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Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
between me and the guitarist.
I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
guitar, than playing the bass.
My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
Your experiences?
I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
between me and the guitarist.
I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
guitar, than playing the bass.
My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
Your experiences?
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
Your right, it is harder for a bass player to sing and play at the same
time, but not impossible. there are some players who have no problem at
all, I am definitely not one of those. Once I open my gob to start to sing
my right or left hand go their own way.
You will find it a little easier once you know your fingerboard really well,
so you don't have to think so much about what you are doing with your
fingers.
The same goes for your voice, once you can produce your notes spot on
without having to concentrate on that part so much you will find it easier
to play at the same time.
Guitarists are quite often strumming one chord in the same rhythm as what
they are singing, so they don't have to think about so much.
If anyone can pass on a technique that helps to learn this skill I would be
really interested.
Hotfoot
"Steen Jensen" <isteen@gmail . com > wrote in message
news:1igey4g.10b1ml1d299ntN%isteen@gmail . com ...
>I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Your right, it is harder for a bass player to sing and play at the same
time, but not impossible. there are some players who have no problem at
all, I am definitely not one of those. Once I open my gob to start to sing
my right or left hand go their own way.
You will find it a little easier once you know your fingerboard really well,
so you don't have to think so much about what you are doing with your
fingers.
The same goes for your voice, once you can produce your notes spot on
without having to concentrate on that part so much you will find it easier
to play at the same time.
Guitarists are quite often strumming one chord in the same rhythm as what
they are singing, so they don't have to think about so much.
If anyone can pass on a technique that helps to learn this skill I would be
really interested.
Hotfoot
"Steen Jensen" <isteen@gmail . com > wrote in message
news:1igey4g.10b1ml1d299ntN%isteen@gmail . com ...
>I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
> Guitarists are quite often strumming one chord in the same rhythm as what
> they are singing, so they don't have to think about so much.
> If anyone can pass on a technique that helps to learn this skill I would
> be really interested.
Me too. Seriously, I sing and play bass as well as singing and playing keys
or guitar. I find bass by far the most difficult to sing and play but the
easiest to just play.
Gerry
> Guitarists are quite often strumming one chord in the same rhythm as what
> they are singing, so they don't have to think about so much.
> If anyone can pass on a technique that helps to learn this skill I would
> be really interested.
Me too. Seriously, I sing and play bass as well as singing and playing keys
or guitar. I find bass by far the most difficult to sing and play but the
easiest to just play.
Gerry
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
Singing and playing guitar for me is a no-brainer. Been doing it for
over 40 years. Singing and playing the bass....one of the toughest
things to do. I really have to know the tune cold in order to pull it
off. I find the challenge to be rhythmic, but I'm getting pretty good
not at blues tunes.
Takes allot of practice.
Lawrie
On May 4, 5:22 am, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Singing and playing guitar for me is a no-brainer. Been doing it for
over 40 years. Singing and playing the bass....one of the toughest
things to do. I really have to know the tune cold in order to pull it
off. I find the challenge to be rhythmic, but I'm getting pretty good
not at blues tunes.
Takes allot of practice.
Lawrie
On May 4, 5:22 am, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
Steen Jensen wrote:
> Your experiences?
I play guitar and sing all the time. I play piano and sing without
problem. I started to drum a couple of months ago and I can sing
easily. Bass being my main instrument, you would think I can sing...
but no. Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
on the thing to do. Keeps the process interesting.
--
Frederic Gelinas
Steen Jensen wrote:
> Your experiences?
I play guitar and sing all the time. I play piano and sing without
problem. I started to drum a couple of months ago and I can sing
easily. Bass being my main instrument, you would think I can sing...
but no. Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
on the thing to do. Keeps the process interesting.
--
Frederic Gelinas
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
Frederic Gelinas <frederic_gelinas@hotmail . com > wrote:
> Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
> on the thing to do.
Hey, that sounds like me!
I used to play the guitar - and backing vocals wasn't a problem then.
Now I play bass, and just getting the right tone for the backing vocals
can be tricky.
Thanks for the comments to all who participated....
Frederic Gelinas <frederic_gelinas@hotmail . com > wrote:
> Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
> on the thing to do.
Hey, that sounds like me!
I used to play the guitar - and backing vocals wasn't a problem then.
Now I play bass, and just getting the right tone for the backing vocals
can be tricky.
Thanks for the comments to all who participated....
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
On 4 May, 09:06, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> Frederic Gelinas <frederic geli...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> > Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
> > on the thing to do.
>
> Hey, that sounds like me!
> I used to play the guitar - and backing vocals wasn't a problem then.
> Now I play bass, and just getting the right tone for the backing vocals
> can be tricky.
>
> Thanks for the comments to all who participated....
I wonder if it has anything to do with no frets on a regular bass.
Seems I recall having to really pay attention to left hand fingering
on string bass, as opposed to guitar. Cant sing in either case.
TS
On 4 May, 09:06, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> Frederic Gelinas <frederic geli...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> > Barely fit some backvocals, but I really have to concentrate
> > on the thing to do.
>
> Hey, that sounds like me!
> I used to play the guitar - and backing vocals wasn't a problem then.
> Now I play bass, and just getting the right tone for the backing vocals
> can be tricky.
>
> Thanks for the comments to all who participated....
I wonder if it has anything to do with no frets on a regular bass.
Seems I recall having to really pay attention to left hand fingering
on string bass, as opposed to guitar. Cant sing in either case.
TS
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
I think it's pretty well established that singing while playing guitar
is far easier than singing while playing bass. The question is why?
Hotfoot makes a good point that the guitarist is often strumming in a
consistent rhythm. A bass line tends to be far more syncopated
rhythmically, which can throw you off. Anything can be done with
enough practice, but bass is definitely harder to sing with.
I think it's pretty well established that singing while playing guitar
is far easier than singing while playing bass. The question is why?
Hotfoot makes a good point that the guitarist is often strumming in a
consistent rhythm. A bass line tends to be far more syncopated
rhythmically, which can throw you off. Anything can be done with
enough practice, but bass is definitely harder to sing with.
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
"Steen Jensen" <isteen@gmail . com > wrote in message
news:1igey4g.10b1ml1d299ntN%isteen@gmail . com ...
>I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
If singing and playing bass is so flipping easy......invite your guitar
player to do it. Bet he changes his mind.
A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay said
to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them busy
when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing while
singing. Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
lines and sings I'll never know.
-DA
"Steen Jensen" <isteen@gmail . com > wrote in message
news:1igey4g.10b1ml1d299ntN%isteen@gmail . com ...
>I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
If singing and playing bass is so flipping easy......invite your guitar
player to do it. Bet he changes his mind.
A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay said
to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them busy
when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing while
singing. Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
lines and sings I'll never know.
-DA
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
<Snip>
> If singing and playing bass is so flipping easy......invite your
> guitar player to do it. Bet he changes his mind.
Strumming chords while singing is easy try getting your guitar player to
play solo - not fill ins - while singing :)
> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then
> make them busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in
> your playing while singing. Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee
> plays complicated bass lines and sings I'll never know.
Yes - that works for me.
I keep bass lines pretty simple while singing backup and I'm getting better
at it - so practise, practise and practise.
MIni
<Snip>
> If singing and playing bass is so flipping easy......invite your
> guitar player to do it. Bet he changes his mind.
Strumming chords while singing is easy try getting your guitar player to
play solo - not fill ins - while singing :)
> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then
> make them busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in
> your playing while singing. Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee
> plays complicated bass lines and sings I'll never know.
Yes - that works for me.
I keep bass lines pretty simple while singing backup and I'm getting better
at it - so practise, practise and practise.
MIni
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
>
> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them
> busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing
> while singing.
That's exactly how I do it too. Not by any pre planning, it's just the only
way I can.
Gerry
Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
> lines and sings I'll never know.
>
> -DA
>
>
> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them
> busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing
> while singing.
That's exactly how I do it too. Not by any pre planning, it's just the only
way I can.
Gerry
Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
> lines and sings I'll never know.
>
> -DA
>
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
In my band i have the occassion to sing a couple of songs. I would'nt make a
singers arsehole but give it ago!!! Keeping to simple bass lines helps but i
have found that, being a mostly finger player, using a pick for some songs
gives me the phrasing I need that I cant get using finger style.
John.
Left hand Stingray
"pTooner" <someguy@onthe . net > wrote in message
news:CZNTj.29231$DY1.7866@bignews5.bellsouth . net ...
>
>
>>
>> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
>> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them
>> busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing
>> while singing.
>
>
> That's exactly how I do it too. Not by any pre planning, it's just the
> only way I can.
>
> Gerry
>
>
> Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
>> lines and sings I'll never know.
>>
>> -DA
>>
>
>
In my band i have the occassion to sing a couple of songs. I would'nt make a
singers arsehole but give it ago!!! Keeping to simple bass lines helps but i
have found that, being a mostly finger player, using a pick for some songs
gives me the phrasing I need that I cant get using finger style.
John.
Left hand Stingray
"pTooner" <someguy@onthe . net > wrote in message
news:CZNTj.29231$DY1.7866@bignews5.bellsouth . net ...
>
>
>>
>> A local bass player / singer gave me good advice about this topic. Jay
>> said to simplify your bass lines while you sing. You can then make them
>> busy when you don't sing...or not. Also leave "spaces" in your playing
>> while singing.
>
>
> That's exactly how I do it too. Not by any pre planning, it's just the
> only way I can.
>
> Gerry
>
>
> Sting does it. How the hell Geddy Lee plays complicated bass
>> lines and sings I'll never know.
>>
>> -DA
>>
>
>
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
isteen@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) writes:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Your guitarist is on crack. :-)
We've discussed this many times before, and every agrees it's much
harder playing bass and singing than playing guitar and singing.
Personally, guitar is far and away my third instrument, and I can sing
and play guitar MUCH easier than singing and playing bass which ties
for my first/second instrument.
Once you try to figure out why it becomes apparent, and makes sense:
the rhythm of bass lines runs in opposition to the vast majority of
melody lines, and with a walking line particularly, seldom is the note
you're singing ever coming out of your instrument. In guitar, the
strum pattern nearly always complements the melody, and the chords
being played typically have the melody in them somewhere.
And, unlike with bass, as we know from the blues, the guitar can stop
playing entirely at parts while singing and no one much notices. If
the bass stops everyone on the dance floor may end up tripping or at
the very least think (WTF just happened? sounds like the band screwed
up).
Best Regards,
--
/"\ ASCII Ribbon Campaign | Todd H
\ / | * w w w .toddh . net /
X Promoting good netiquette |
/ \ * w w w .toddh . net /netiquette/ | * myspace . com /bmiawmb
isteen@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) writes:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
Your guitarist is on crack. :-)
We've discussed this many times before, and every agrees it's much
harder playing bass and singing than playing guitar and singing.
Personally, guitar is far and away my third instrument, and I can sing
and play guitar MUCH easier than singing and playing bass which ties
for my first/second instrument.
Once you try to figure out why it becomes apparent, and makes sense:
the rhythm of bass lines runs in opposition to the vast majority of
melody lines, and with a walking line particularly, seldom is the note
you're singing ever coming out of your instrument. In guitar, the
strum pattern nearly always complements the melody, and the chords
being played typically have the melody in them somewhere.
And, unlike with bass, as we know from the blues, the guitar can stop
playing entirely at parts while singing and no one much notices. If
the bass stops everyone on the dance floor may end up tripping or at
the very least think (WTF just happened? sounds like the band screwed
up).
Best Regards,
--
/"\ ASCII Ribbon Campaign | Todd H
\ / | * w w w .toddh . net /
X Promoting good netiquette |
/ \ * w w w .toddh . net /netiquette/ | * myspace . com /bmiawmb
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
On May 4, 5:22 am, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
when playing bass i have to concentrate on groove and pocket oriented
stuff that has to be accurate and sometimes conflicts with some
melodies of some tunes.
so for me playing guitar is usually easier.
On May 4, 5:22 am, ist...@gmail . com (Steen Jensen) wrote:
> I play in a band (bass, obviously) - and we try to share the vocals
> between me and the guitarist.
>
> I'm not that experienced playing bass and singing at the same time - for
> some strange reason I think it's easier to sing while playing the
> guitar, than playing the bass.
>
> My guitarist don't agree with me ;-)
>
> Your experiences?
when playing bass i have to concentrate on groove and pocket oriented
stuff that has to be accurate and sometimes conflicts with some
melodies of some tunes.
so for me playing guitar is usually easier.
Re: Vocals/bass vs vocals/guitar
OK, having read what everyone has written here, I am the opposite. I
actually find it easier to sing and play bass than I do guitar/sing
(probably because I am a crap guitar player). And I am in no way saying
I'm a better bass player than anyone on here as I am more than most
likely not :-)
A couple of things I have found that have help. Firstly being able to
find my way around the fretboard/neck without having to look (our
guitarist told me once that I should be able to play with my eyes
closed, he was actually joking but I thought he was serious so thats the
way I try to hearn songs. Obviously practicing the song till you can
play it on "automatic" helps alot too.
In regards to getting the right pitch while you are playing, the biggest
help I have found is my noise reduction earplugs. By being able to hear
my own voice I can pitch the backing vocals better than when I didn't
wear them.
OK, thats my 2 cents worth
Tim from Tassie
(Thats down under Down Under)
OK, having read what everyone has written here, I am the opposite. I
actually find it easier to sing and play bass than I do guitar/sing
(probably because I am a crap guitar player). And I am in no way saying
I'm a better bass player than anyone on here as I am more than most
likely not :-)
A couple of things I have found that have help. Firstly being able to
find my way around the fretboard/neck without having to look (our
guitarist told me once that I should be able to play with my eyes
closed, he was actually joking but I thought he was serious so thats the
way I try to hearn songs. Obviously practicing the song till you can
play it on "automatic" helps alot too.
In regards to getting the right pitch while you are playing, the biggest
help I have found is my noise reduction earplugs. By being able to hear
my own voice I can pitch the backing vocals better than when I didn't
wear them.
OK, thats my 2 cents worth
Tim from Tassie
(Thats down under Down Under)
