Latest
Chords on Fretless Bass
Since I started playing bass in the beginning of the eighties, I’ve played chords on all my basses, particularly on fretless.
Playing chords is a good way to develop your ear and make your hands stronger at the same time. It’s also very important to increase your harmonic perception, which is necessary to be able to build correct bass lines.
You can start with double stops on a 4 string bass, for example playing scales in 10ths.
Then study the basic fingerings and positions for major, minor, and seventh chords. It can take a long time to become familiar with these chord studies depending on the level of your playing and how well your ear is trained
As a jazz student, and after years of practing chords, I’ve developed my own solo versions of standards.
Below is a transcription of “Blue in Green” (Miles Davis) for a 6 string fretless contrabass guitar.
I’ve developed my techniques around the concept of keeping in mind that I want to play what I hear.
Some of the chords I’ll choose to play are more related to those used by piano players than guitar players (bar 3, 4 & 7). To play those chords I use my thumb on the fingerboard like an upright player.
Be careful with your hands. Go very slowly and try to be relaxed even when you are playing difficult chord positions.
First study each chord separately, and then try to play a progression (one or two bars). Again, go very slowly.
When you start to become comfortable with all the progressions, try to play the tune completely.
After that you can start to develop your own chord arrangements for your favorite songs, keeping in mind that it’s the music which will allow you to discover new chord positions (and not the reverse). This way you’ll grow as a musician as well as a bass player!
Hope you enjoy it!
Please click on the first link below to listen to “Blue In Green” and then click on the second link to download the transcription…
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
Featured Videos:
Follow Online:
k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook
Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
FEATURED @colibriguitars @adamovicbasses @brooksbassguitars @lecomptebass @mgbassguitars @mauriziouberbasses @jcrluthier @biarnel @officialibanezguitars @chris_seldon_guitars
Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
-
Bass Player Health19 hours ago
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
-
Latest1 month ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 months ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest1 month ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 months ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest4 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest3 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
-
Latest2 weeks ago
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram