by telemonkey » Thu May 11, 2006 3:00 pm
[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-11-06 AT 11:04 AM (EST)]play only on the 1rst and 3rd beat of the measure only (at first, and still, 90% of the time) for 4/4 time. For 3/4 time play the first beat only, mostly, sometimes depending on tempo the bassist does all three beats.
Always play the root note, almost allways dead on the first beat of each measure.
For 4/4 play the root on beat 1 and the 5th on beat 3.
Example for a measure in C maj. (ask the guitarist what chord he's playing). beat 1= low C, beat 2= rest, beat three= low G, beat four rest. repeat for each measure of c.
Try counting it (1,2,3,4...)and playing the A-string 3rd fret on beat one, E-string 3rd fret beat 3. There, instant bluergrass.
The main thing with good, tastefull bluegrass bass is keep it simple, keep to the lowest positioned notes, play the root notes, sometimes hit the root then the octave on beat 3 for variety.
Keep it simple and STEADY, STEADY, STEADY.
Avoid the temptation (at first) of trying walking patterns, etc. in bluegrass.
Find beauty in the simple, steady, pulse of bluegrass bass.