I have not been posting at this blog because I couldn’t connect to the blog from my home Internet connection. That’s been fixed now. Look out for more great posts in the coming week!

When playing the bass guitar, the normal way to do it is using two alternating fingers to play. Alternate your index and middle fingers when you play.

Most people only use one finger, which is not correct because it is too slow. Some people like Billy Sheehan are able to use three fingers, some can even use four.

Using two fingers will have the following benefits:

• You produce a smoother sound. Go ahead a try it out. There’s a reason why pianists use all ten fingers you know.
• You can play faster. Try playing sixteenth notes on a single finger.
• You can last longer. Spreading the work means your fingers work only half as hard.
• You look more pro. Yes, it really makes a difference.

Tilt your right hand slightly sideways so both your fingers are almost parallel to the strings. This way your fingers have equal contact with the strings. This will help to balance the volume between your fingers. Otherwise you will play louder if one of your fingers are stronger, or have better leverage.

Place the tips of your fingers slightly under the string, and pull. Repeat with the other finger. You should try to achieve equal volume, with a smooth transition. Start slow, then increase you tempo. Practice with a metronome!

Practice alternating your fingers even when moving to different strings.

Technorati Tags: Bass Technique

I’m surprised that I continue to see people holding the bass guitar wrong on their left hands. Most of the people I see either use a single finger to touch the frets, or they grip the neck like a guitar.

My bass master, Si Fu Vincent taught me on my first lesson that we must hold the neck with our wrists relaxed. The left thumb should be flat on the back of the neck. The other four fingers must curl around the bottom of the neck, and touch the frets using only the fingertips.

I took a photo of myself holding the bass properly. Notice how each finger is playing only a single fret. The wrists should be relaxed so that you can move freely. Only fingertips should have contact with the strings. The advantage of doing that is it allows you to play faster with better control and intonation.

Tune in later for more tips. If you’re really interested to learn bass properly, either get a bass coach or get some training videos to help you get started.

Technorati Tags: Bass Technique

I’ve always liked her music (yes, even Sk8r Boy). I went and bought the CD after I heard the first single from this album, My Happy Ending.

For me, one of the good songs is Track 4 (”He Wasn’t”). This song reminds me of the old Avril. You know, the angry little Canadian rock singer. “Freak Out” is another song that reflects her rebellious side.

I like “My Happy Ending” because it reminds me how we all have our dreams shattered with an ended relationship. “How Does It Feel” is written with a very nice chord progression.

The songs in this album speak about deeper issues such as the longing for love, broken relationships and failed relationships. Perfect if you’ve just broken up with someone.

My version of the CD came with four bonus tracks. In the song “Tomorrow” she sings accompanied by an acoustic guitar. I like this song also because she showcases her ability to blend with the backing instrument and to add dynamics to the song using only her voice.

Oh look, here’s a link to her CD on Amazon. *looks innocent* What a co-incidence.

Technorati Tags: Avril Lavigne, Under My Skin, CD Review

I have to tell you that some people can be so childish. I am sick of people with low morals and ethics questioning my actions. I will not tolerate lying, scheming and manipulation. I stand by my decisions and I remain loyal to my friends.

In addition, I am very worried about some decisions I’ve made in the past week. Many of these decisions have financial consequences. In more ways than one, I’m at a crossroad. There is no turning back, and a wrong choice could be disastrous.
Regular readers of my blog (Hi, mom!) will notice some advertisements on this site. I don’t know if I have broken any blogging code of ethics, but web hosting costs money. My statement of intent still stands. I’m not doing this for money, although every cent helps.

Technorati Tags: Frustration, Anger, Slimeballs

(Ignore this section, I’m claiming my Technorati profile)

Technorati Profile

Picture courtesy of FreeImages.co.uk

I just read an article today about what to do when you don’t feel like practicing. I don’t know about you, but I always feel like practicing eight hours a day. However, by the time I get home from work procrastination sets in and I end up doing other things.

Mike Roberts, a music coach who wrote this article explored the motivation for practicing. He personally enjoys the process of practicing music, but he knows someone who never practices but spends time playing. He suggests that the reason people don’t practice is the lack of enjoyment and motivation. Mike then gave some tips on keeping ourselves motivated when we practice.

I don’t know what this article will do for you, but I’m going to go home tonight and sit down with my bass guitar for half an hour. I’m going to apply these tips and blog about it tomorrow.

Link to Article

Technorati Tags: Practice motivation, Bass practice

Picture courtesy of FreeImages.co.uk

After seeing and hearing it in action (YouTube video) I think it would be great for those who want to try playing a double bass. It would also be a novelty item to have. I don�??t think this will phase out double basses. I can�??t imagine one of these box basses at the Dewan Philharmonik!

Would I get one? I don�??t think so, because it only has two strings! If I picked up double bass I�??d prefer practicing on a proper instrument first.

Reference:
[1] Diane Gale Andreassi, �??Inventor Lights Up DTE Stage with Cardboard Box Bass�??, the Observer & Eccentric Newspaper Online Edition, URL, Last Accessed December 1 2006.

Technorati Tags: Chris Badynee, Bogdon Box Bass

This is my statement of intent for this blog:

�??This is a blog for beginner musicians about bass playing. I will update it at least two nights per week with articles like music theory, tips, gear reviews, music reviews, and personal experiences related to music. I will not write about sensitive issues, politics, work, church, and gossip. I will not reveal any information that will endanger myself, my family, and my friends.�??

I am writing this blog because I know there are thousands of you who share my interest in music. I�??m sure you all want to improve in your musical abilities as much as I do. I want to share what I have learned with you all (for free!). My dream is for this blog to be a reference for beginner bassists.

If you are a pro musician, don�??t stop reading! I value any insight, advice and knowledge you could share. I am open to correction if you see me making mistakes. This blog will be much better with your valuable contributions.

Finally, I also welcome any constructive comments from veteran bloggers on my blogging techniques.

I look forward to meeting and getting to know you. Feel free to leave comments or send me email.