• delve into the world of funk playing, above. It is easy get in a rut when we become instrument can enhance our vocabulary. The
transcribing bass lines from such greats as sick of what it is we are working on day after process is then made complete by translating
Larry Graham, or Bootsy Collins day. Take a vacation from what you've been this vocabulary back to the bass, thereby
• focus on composition utilizing specific form, working on and replace it with several brand making us even more “eloquent” than we were
writing songs that showcase a strong melody new things that you are not proficient at. Some before!
• work on a new technique you've never tried players need several things to work on in order
before, such as slapping or tapping
• practice complete musical freedom through
free
improvisation
on
the
instrument,
to stay motivated and not become bored. I hope you have found these concepts helpful.
Everyone is different, so experiment and find It's important never to forget what attracted you
what works best for you. to the bass in the first place. We wouldn't have
abandoning all concern for key centers,
theory, specific licks, etc.
chosen it if we didn’t love the way it makes us
5. Try learning a new instrument. I know it feel when we play it. If we take out the joy, all
might seem counter-intuitive, but learning a we have left is notes! So, if you find yourself in a
3. If you're practice routine is made up of many new instrument can inspire our bass playing. If rut make a change that will inspire you all over
different elements, try just focusing on one at a you've been playing for a long time, your heart, again. Until next time...
time instead. This will now allow you to prioritize hands, and mind have developed a connection practice goals, and aim to master each exercise that has helped you to find your own voice before tackling something new. It is easy to on the instrument. When we reach this point, become overwhelmed by our practice routine the ruts that we encounter often result from when we feel that we have so many things to a dis-satisfaction with our own voice in our overcome. When we break it down into pieces current level of musicianship. Playing another that we take on one at a time, it is much less instrument forces us to express ourselves intimidating. through an unfamiliar medium. This new and
fresh form of expression helps redefine our
4. If you mostly practice the same subject voice. Sometimes we can't find the precise
matter each session, try adding things to your "words" or “phrases” to express ourselves
practice routine. This is the opposite of #3, completely on the bass, and playing another
December 2019
Adam Nitti
Nashville-based Adam Nitti balances his roles as a
solo artist, sideman, and educator. He has filled the
bass chair for Kenny Loggins, Carrie Underwood,
Dave Weckl Band, Michael McDonald, Susan
Tedeschi, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mike Stern, Brent
Mason, Wayne Krantz, and Christopher Cross, while
also releasing five solo CDs to date. As a Nashville
session bassist he has played on multiple Grammy-
winning and Grammy-nominated albums, and is
also the founder of...
AdamNittiMusicEducation.com
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