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Willis Takes on Your Questions
Hey Willis,
In the lessons portion of your website you have a cool random note generator. Love it! However I play a five string bass and have not yet found a generated note lower than the F. It’s set up so we can choose sharps, flats or none. Can it be re-written to allow the user to set the range for a 4,5 or 6 string bass?
JP
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Hey JP, You asked for it, you got it! Buckle your seatbelt, it’s time for Red Bull Extreme Sight Reading!  *not affiliated with Red Bull GmbH or Red Bull Company Limited |
Hey Mr Willis,
What would your right hand fingering be if you were to play a Am7b5 arpeggio that looks something like this
Closed Position
————————-12—–14——-12———————————
——————13——————————13———————–
—-12—–15——————————————-15——12———-
——————————————————————————
1 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 2
if I were to use the closed position, i’ll be using the ring finger to play Eb note but after that, its a leap to the G note. so i’m not sure if there’s a better right hand fingering for it.
Open Position
————————-12—–14—-12———————–
——————13————————–13—————-
—-12—–15—————————————15——12—
——————————————————————
1 2 1 3 2 1 1 1 2
i’m pretty confused as in when am i suppose to switch positions. both the open and close position seems to work well or arpeggios except for m7b5 chords.
please help me out on this one! thanks
rgds,
Mike
Hey Mike,
I’ve always been baffled by Tab notation. It’s usually sitting on top of a staff of music that I already have enough trouble reading. And I have to learn that, too? ‘Don’t think any amount of Xtreme Tab Notation Reading (insert sound effect here) would help me with that.
So here’s how I’d do it:
It’s not really open position but it feels like the most natural way that I’d play this sequence. Since I play it twice, you can see that you end up starting out the 2nd rep with the 2nd finger. This allows you to get to open position briefly by placing your 3rd finger on the G string as you reach for the D string with the 2nd finger to play the Eb.
Here’s how I’d do it in closed position.
Notice how it’s possible to dampen all the notes using this position. Something not possible using open. Try it and you’ll see the difference. Either way is correct, but one lets you play it fast without dampening a note or two while closed gives you the control over the duration and works better for learning preparation. I’d say work on closed first.
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Hey Willis,
can you help me i am looking the song summer time a tab mr graydenver
Mr. graydenver,
Check the above answer for my opinion about Tab. Now, although I think Will Smith is a fine actor, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend his early 90’s version as a way to get better on the bass. And, I think we all can all just agree to stay away from the New Kids on the Block’s latest single. (except for Donnie’s younger brother Mark, who I think is a better actor). Mungo Jerry – now there’s a trivia answer just begging for a question. I kinda like his In The Summertime in a weird kinda way.
Anyway, I always try to stress learning by ear. Even though I create Extreme Sight Reading Xercises, you’ll reinforce a much better connection with the fingerboard if you learn how to play Summertime by listening to the melody in your head and finding where it is on the fingerboard. Next thing you know, you’ll be imagining things and playing them automatically.
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Hey Willis,
What’s What are your preferred headphones for recording sessions, mixing, etc.?
Neal
Hey Neal,
I’m really happy with my Sennheiser HD 650’s. And, BTW, I don’t have any relationship with Sennheiser. . . Although, I believe I would be a superb representative for their complete line of fine audio products . . . hello? . . . Sennheiser . . . anybody listening . . .?
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Hey Willis,
I really appreciate the time you spend answering our questions. The Ibanez GWB1 is perfectly fine except that the “willis” ramp can’t be adjusted but it isn’t a big problem cause i’m playing my fingers directly above the pickups. but it would be good if there’s a way to adjust the ramp to the same level as the pickups though. I’ve been wanting to ask you about your opinions regarding your struggles between guitar or bass when you were in college. What made you choose bass? Even now do you still play the guitar? Would it be wise to work on both instruments together or to simply to transcribe the guitar parts on bass? thanks again,
Sincerely,
Mike
Hey Mike,
Actually, the ramp on the original GWB1 is adjustable. It’s just not obvious from looking at it. The idea is to remove the ramp and apply different-length layers of tape to get to ramp to sit at the angle you want. Here’s a more detailed explanation.
As far as bass and guitar. I wasn’t struggling between guitar or bass – I was fairly mediocre on both. I was forced to make a choice because I had to get together enough money for my 3rd year in college. (the bank turned down my loan application). I had a Les Paul Deluxe and a P-Bass. I noticed that when I played guitar in a band that it didn’t matter how well I played, the music just didn’t feel right. But when I played bass in the same band, the music felt like it should. So I figured my instincts we better suited to bass. (that, and I got $450 for the Les Paul instead of $200 for the P-Bass;-)
I have a guitar, a 7-string with low B. So it doesn’t confuse me too much when I try to transfer fingerboard geometry. But I mostly just use it for writing. If you have a 5 string bass, then it could create some problems switching but otherwise, feel free to continue to study both. Eventually, you’ll end up focusing on what allows you to express yourself best.
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Hey Willis,
I recently found some YouTube videos of a seminar you did, and you were describing working an exercise over A7 and D7 in one position – across and back, really learning the shapes and getting them under your fingers (and by extension, learning the notes and the note functions in the chords). And I have a question I’d like to ask you.
Now, especially with the D7, if you stretch down to get that root on the 3rd fret B string, there’s a position choice – you can finger the C at the 3rd fret of the A string (e.g., 2 frets below the root, same string) or on the 8th fret of the E string (one string over, 3 frets above the root).
I know that from one perspective, it doesn’t matter – either will work. But from another perspective, if you’re trying to really get a shape under your fingers, and develop muscle memory and make it automatic/unconscious, then it matters to choose one and really work it.
I’ve (kind of arbitrarily) chosen the second choice (7th on the prior string) to work on, because I already really have the “7th 2 fretsdown” strongly under my fingers.
But I’m wondering which you prefer, and why. Thanks for your input, and for the input you’ve already had on my playing.
Oh, while looking for an email for you, I found you on MySpace, so I took the liberty of adding a “Friend’s Request there.
Be well,
JK
Hey JK,
Someone recently pointed out to me that the last time I logged in to my MySpace page was back in October. I’ve found that procrastination is really the best way to handle the pressure associate with pending MySpace friend requests. That way, everyone gets ignored equally 😉
As far as the fingerboard harmony goes. I don’t remember that exact example but the basic concept of my fingerboard harmony approach wouldn’t have you starting that arpeggio with the first finger on the D. I was probably trying avoid giving a long-winded answer about the ins-and-outs of my specific fingerboard harmony approach and just stressing the note-by-note choices necessary to create good sounding bass lines. Anyway, yes, the idea is that you want to get the shape under you hand but that shape should be associated with a particular key center. Since no one is telling you where to place your hands you can put your hands where the most information is available with the least amount of shifting or stretching. In this case, D7 is technically a 5 chord of G so your hand needs to be “looking” at the key of G for this chord. If your 1st finger is going to play the3rd fret D on the B string, then go ahead an move 1 more fret and play it with your 2nd finger. This lets your hand look at the key of G based on the 4th finger G key position on the E string. (the abbreviation is G4E, key-finger-string), But you hold that position for the arpeggio without shifting – keeping the finger-per-fret position established with G4E. The next higher hand position for the key of G would be G2D but that doesn’t take care of the notes below. Those would connect to a G4F#. Of course, we don’t have an F# string but that’s the position that you’d base the lower notes on. The transition between a 4th finger position connecting to a 2nd finger position involves a half step shift. So for the purposes of learning the geometry it’s better to isolate the 2 positions and become comfortable playing lines through different chord changes before you tackle the transition stuff. (see what I was trying to avoid, now). Anyway, it’s all in the book.
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Hey Willis,
I’ve seen clips from your “Progressive Bassics” instructional along with clips from various clinics as well as reading interviews from various magazines. I’m fully aware that you are of the belief that a lighter touch is beneficial. From this I assumed you would be “anti-slap”. I recently bought the album “Bent” and I notice that on the title track you are slapping. I was wondering if you had calculated any specific slapping techniques as you have done with your fingerstyle. Do you favour a lighter touch with slapping too? And if so how light can one go without generating the authentic slap sound? This is merely an enquiry based on interest rather than an accusation of hypocrisy or otherwise.
Thanks a lot,
Henry Durham
Hey Henry,
Thanks for taking it easy on me, although I’m sure I’ve been called worse things than a hypocrite.
Anyway, it’s true I’m only what you’d call a recreational slapper nowadays. Actually, on Bent I was playing the Bass Lite and its small string gauges would get a slap sound if you played normally (fingers) with just a little aggression. But that was for a particular effect. As far as how light you can go, you’d have to determine that based on how soft you wanted to play with your right hand vs. how much control you could maintain over your slap technique. A long time ago, I designed a bass specifically for this problem. You could switch between a single J-Bass pickup for fingerstyle and a 2-pickup configuration for slap. And the volume could be adjusted independently so it was really the best solution. Eventually fretless took complete control and I had to say goodbye to the slap. Only coming out of the closet for special occasions.
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
A review of the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Introduction: The Joyo Gloam is a sub-octave fuzz pedal specifically designed for bass players, combining modern sub-octave effects with rich fuzz tones. With two independently controlled circuits, the Gloam aims to provide a versatile range of sounds, from deep, aggressive fuzz to Moog-like synth effects. This review will explore the Gloam’s specifications, controls, and overall performance, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 130 * 110 * 50 mm
- Weight: 403g
- Working Voltage: DC 9V
- Controls: The Joyo Gloam features a comprehensive control set designed to provide bassists with a wide range of tonal options:
- Dry Tone: Adjusts the tone of the clean signal.
- Dry Volume: Controls the volume of the clean signal.
- Sub Octave Volume: Adjusts the volume of the sub octave signal.
- Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz: Adjusts the intensity of the fuzz effect.
- Bass: Controls the bass frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Treble: Adjusts the treble frequencies in the fuzz circuit.
- Fuzz Mode Switch: Switches between two different fuzz modes.
- Dry Tone Frequency Switch: Selects between two different frequency points for the dry tone.
Performance: The Joyo Gloam excels in its dual-circuit design, offering both a sub octave and a fuzz channel that can be controlled individually. However, it’s important to note that the octaver cannot be used without the fuzz circuit activated; the only way to solo the octaver is by turning down the fuzz while both channels are engaged.
Fuzz Circuit: The fuzz circuit includes standard controls such as gain, volume, bass, and treble, along with a fuzz mode switch that toggles between two distinct fuzz modes. While one of the fuzz modes is highly usable and delivers a rich, aggressive tone, the other mode falls short and is less practical for most applications.
Octaver Circuit: The octaver circuit features controls for sub octave volume, clean volume, and clean tone, along with a dry tone frequency switch that provides two different frequency options. This allows for significant tonal versatility, enabling bassists to fine-tune their sound to match their preferences. Despite its limitation of being tied to the fuzz circuit, the octaver produces a deep, balanced sound that stands out.
Combined Effect: When used together, the fuzz and octaver circuits create a wide range of sounds, from classic, aggressive fuzz to synth-like tones reminiscent of a Moog synthesizer. This combination makes the Gloam a powerful tool for bassists seeking to experiment with their sound and achieve unique, textured tones.
Pros:
- Versatile Controls: Extensive control options for both fuzz and octaver circuits.
- Rich Tones: Delivers deep, aggressive fuzz and balanced octaver sounds.
- Sturdy Construction: Durable build quality ensures reliability.
- Wide Range of Sounds: Capable of producing everything from classic fuzz to synth-like effects.
Cons:
- Unusable Fuzz Mode: One of the fuzz modes is less practical.
- Dependent Octaver: Octaver cannot be used independently of the fuzz circuit.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Joyo Gloam sub-octave fuzz pedal offers a versatile and powerful option for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Despite some flaws, the Gloam delivers impressive sounds and flexibility. Its combination of rich fuzz and deep octaver tones, coupled with a sturdy construction, makes it a valuable addition to any bassist’s pedalboard. For those seeking a modern bass distortion with the added depth of sub-octave effects, the Joyo Gloam is a compelling choice for a very compelling price.
Visit online at joyoaudio.com/product/281.html
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Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
Interview With Barker Bass’s Inventor and Writer Lee Barker
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #4 – Boutique and Vintage Basses, Dress Code for Summer Gigs
Gear News: Ibanez & Graph Tech Launch Multi-Scale Bass with Cutting-Edge Tuning
Album: John Entwistle, Rarities Oxhumed – Volume Two
July 22 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Gear News: Positive Grid Launches Spark 2
Gear Review: Exploring the Joyo Gloam – Sub Octave Fuzz Pedal for Bass
Alberto Rigoni On Unexpected Lullabies
