bass axe and the tone you strive for.
You'll be more creative on the frets and picking as well.Using a pick just loudens your sound,which you are trying to keep in check anyway.Just use these bottom feeding bass tips and you'll strive for the bass tone that you create and deserve.
Mark G:email me for any questions.mdgrove@rock.com
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