Practical Bass

What are your strengths and weaknesses beyond bass? Know your skills and bring your best self to the gig. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes What’s your role at the gig and in the band? While this is a very broad question, it can help to …

In this episode, Paul and Dave break down the mysterious and often misunderstood effects loop. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes What IS an effects loop? If you’re more experienced you might be used to an FX loop But we run across bassists who have them …

Being a bassist/vocalist makes you an even more valuable player. Start to sing your way to success. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes So you’re hearing from two guys who sing and play all the time… Up front… We can’t teach you how to carry a tune. …

You’re at the gig and your sound isn’t grooving. How do you react? How can you guard against it? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Backdrop: The inevitable Dave: most recent experience with this issue – why I recommended this topic That day after the …

Did you finally get everything in your life together, and forgot where you put it? Time to get organized. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Do you write everything down, or do you prefer to memorize everything? Are you usually early, or usually late? Are you …

Being prepared isn’t just about knowing the tunes. What do you carry to make yourself successful? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Do you have a small pouch for your gigs? Can you cram everything you need into the side of your bass case? Or do …

Before you lay money down on a new amp, consider this episode about combos and separates. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Featured photo by Joe Seggiola. Show notes What was your first “real” amp, a combo or separates? Dave: The Ampeg BA115 – 150 watts with easy …

In a venue, on the road, or even in your home, disaster is always a risk. Are you protected? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Topic introduction: Should I buy insurance for my music gear? Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance? Not usually… Refer to your homeowner’s policy …

Pedalboards go from barebones to NASA space command. What are the minimum effects you need as a bassist? Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Paul: One of the toughest topics in our initial list that I looked at! Dave: This is a struggle for me for a …

Learning songs is an important skill for any player. Hear about tools and strategies to help you meet the challenge. Music: Jahzzar, Please Listen Carefully; spinningmerkaba, Urbana-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) Show notes Topic introduction: Efficiencies in learning new songs Dave’s experiences/journey Hit a hard wall as salsa breaks, changes and fills grew in …