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Adam Nitti Technique Series: A Recipe For Delicious Time
Meet Adam Nitti –
From: Adam Nitti’s Kitchen Of Groove
Prep: 5 minutes
Work: 20-30 minutes a day
Serves: Audiences worldwide
Ingredients:
1 bass player (preferably YOU)
2 fresh ears, cleaned and listening
1 bass, properly slapped and shredded upon
1 metronome or drum machine
1 mental ‘knife’, used to slice time in halves
Directions:
Ok, folks. Today we are going to learn to make some great time the old fashioned way… from the inside-out! In other words, we are going to spend some quality time developing our INTERNAL clocks. Simply put, our internal clocks are what give us the ability to keep time and create a groove. They are the heartbeat of the music that lives inside us. Our internal clocks are what allow us to play music in time without the aid of any other device or player. Over the years, you have undoubtedly spent some time practicing or performing some things by yourself. If these musical performances or rehearsed parts utilized anything more than a single note, then you had to have relied on your own internal clock to give them some sort of relevancy to time. However, some of us have developed this skill more than others, and I want to help you to make your internal clock even stronger. When your internal clock is strong, then you naturally play with a strong and convincing groove. Groove is what makes you and the listener want to move to the music. It is that undeniable, almost intangible force that connects people to the sounds they are experiencing. The greatest players in the world all have this ability to groove in common, and they exhibit it regardless of if they are performing with other players or not!
Now, a lot of us have spent a lot of time working with metronomes and drum machines in order to improve our time. Metronomes, drum machines, and even drummers are examples of what I refer to as EXTERNAL clocks. To state this another way, an external clock is a time source that we FOLLOW. It sets the time, and we fall into its pulse in order to play along with the time. Now, just in case you think I am headed in a peculiar direction, let me emphasize that I am not going to argue the value of practicing with an external clock source at all! In fact, I spent many years as a young player working with a metronome to try and fine tune my timekeeping abilities while challenging myself technically. Those years absolutely helped me to elevate my technical abilities. However, as I became a little older and more mature as a player, I discovered a very important point. Depending solely on external sources to hone your timekeeping skills brings about diminishing returns. In other words, you can only go so far depending on an outside source to keep you aligned with the time. If you can’t rely on your own inner clock, then you are going to have a lot of trouble grooving.
There are many factors that can get in our way when we try and rely on our internal clocks. Anxiety, nervousness, expectations, ego, and arrogance are all examples of ingredients that will make our time taste horrible. Before you start preparing this recipe, make sure that your ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality. I recommend seasoning your time with humility, unselfishness, generosity, and love. Folks won’t be able to get enough of your time when you serve it up that way!
Now that we have a basic understanding of what it is we are trying to create here, let’s work on an exercise that will help you to strengthen and rely more on your own internal clock. This exercise is very, very simple, but it is also very challenging. What we are going to do is play a groove to an external clock source, but as we work through the exercise, we are going to progressively wean ourselves off of it, while relying more on our internal clock.
NOTE: For this exercise, it will be most effective if you have a metronome or drum machine that can be programmed to play a click at VERY slow tempos. I recommend programming a click or sound that plays on a whole note subdivision. That way, you can create clicks with long spaces in between.
INTERNALIZATION
To start, program your metronome or drum machine so that it only plays on the whole note subdivision, or in other words a single click or pulse on beat 1 of each measure. (We’re going to stay in 4/4 time for this particular example, but the sky is the limit with time signatures here…) Now, set the tempo to 200 bpm and start it playing.
NOTE: Although you have the tempo set to 200 bpm on your metronome or drum machine, it will sound like 50 bpm, since you have the click set to a whole note.)
Listen to the click for a while, allowing the time to internalize. While it is playing, without touching your bass, think about a groove that you can play to the click that will fit nicely into the time feel. With your ears and your mind, imagine yourself playing this bass groove perfectly within the time. Notice that I have you first spending time listening to your groove being played inside the time even BEFORE you start actually playing it!!! This is a key objective in working on your time. Internalization is step 1 to being able to play a groove convincingly, because it proves that you are already grooving even before you play a single note! Continue imagining yourself playing this groove for at least a couple of minutes before moving on.
EXECUTION
Now that you have your groove internalized and can already hear yourself playing it, now pick up your bass and start playing that groove. If you have internalized effectively, then you should come in right on time and be playing solid time from the moment you strike your first note. (For some of you, this may be a huge light bulb moment from the get-go. Many players have never before attempted to internalize the time before starting to play, and subsequently have had trouble in the past locking with a groove from the first note forward…) While you are executing your groove, don’t stop internalizing! Some of you when you start to play, will have a tendency to want to try to mentally time your notes so that you can predictively match the pulse of the click. This is what I would consider playing from the ‘outside-in’. In other words, you are not playing as someone who is an actual part of the music… Instead, you are playing your part ‘at the same time’ as the music… I hope you can understand the huge difference there. Internalization allows you to actually become the music being made, as opposed to timing what you play to match the music. There is a huge difference in how these two approaches come across to the listener. Listen from the ‘inside-out’. That means getting to a place where you trust your internal clock enough to depend on it.
CHOP IT IN HALF
Now that you understand the intricacies of ‘internalization’ and ‘execution’, we can get to the meat of the exercise. This is the part where we are going to rely more on our internal clocks to keep us in time! Right now, you are playing at 200 bpm. Spend at least a few minutes playing at this tempo. Then, then cut the tempo in half, to 100 bpm. Once again, before beginning to play, internalize the time and the groove. Hear yourself playing the same exact bass groove at the same speed, but at the new metronome setting. You will only hear clicks played half as often, so you will have to spend more time in between the clicks relying on your own internal clock. After you have successfully listened to yourself playing inside the time in your mind, then pick up your bass and start the groove again. Really strive to still hear the subdivisions of the higher metronome setting even though they are not audible from the device. The smaller the beat resolution you can hear on your own, the easier it is going to be to play in time, regardless of the situation.
Continue playing at this halved tempo for at least 3 minutes successfully to continue to reinforce your timing. Then, cut the metronome tempo in half once again, from 100 bpm to 50 bpm. See where we’re headed here? Now you are going to have even fewer clicks to align to. You have no choice but to rely on your internal clock. This tempo will be more challenging because there will be more ‘dead’ space in between the clicks. Once again, first internalize the groove over the current metronome setting before starting to play.
If you have done well so far, take it to the next level! Cut the tempo in half one more time to 25 bpm and see how you fare. This tempo is super-challenging, but is not impossible. In fact, if you have successfully internalized your groove over the previous metronome markings, then you might be surprised just how close to the time you can get right out of the gate! As with the previous tempos, first internalize and imagine yourself playing the groove before you start to play. NOW you’re making delicious time!!!
Obviously, you’ll want to practice this approach repeatedly with a variety of different bass grooves and tempos. Don’t ever get into the habit of working an exercise like this one-dimensionally. Challenge yourself daily. Make this internalization philosophy part of your practice routine, and don’t just limit it to metronome or clock work. Internalization will apply just as significantly to your improvisational or technical skills. I also strongly recommend recording your practice sessions when you work on these exercises. If you will journal your progress in this way, you should be able to hear an improvement in your time and groove playing as you move forward. Positive reinforcement will do wonders for your confidence and prove to you that this is all time well spent!
MENTAL PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
I hope that this simple approach to working on your internal clock will help you to overcome any obstacles that are preventing you from grooving with confidence and purpose. Like so many things in life, often it is a mental challenge that needs to be overcome before we are able to execute things physically. You want to get to a place where it becomes second nature for you to internalize and groove. My hope is that as you progress as a musician, you will continue to discover how powerful a communicator you can be simply by allowing your heart to speak through your hands.
Until next time, keep it bassy!!!
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
