From: friedman@col.hp.com (John Friedman)
Subject: Re: Drummer seeks advice from bassists
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 21:01:32 GMT
Distribution: alt
Organization: HP Colorado Springs Division

mcampbel@cs.ucf.edu (Mike Campbell ) writes:
> I'm a drummer, and while not extremely 'over the top', I'm pretty darn good,
> and pride myself on my time and reading ability.

Great time is a nice skill to have already - most bassists have to pick it up
along the way!


> Recently though, I've had the urge to take on something more tonal, and I've
> always wanted to play bass.  I'm going to have the opportunity soon to 
> devote some time to whatever I choose, and would like some advice from you
> all.

DO IT!!!  Be forewarned, there's no turning back...

Actually, from drums to bass is a fairly natural migration - you already have
good time, you should have a good sense of rhythm, fills, pick-up phrasing,
etc..., and, most importantly, you're used to moving a lot of equipment
around with not much help from lazy guitar playing bandmates!  ;-)
Actually, my bandmates are fairly helpful, but I think I'm in the minority
here.  Our drummer does tend to get left on his own, however.  He's very
finicky, but I digress...


> Since I read drum music already, rhythms are no problem whatsoever.  The 
> different note *values* (as opposed to times) are a little foreign to me, 
> so I would need to work on that.  I realize that, and am prepared to
> practice practice practice.

You're ready.


> What I need to know is this:
> 
> 1) Do you suggest I drop this altogether?

No.


> I've heard from people that I should
> start with guitar, then move to bass.  I don't really want to do this, since
> the capital outlay for guit-gear would be lost, (or at least a lot of it),
> when I sold the stuff and re-upped for bass.

I started with guitar, but it's really not _necessary_, it just gives you a
small head start as to how the string intervals are set up.  IMHO, some of
the lamest bassists I know are guitarists who play bass like when they play
guitar.  This is NOT to say that melodic bass playing is lame - look at Jaco,
for instance.  I simply feel that lead guitar on bass typically does not work.


> Plus, many people feel us drummers
> are a stupid lot, and would never pick up "musical" side of it anyway.  (I'm
> not one of those people. <g>)

I've heard that before...  You know most guitarists think that bassists are
a stupid lot, too.  I, also, am not one of those people.


> 2) If I decide to go with this, should I get a book and start plinking, or is
> an instructor the way to go?  

Depends on your style.  I like both.  The best way for me was to find some
people that would play with me, show me some basic tunes and bass lines,
and go from there.  This offers content and motivation for praticing.


> 3) What should I do about eqpt?  Should I go whole hog and get a nice bass
> rig,
> or something that "will do" on which to learn.  I favor the latter, again for
> monetary reasons.  Plus, if I find out I don't like it, or can't devote enough
> time to it, I wouldn't be out as much.

Some thing that "will do" on which to learn is fine fo starters, but make
sure you skimp the least on the instrument - if its not easy and fun to play,
you probably won't play it.


> Any advice for beginners and pre-beginners is more than welcome.  Email or
> general advice useful to all posted would be wonderful.
> 
> I sure do respect what you people do, and appreciate your comments.  Please 
> feel free to cover any bases I may have left out.  (I'm sure there are plenty)
                         ^^^^^
No pun intended?


> Rhythmically,

The only way to be!

> Mike


John Friedman
friedman@col.hp.com