Style Eric Clapton

Posted on Friday, May 21, 2010 in guitar lessons

Style Eric Clapton
Tips for playing bass in a band?

I’m a guitarist and my friend wants me to play bass in his band in a battle of the bands in a few months. I have and can somewhat play bass, but it is by no means what I’m good at. If anyone has any tips for me I would greatly appreciate them. Well be playing Eric Clapton, and John Mayer style songs (which I am very unfamiliar with).

If bass is not your best instrument the best thing you can do is KISS (keep it simple, stupid). No, that’s not an insult; it’s a well-known acronym.

Don’t overdo it. Just play a basic bass line. The bass is supposed to be more in the background. It is important, but it’s like the foundation of a house. You know it’s there, and without it the house wouldn’t be able to stand, but you want to see more of the house and less of the foundation. With bass, you need to lay down the foundation without distracting from the rest of the instruments and/or vocals.

Another very important thing to remember is to have good timing. Follow the drummer (if there’s no drummer, follow the rhythm guitar). In live music, few things are more distracting than bad timing. Play along with a metronome to sharpen your skills.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Eric Clapton style?