Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bottom-Feeder Series--Bass Playing Basics--Down-Picking Can Be a Great Way To Learn And Become a Better Bottom Feeder

Yep, the simpler you make something but make people work at it the more people won't do it. But it makes it easier to play effectively. That just means the real bass players will stand out. I got the inspiration to write this article is from ex-Metallica Bottom Feeder Jason Newsted. Newsted runs his own label (Chophouse) and played with the thinking man's metal band (Voivod) who are on his label.

Jason talked about the need to use a pick to get the tone you need to cut through a very loud lead guitar and drums. But at the same time keeping your tone in sync with the others but not more in the mix than the others.

Getting Your Bottom Feeding Right on The Money:

The one thing I want to get across to you is to get a tone that's right for the type of music you play, and learn to lock in-step with the lead guitar player, especially if you play metal. As well, play tunes you know and can play using a simple down stroke. Try to figure out where you get the best tone on your bass. Is it closer to the bridge pickup, the neck pickup or in between both. Or is the tone better when you pick the string over the pickups themselves, or in between the pickups where Newsted feels he gets the best tone.

Experiment with it and see what's what in the tone texture of your Bottom Feeder sound.

When You Down Pick It Produces Beefier Tones:

Really, it does produce a total Fat oblong football bass chording,  that if tweaked just right when setting up your amp and Bass will serve you well. When the tempo of a song is slower you learn to pick more effectively when you strictly down stroke. That way when your chops get better you'll be able to include up strokes to a limited degree, which I feel aren't as effective as down strokes, even for the best Bottom Feeding Gurus.

Try to use down strokes always. If you can't always if you're doing session work or live gigs, you can use both and alternate between both up and down strokes. But think about this before I go. In 95 percent of most bass players stroking style, it's always up strokes, and some down stroking.

Be different and use down strokes. Not to be just different but to become a better bass player who learns the simple stuff, and becomes a great Bottom Feeder. And to piss off every player out there. I love it!!

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