BASS
[ HELPFUL HINTS FOR IMPROVING YOUR TIMING | Gary Lunn ]
Greetings, bass warriors! I would like to cover a essential to your own timing, as well as track to 3 o’clock and the hi-hat to 9 o’clock
few different topics in this article that may propel the band’s timing awareness. It is a way of (or visa-versa). This gives you perspective
your bass playing to new heights immediately. tapping along by using your fingers. Some between the click and the hi-hat and moves
I hope that you’ll consider these tips and use guys lightly rest their fingers on the strings at the sonic attack of both elements away from
them in good foundational health. the same moment that the snare hits (I do it the attack of the bass drum. Then, adjust the
subconsciously). Try it sometime when you are bass level to the same level as the bass drum.
WHAT METRONOME? practicing with a metronome. It’s rarely heard All of the other elements in the band must be
As anchor in the band, the pocket depends when everyone is playing and helps you keep present on your mix, but not as loud. Never turn
on you more than you might expect. You time. You kind of become your own drummer. off any other element of the band. Pan them in
have to learn how, somewhat, to be your own
their own places across the stereo image and
metronome. In a situation where the drummer Another useful, more musical style of dead “tuck” them in the mix. Be aware of everything.
you’re playing with has not practiced in a note playing is when you continue picking with Lastly, I do not recommend that you listen with
while, well...someone has to keep the tempo your plucking hand and mute the strings with only one IEM (unless for short durations only). It
steady. If Mr. Drummer can’t, then you have to! your fretting hand in a consistent pattern. Try can damage your hearing due to unequal sonic
Practicing with a metronome, loops, or techno- playing the same note in a 1/16 note pattern, pressure on your ears.
style recordings can really be quite helpful. This muting every third note in the fretting hand will help to ingrain internal timing awareness and continuing 1/16 note with your plucking If you are on wedge monitors there are some
into your musical soul. (or picking) hand. It has a funky sound to it things that you can try. First of all, if you are
and creates a driving effect that can benefit close to the drummer, please use ear filters or
AT THE GIG everyone. ear plugs. The hi-hat is your “groove” friend,
Subdividing in your head really helps you when
but it can also cost you your valuable hearing
the drummer is rushing the slower tunes. If the MONITORING PERSPECTIVE in the long run. If you have a bass amp, have
tempo is 72 BPM, count 1/8 notes to yourself If you are on in-ear monitors (IEM’s), hopefully, your monitor engineer take the bass out of your
(or tap your foot in double time). This will help you have some independent control over the monitor. This gives you perspective between
you greatly. As you are doing this, pay close volume and pan of all of the musical personnel the various timing elements and your bass. I
attention to the drummer’s hi-hat and cymbals. you are playing with. Start with drum levels typically ask (from loudest to softest) for kick,
This way you have a reference between you first. Make the kick loudest, the hi-hat second hi-hat, lead vocals (and their leading instrument
and the drummer. When he drags, you pull loudest, the overhead mics third loudest if applicable), guitar(s), and key(s). There may
ahead. When he rushes, you pull back (and (panned wide), and the rest of the drum mics be instrument amplifiers or other people’s
pray that he’s listening). can be turned off as far as I am concerned. You monitors close enough to you that you may
typically hear enough snare in the overheads need to adjust levels of particular elements
PLAYING GHOST (DEAD) NOTES and in the hi-hat mic. This applies to tom-tom accordingly.
Playing those little, subtle, “thumpy” sounding mics as well. If there is a click track in the mix, pick-up notes between pitched notes is make it as loud as the hi-hat. Then pan the click 38 August 2017
Play on with confidence and authority, warriors!
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