Members e021708 Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 I go to ope mics for Rock sometimes blues. I play guitar and vocals. And, about 1/2 the time things go OK sometimes real great depending on songs I call out and the players. However, you really never know who you play with, what they know it is usually in a trio format. I do a lot of blues and Hendrix, SRV and older blues classics. The place I go mostly want to do 70s rock whick is my weakest. Anyway, I would like to know the best way to get the bass, drummer and me to play in the pocket. I understand that the bass and the drummer need to set the foundation and I need to fall in the groove but sometimes it works great and sometimes it just goes to {censored}. And sometimes I need to fall back and listen better than I do. Any tips on how to play better would be appreciated. What is the best way for me to learn to better play in the pocket at home before I go out? I know that going out is really the best of course. Thanks
Members red|dragon Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 If you're playing with different people all the time, you can't. Being able to play like that comes from experience, skill and talent. Bands that do that practice playing like that together. The only thing you can really do is try to listen more, but you won't be able to make other people sound better especially if they are lacking the experience, skill or talent. In order to get in the pocket, you practice playing in the pocket. Bass and drummer come first though. If they cannot play in the pocket, the whole band fails. So start there.
Members Jawbreakerr Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 wow.. i actually agree with rd on something. yeah, you cant teach someone how to play their instrument at an open jam.
Members geeoff Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 This might seem stupid. But, are you starting the songs with a count? I find when I jam with people a simple 1-2-1234 count helps to put everyone on the same page. Just my $.02
Members red|dragon Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 wow.. i actually agree with rd on something.yeah, you cant teach someone how to play their instrument at an open jam. stfu guitar noob. play me round midnight solo. now. go.
Members e021708 Posted February 21, 2007 Author Members Posted February 21, 2007 Thanks. I think I knew that mostly already. Whenever I'm with the guys I know it goes over great. They seem to help me along. It seems like the worst night is when I go up I want to call out songs Ithen I go down the list of stuff I know and they look at me like Sorry, too hard. Ah, don't know blues or OK and it goes bad. And, I know I really need to listen more to the bass and drums and not fall into my own private world. Also, I really am a blues guy. I have listen to classic rock my whole life but hardly know much really.
Members e021708 Posted February 21, 2007 Author Members Posted February 21, 2007 This might seem stupid. But, are you starting the songs with a count? I find when I jam with people a simple 1-2-1234 count helps to put everyone on the same page. Just my $.02 Good reminder. I do this but forget sometimes too.
Members Jawbreakerr Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 stfu guitar noob. play me round midnight solo. now. go. funny that you mention that.. cause im actually workin on a solo versin of that tune as we speak!
Members e021708 Posted February 21, 2007 Author Members Posted February 21, 2007 funny that you mention that.. cause im actually workin on a solo versin of that tune as we speak! 5 and du 4 and 3 and a 1 go... no wait i was't ready ok now go...uh oh wait aah what are we playing?
Members srsfallriver Posted February 21, 2007 Members Posted February 21, 2007 As a bassist, when I play with new people I: 1. Keep my playing simple.2. Watch everyone and listen to everyone.3. Try to reign in anyone who is rushing or slowing the tempo.4. Que hits and watch for qued hits. (you may want to talk over ques before you play the first note!) At an open mic, when filling in, or when working with a filler, these can keep things running smoothly.
Members e021708 Posted February 22, 2007 Author Members Posted February 22, 2007 As a bassist, when I play with new people I:1. Keep my playing simple.2. Watch everyone and listen to everyone.3. Try to reign in anyone who is rushing or slowing the tempo.4. Que hits and watch for qued hits. (you may want to talk over ques before you play the first note!)At an open mic, when filling in, or when working with a filler, these can keep things running smoothly. Can you expand on some examples of how you use ques?
Members captain average Posted February 22, 2007 Members Posted February 22, 2007 feel the beat with your body. when you're playing or listening, keep the beat with your body. nod your head or stomp your feet or shake or dance or whatever it is you do to feel the beat. get deep in that groove and stay there, and it'll start to transfer out through your fingers. focus on rhythms. the high hats, the snare, the kick drum. listen for fills on the toms. hear the rhythm guitarist. listen for how the bass is playing within the web. where is the solo? is it on the beat? what shape are the phrases? how do they fall in regard to the beat. then, when you have a drummer and bassist with a good feel, it'll happen naturally.
Members srsfallriver Posted February 22, 2007 Members Posted February 22, 2007 Can you expand on some examples of how you use ques? Some basics would be point to the top of your head for "go back to the top" or the old bass or guitar neck swinging down for a stop.
Members skydog Posted February 23, 2007 Members Posted February 23, 2007 practice with a metronme. it is suprising to me how many people play out of time or speed up and slow down tempos in the same song. if you play the same tempo thru out the whole song, the pocket stays big and you feel like you have more room to breathe. just my $.02
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