Bass Ramblings

Fender Mustang Bass – Experimenting With Strings

BRAdmin — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:00:38 +0000

Fender Mustang Bass Recently I have rediscovered my love for my Fender Mustang Bass. You may remember a while back that I was having some minor shoulder issues and as a results I was tending to play my lighter weight basses, one of which is my Mustang. I seem to flip-flop a lot with this …

Review: Tascam DR-05 Linear PCM Recorder

stantonl — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:39 +0000

One of the best things you can do to gauge your current playing level is to record yourself when practicing and rehearsing. I regularly record myself on the computer when practicing but was looking for an affordable, easy to use recorder for use during band rehearsals. I found what I was looking for in the …

Taking Breaks

stantonl — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:33 +0000

When practicing or playing for long periods of time we must not forget the importance of taking breaks. This is especially true if you have the luxury of practicing for many hours during the day. If you find you are practicing for long hours you should strive to take a break every 45 minutes to …

Focusing on Technique

stantonl — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:00:49 +0000

Proper technique is an often overlooked, but very important component when playing bass. Recently I have been experiencing some discomfort in the middle finger on my left hand and am not sure if it is from playing bass or from something I am doing at work. This got me thinking about how I play my …

Scott Devine – How to Approach Practicing

stantonl — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:00:44 +0000

Scott Devine’s Scottsbasslessons.com, is a free bass lesson resource I often refer to. As a subscriber to Scott’s mailing list I periodically get links to new videos he has posted. I received this one over the past weekend and thought it tied in well with last weeks post on Practicing Effectively. I highly recommend checking …

Practicing Effectively

stantonl — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:00:50 +0000

Lately I have come to realize that I have trouble practicing effectively. I have every good intention to practice, but tend to procrastinate before doing so, looking for any excuse to delay my start. Of course this is a terrible thing to do as it cuts into my already limited practice time. Part of the …

Roy Vogt’s Fantasy Bass Boot Camp – Prep Work

stantonl — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:00:52 +0000

The official student prep work has begun for Roy Vogt’s Fantasy Bass Boot Camp, which I am excited to be a part of this July. Back in December Roy Vogt and the good folks at The Learning Dock and Teach Me Bass Guitar, sent out a survey to us campers to learn a bit more …

Feeling the Seduction of Flatwound Strings

stantonl — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:00:11 +0000

In my constant quest for the ultimate bass tone, I have come to realize that I have recently become seduced by flatwound strings. While I have played flatwounds on fretless and upright basses in the past, I have been experimenting with them more and more on my main basses. The band I am currently in …

Regaining Focus

stantonl — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:00:13 +0000

I have often heard that the key to achieving your goals is focus. It’s a simple concept really, but one that I can’t say that I have put much stock in, until recently that is. Lately I have found when I start to do something creative I am easily distracted. Sometimes I feel like I …

6 Stellar Bass Lesson Websites

stantonl — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:19 +0000

While I am committed to completing Roy Vogt’s Teach Me Bass Guitar course, I can’t help but notice that a number of stellar bass lesson websites have popped up over the last couple of years. Some of these offer free tips, tricks and lessons, some are pay sites and many are a combination of the …