5 Essential Tips For Beginning Bass Players
Author: Ross Kratter, Guest Contributor
The largest and lowest pitched member of the bowed instrument string family stands approximately 6 feet tall (4/4), which is taller than a number of its players. Negotiating its strings can be done with a bow (arco) or by plucking the strings (pizzacato) and when done properly, provides the foundation for sound across numerous genres. For many beginners, this instrument can seem intimidating and physically challenging, but thanks to professional bassist, composer and arranger, Ross Kratter, we’ll provide you with 5 Essential Tips For Beginning Bass Players.
Don’t Be Afraid To Use The Bow - Playing with the bow (arco) is the best way to improve your intonation. You also should never tune without it, since playing pizzicato (with your fingers) doesn’t give you the full resonance of the note. Figure out which bow works best for you (German or French) and stick with it! I promise it’ll pay off.
An Adjustable Bridge Makes An Enormous Difference - Your bass can change a lot with changes in weather. Having an adjustable bridge on your bass can make a world of difference, since you’ll want your string height to stay the same year-round. Don’t be afraid to adjust it, with help from your teacher at first!
Play As Many Styles As You Can - One of the best parts of being a bass player is that our instrument fits into a multitude of musical styles. One day you could be playing with a symphony orchestra, the next with a big band, the next with a salsa band, the next with a bluegrass band, and so on. Hone your skills on the instrument to be comfortable in any and all styles!
Don’t Be Afraid To Use An Amplifier When Playing Jazz - You never want to hurt yourself when playing bass. This can easily happen from playing with too heavy a touch. Don’t be afraid to use an amplifier to augment your sound!
Find The Right Microphone Or Pickup - If playing amplified, one of the most important parts of your sound is the microphone or pickup that you decide to use. I am decidedly a microphone player, since I like the sound of my instrument uncolored. Every pickup or microphone sounds different on every bass. Don’t be afraid to try a few and see which you like best!
We’ve said it before, but becoming proficient with your principle instrument will take determination, patience and lots of practice to develop your technique, and that holds true for the bass as well. By applying these tips, you’ll begin helping provide the rhythm while supporting the harmony. Remember, music should be fun… so enjoy!
About The Author
Ross Kratter is a bass player, tuba player, and composer based in New York. Ross has performed with such notable and varied artists as Joshua Redman, the Drifters, Bob Franceschini, Victor Wooten, Bob Reynolds and many more. He was the bass player on the First National Tour of Bandstand, the 2018 national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live and the 2016-2017 national tour of FAME the Musical. Kratter released his debut album, It’s Time, with his working quartet in October 2018. It features Bob Franceschini on saxophone on two tracks, as well as Joe Graziosi (saxophone), Will Armstrong (piano) and Sam Gautier (drums). He leads the Ross Kratter Jazz Orchestra, for which he is the primary composer and arranger.
www.rosskratter.com