MISC THOUGHTS on the RHYTHM SECTION
- TAKE LESSONS - if you dont play jazz on a rhythm section instrument it is a must!
- The rhythm section must know the tune in order to successfully play the chart
- They should play as if they were one instrument
- Listen, listen, listen
Bass
- Drives the band. Set up amp behind the drummer.
- Sometimes setting the amp up off the ground makes it less muddy (put it on a chair or on a milk crate)
- The parts in charts often not stylistically correct.
- Walk formula (see separate page)
- Rick Cane (in a session last year) said if elec. bass, turn off the front pickup, just use rear - less muddy.
- Steve Skop (private teacher for many of Waylands bass students) says you can approximate the upright sound on the electric bass by playing over the finger board & using more finger on the string. It isnt as clear as playing over the pickups; it is more of a thump.
- Listen to the drummer.
- in Latin or rock where bass drum is playing, the bass must match the bass drum exactly. Think of the bass as another percussion instrument when playing Latin or rock.
Drum Set