Skills and Techniques Part I

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we start a 2 part talk on "skills and techniques ". Both terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but IMO, they are different things. Today "techniques ". These are physical things that help us to play comfortably, avoid injury and help us convey our ideas to the listener. They can include posture, fingerings and various methods of getting the strings to sound (e.g. fingers, pick, slap, tap, etc.). The first thing to understand is, techniques are a means to an end. They are tools and processes to help us make music and being proficient at a given technique is not a measure of musicianship IMO. The goal is to learn them and then creatively use them. U dig? Ok, as usual, how. Things like posture and fingerings help us with our overall playing health and avoiding injury so, they should (IMO) be part of every players shed. Other techniques are up to you. There is no requirement here. Obviously, as I have said many times, the more u know, the more u bring to the table musically.  When u make your technique choices, learn them COMPLETELY! Methodically tear them apart to their individual components, get them down, and then bring them together. See how other players use it. Not to copy them, but to find different approaches. This, IMO, gives u such a better handle on a given technique and allows u to use it creatively instead of copying others "licks". I have used this approach in my shed and teaching for years with amazing results. The next step is to MAKE MUSIC. Apply the technique over a song or chord progression. Try to stay true to the feel/harmony/genre. Then you can experiment...take it as "out" as u like. You will be amazed at your progress by approaching techniques methodically and in a disciplined manner. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons #remotelessons