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Yo Victa!

I am playing bass in a trio right now with a guitarist and drummer. We are playing completely improv, and trying to focus on cleaning up the beginning, end, and transitions in each song. We have only been playing for about two months, but already have over 50 "songs" recorded from all the jam sessions we have had. It has crossed our minds a few times that I wonder if we could be a completely improv group. No structured songs to go on, we just step on the stage and create. I don't know of any musicians that have ever attempted that. I look at even some of the jazz greats and they all came to the table with a pre-meditated song structure.

We have attempted to structure songs, but the original piece was so good that it would be freaking impossible to recreate it.... We all felt like we were hitting a wall where we wrung ourselves dry of creativity, but I insisted we keep trying because I felt like we'd force ourselves to cross over into a new territory that would be limitless.   In any case, I feel like if we try to do this, and start performing in front of people, it might be a little ballzy and there is a huge opportunity for it to flop and for us to look like fools. But if it worked, then who knows where
it could lead to.

So here's my question. Do you think this can be done? If so, what would you concentrate on?

Peace,
Brian

Hello Brian,

Of course it can be done. It is a very courageous thing U all are attempting. More power to ya. But, just so u know. There have been many bands and musicians that have done what U are talking about. There is a whole genre called "free jazz" that is all about that.

Think about this: just about everytime U talk, U are improvising, but U are always using words and phrases that U have used before. So, there is nothing strange or new about it. There is no way for you to get away from playing something that U've played before. So embrace that. Understanding structure will help U understand improv. Think about how well U understand the structure of the English language. I'm sure that helps U speak better and more freely.

Also, developing structure (composing) can be looked at as improvising in slow motion, so, U never get away from improvising. The two go together. If U only do one and not the other. U are only getting a piece of the whole. Stay open and complete the circle.

peace, vic

I'm 15 years old, and have played for three years. I practice 2-10 hours a day, and have established myself as the bassist in my high school. I was wondering if he had any advice, on how to take it to a higher level becuase I plan on being almost as good as him when I'm older, I hope its possible. I feel like I'm at a point where I can't find music that I can't play, except some Wooten transcriptions I found on Hudsonmusic.com. If Victor could write me back with some advice or something, that would really make my day and help me out.
Thanks, David

Hello David, thanx for your email.

It sounds like U are accomplishing things quickly on the bass. That's wonderful. So, I'll give U a few other things to think about.

Since U can play almost anything that U hear, maybe it's time for U to start working on your musicality. That's the real important thing U will need to learn someday so, why not now?

Playing what others play is one thing, creating music that others enjoy and want to learn is another. Playing the bass in a way that makes others want to play with U is yet another aspect of playing the bass. Put your heart into what U do and don't practice too much. U're too young to miss out on life. What will your music be about if all U do is practice?

peace, vic

I'm an older person in my 40's and I want to learn to play the bass. Is it too late for me to start? (from a person at a VW Band show)

It doesn't matter when U start;10's, 20's, 30's, 40's, or older. What does matter is what U do once U start.

In my opinion, the older U are, the easier it should be for U to learn to play music, especially bass, for a few reasons.

One: The Electric Bass guitar is one of the easiest instruments to learn well enough to be able to play with other people, even on a perfessional level.
Two: There are more ways than ever to learn.
Three: U have seen the bass being played for a long time. U should be very familiar with it.
Four: U already have the most important quality needed to make good, soulful and meaningful music. - "your life story"

Most young players learn technique and even music theory very quickly. But what they lack is something to say. They lack experience. Music, like any language, needs a story, something people can relate to. The older U get, the more of that U have.
Now all U have to do is learn a little technique (that's easy) and a few notes (there's only 12 - even easier). Then just play what U feel. That's what the greatest musicians do.

The problem for older people is that our minds are usually more clogged than younger people's minds. Our minds are usually filled with doubts, lies, fear, ego, and other harmful baggage. We doubt ourselves even before we start. This needs to be worked on while we are still young.

If we can move this negative baggage aside all that will be left is what is truthfully U, Beauty! After that, playing music is a "piece of cake".

peace, vic

Hey vic. My name is Cavyn. I'm really interested in getting a fender jazz 4 string. Do you have any suggestions. I want a nice high pop with nice smooth lows. Thanks for the info. Cavyn

Hey Cavyn, picking out an instrument is a personal thing. U must try out as many different ones as U can to find out what feels best. Remember that U may find the perfect one well below your price range so, don't think that U have to spend all of your money.

A Fender Jazz....It's hard to go wrong with a Fender. so A Fender Jazz 4- string may be a good choice.

Like clothing, I look for the instrument that makes me feel the most comfortable. U must remember that the Bass makes no music. U make the music. The bass is just an instrument. So, find the one that makes U feel the most comfortable. This way U will be able to make the best music.

peace, vic

Hi Victor, My name is Mike R., and I am a fairly new bass player. I play for my High-school Jazz band, and we play the old standards. Anyways, I was wondering, how do I become a better bass player. I mean, I am taking lessons, I have started to play classical music to give me a better feel of what my bass can do. But I still feel as if I have gone as far as I can go. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Keep the groove groovin, Mike

Hello Mike, Thanx for writing.
Like I've said many times before, Music is a language. So, to speak music well, U first need to have something to say.

Playing Jazz standards and taking lesson are both good things for U to do but I've found that many young players, like yourself, quickly grow tired of that. I believe that this is because both of these situations, although valid ones, usually have us approach music through someone elses method or ideas.

Most of us speak other people's words when we are first starting out and that is perfectly OK. But the more life experiences that U have of your own, the more words and music U will have to say and play of your own. This will take your music and your listeners to another level.

Only when there is an end to 'experience' will there be and end to new music. So, get out there and enjoy your life. Then, share your experiences with us through your music. I look forward to hearing it.

So, continue with your H.S. band and with your lessons but add your life into your music and you are on your way. (Oh yeah, and practice a lot.)

peace, vic

Hey Victor,
I am recently trying to get better on my improvising skills, especially on jazz standards.
I hear a lot of people say that they make up a solo by playing through each one of the chord changes.
Also I hear people look for the key changes throughout the piece...
When you're asked to solo right when you get the chord changes its very hard to find the key changes right away.

Another thing that I hear people say is to just bypass all the theory and just play whats coming through your heart and what sounds good in your head. This I find is
the best thing to do when I have the time before the gig to plan out the solo, but again when your on the spot thats impossible unless you have relative pitch and can play immediatly whats comming through your heart to your instrument. As you can see i'm wondering what to practice for my improving skills.
Anyway your advise would be great to have.

Thank, Max

Hello Max, there are numerous ways to approach soloing. Get comfortable with as many of them as U can. It sounds like your friends have all given you good advice. Like talking, the bigger the vocbulary, the easier it is to speak.

There are only 12 notes. get comfortable with all of them.

Remember this, When U play a "wrong" note, U are never more than a half step away from a "right" note.
Here's something else to think about: It sounds like U are trying to solo with "notes" alone. That is a recipe for frustration. What else can U use, besides notes, to solo. figure that out, and U are on your way.

peace, vic

Hey Vic., I'm a 17 year old Mexican bass player (ha! that sounds weird). I know you have a lot of work and stuff to do but you would really help me out if you answer me this question:

Music is one of the things I love just too much in this world, and in my head great things happen, but when it comes to playing my bass, I feel a little limited somtimes and I can´t fully express with my bass the ideas that come to my head. Am I thinking too much when I play? Or do I need to get more familiarized with my instrument and the music languaje (considering I don't have much time playing bass)?

From: Andrés

Hello Andres, The good thing is that U have good ideas. That's the important thing. Next, U just need a way to get your ideas out. Good technique will usually help that. U must know your instrument well, know the musical language well, as well as having a clear understanding of what your ideas are. So, practice and slow down until U can play what you want at a slow speed. Your mind will always work faster than your hands.

Also, try thinking and playing more simple because even simple ideas can be great ideas. If U can play your simple ideas, they should come out sounding incredbile. That is usually MUCH better than playing great fancier ideas in a mediocre way.

The short answer: Practice, slow down, and don't be afraid to play simple. (Oh yeah, and have fun!)

peace, vic

Hi there!
I'm a 18 year old student from Germany (so please excuse me if my english isn't perfect) and I'm playing bass myself for nearly 6 years now. The question that I have is simple.

In my school we have the chance to do a so called "besondere Lernleistung" we write about a topic of our choice. I choosed to write a book about how to play bass (for beginners, maybe for advanced). I wanted to ask you for some tips, how to begin such a project, maybe some good exercises or themes that should be included.

yours, Simon

Hello Simon, thanx for your email.

For your book, U might want to think about what U wanted to know when U first started playing. Also, think about what would make a great bassist (from the other band member's standpoint).

For me, It's about GROOVING and making the band sound good.

Also, your attitude and how U treat the other musicians will help U get a gig, keep a gig, or not. That is as important as how well U can play (or more important). And remember, functional technique is more important than flashy techinque.

Do well,I'm sure U will.

peace, vic

I'm 15 and I play bass alot and I have been practicing so much to try to do your double thumb thing. Have you ever heard Donny Hathaway's Live album? Its really good and Willie Weeks plays a really cool bass solo in the song "Everything is Everything." The way he plays solos is way different from the way you do, because its not really that much chops oriented but its still sweet.
-Nick

Hello Nick, thanx for your email.

I'm very happy that U are aware of the great Willie Weeks. (and U are so young -- that's wonderful.) His solo on "Everything is Everything" was one of the first I ever learned. It's awesome, pure musicality.
So, don't worry about my chops, keep listening to people like Willie Weeks, Chuck Rainey, and that kind of stuff and U are sure to become a great player.

peace, vic

How often do u practice and how long for? Also, how do you go about practice? Do u use a set regime?
Robert

Hello Robert,

Music, to me, is like talking, and if I asked U how much U practice talking each day and what your regiment is, U would probably have a hard time finding an answer. Talking is something U "do" not something U "practice."

Music is the same for me. I play almost everyday and when I'm not playing, I get away from the instrument so that I can have other experiences. This way, when I come back to the bass, I have more to talk/play about than just Music. get it?

But, with all that said. U must practice as much as U need to. Much of my practicing is done by excercising and preparing my mind for a task. And if I need to, I will work with my fingers, hands, and body to build up the physical skill needed to produce the desired effect. Because my Music comes mostly from my mind, most of my time is spent taking care of that.

Take care.
peace, vic

Hey Vic,
I'm just wondering whats you view on wrong notes? is it possible for a musician to play a wrong note, is there any such thing as a wrong note? You hear some music teachers etc. complaining about wrong notes, but if you play a note thats not on the page wont it just make the music sound different, not wrong?
whats you view on this?
thanks.
James (scotland)

Hello James, determining whether a note is wrong or not depends on many things. Yes, it is a matter of opinion, but because of that, all opinions must be considered.
If U are playing a unison line with other players, playing a "different" note may be considered wrong. Also, certain musical styles may not lend themselves to notes outside of the scale. There are many variables.
Usually, a wrong note is just a note U didn't mean to play. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. Just use your ear and let that be the judge.
But, I will add this. If U are only relying on "notes" to make your Music. U will not be able to stay away from the wrong ones. take care.

peace, vic

Victor:
a real quick question for you...i recently bought a warwick thumbass 5 string...just wondering how you feel about the warwick basses???? Let me know what you think if you get a chance at all...Keep up all the amazing work!

peace,
Neal

Hello Neal, my experiences with Warwick basses have been very nice. I don't own one but know many people who do. My opinion is that my bass doesn't make any Music; I do. So, I look for a bass that makes me feel the most comfortable. That way, I can make the best Music. Enjoy your Warwick.

peace, vic

Hey,
I recently got the Bass Day '98 DVD and I am working on your technique
that you have a lesson on. Do you have any advice, I have very small hands and I am having trouble with it. I just can't get the thumb things down. I have been working on it for about 2 weeks or so, and most bassists I know were working on speed by now. Any advice? Thanks

Thanks for all you do,
Bill

Hey Bill, here's 10 pieces of advice for U.

1.) Practice!

2.) Practice!

3.) Practice!

4.) stop talking about hand size.

5.) realize that the technique is no different than a guitarist using a pick. (are your hands smaller than a pick?)

6.) don't attach a time frame to what it is U are learning. Learn it when U learn it. (It took U longer than two weeks to learn how to walk, and walking is easy.)

7.) Don't compare yourself with others, especially when it pertains to speed. Being aware of others is OK.

8.) Refer back to numbers 1. 2. & 3.

There U go. I hope that helps.
peace, vic

Victor,

I have no illusions that I could play like you, but that doesn't keep me
from trying and having a good time doing it. Presently I'm a 54 year old mechanical design engineer who has enjoyed success in my vocation but looks for peace and serenity in my music. In high school I played bass in a very haphazard approach to learning that did not produce much. I was simply playing by ear and without confidence that I could learn music theory.
All of this to ask a very simple question, what is the best way to learn music theory? By that I mean, do you recommend any one particular approach or book that has served you well?
I know you're a busy guy and I don't expect anything, but any thought would
be appreciated.

Regards,
Jon

Hello Jon,
The best way to learn Music theory? I don't know. There are numerous books and teachers and they can all be of help, but they can all frustrate U, too. I think U should find a way to learn the basic structure of chords, arpeggios, and reading. Then, like phonics in the English language, U can figure out the rest at your own pace.

I think that "playing by ear" is the best way to play. I don't want to have to think about theory in order to play Music. Think about having to think about English theory before U could talk. Theory can be very helpful. I use it to help my ear get better. Then when I "play by ear" my ears are bigger. Finding a good teacher is great, but U must take care and find a great one that understands U, not one who only follows his own agenda.

Remember, don't let knowing or not knowing Music theory keep U from playing good Music.

peace, vic

Howdy Vic..

I have a question. How do u start working on a song, tune?
How do u continue then? Arangement and that sort of stuff..
Cause me and my band, we usually have problems when we
are working on a tune! Although we all can play quite well.
I just want to hear how do u deal with such problems.

Regard from Slovenia, Europe!

Blaz

Hello Blaz,

Playing Music is different from writing it. And there is no one answer for how to do either. A good musician does not mean that he is a good song writer. My good friend Edgar Meyer says that writing Music can be looked at as improvising in slow motion. You get to take your time with it and change it. So, like improv., the more tools U have, the easier it is. Use all the tools U have. Also, listen to many other songs to see how they are written and arranged.

Many times, simple things like: adding a breakdown, (removing the drums, bass, or another instrument) or, adding a solo section can make for an interesting change. Also, just letting the groove play for a while can be interesting.(depending on the groove) U may want to ask yourself some questions:

"What do We want to say with this song?"
"What does the song sound like already."
"Should we take it in a totally different direction or maybe just add a key change."
"Do we have any other un-finished pieces of Music that will fit with this song?"

Sometimes, the flecktones will play a tune until we get to the unfinshed part. Then, we can see/feel where it naturally wants to go. Remember to allow each band member a chance at writing. There are many possibilities; continue to Explore, Search, Listen, and have fun.

peace, vic

hi vic,

my name's Gareth from Plymouth England. I've been playing bass for a bout 3 years but didn't have my own bass or started practicing really since Christmas.

I practice for about 8 to 12 hours most days, practicing some of your
techniques and some from other bassists such as Jaco and Stuart Hamm.

well any way the reason I'm emailing you is because I've been looking for new material to learn i mean i do make up my own techniques and runs but I'm trying to look for a good dvd or book that would help me in my journey.

I was wondering if you could recommend me some books or dvds that are of good teaching standard and also I would like to know what material and what you learnt from when you was starting out.

cheers for reading I hope you will get back to me

your new friend from over seas

gareth

Hello Gareth,

I often get emails from bassists about learning new techniques, runs, and riffs. I think that most of U are missing the point.
I rarely get emails about learning and playing new MUSIC! That's what we should all be doing. The techniques, runs, and riffs, are just small tools to help us play Music. They will naturally progress as our musicality progresses. So, most of the focus should be on Music not the tools. In my opinion, practicing techniques for 8 - 12 hrs will not make U a good musician. It will make U a technical musician. Your choice. Think about that for a while and get back to me if U need to.

peace, vic

Hi Vic, I saw you with the Flecktones in Carmel California November
2004. Excellent Show. I had front row right in front of you. Anyway I
would like to share my experience about learning your tunes on the
bass. I have spent countless hours trying to learn your signature
licks and watching your bass day 98 vids. I started this endeavor
back in 2000. Now I have almost got all of them down. Your open
hammer pluck and down up pluck 1 and 2 have had a huge impact on my
playing. I really thought I was something special because I was the
only "play like Vic Wooten" guy around. Then I went in to try out for
the Navy Band as a bass player. I opened my audition with your
version of Norwegian Wood and Classic Thump. After the solo pieces,
they said "wow that was great. Now let's hear you play along with
some Ray Brown and some Stan Getz bossanova stuff". At the time I
didn't even know what a bossa, samba, swing or bebop groove was
Suddenly it hit me. Being a bass player has nothing to do with
playing fancy licks. A bass player sets the groove and is the time
master when a drummer isn't around. This was the MOST profound moment in my musical life of 16 years. I have since learned to read music
and it has opened so many doors. Thanks for the inspiration. I hope I
am able to come to the Bass and Nature camp next year. It is only a
few miles from my hometown of Hartsville, TN.

God Bless you Vic, Vic Family and Vic crew
Rob

Hey Rob, You've learned a valuable lesson. There is nothing else I can add. I'm proud of U. Good Job.
peace, vic

Hey Victor.
My name is Jaymie and I have been playing bass professionally in Australia and New Zealand for about 14 years but I still have good performances and bad ones. One day I'll have the most awesome gig and the next I'll play like crap. I was wondering what you do to always stay on top, what preparation you do on the bass and mentally. This has been bugging me for a while.

Thanks mate,
Jaymie

Hey Jaymie, I've been playing professionally for around 35 years and I don't know how to "stay on top" I don't even know what "Stay on Top" means. Beacuse we are always growing and changing, our "top" is always changing. That's a good thing. Staying there may not be the best thing for us. I just try to play the way I play and have fun doing it every night. Some nights are better than others. That's just how it goes. How I deal with whatever happens is what I do have control over.

Simplifying usually makes things easier.When I'm having trouble playing some nights, I'll only play what the Music is asking for and nothing more. My mind can keep up with that (and it usually sounds better anyway.)

Also, pay attention to your surroundings inside and out to help determine what makes u play differently on any given night. Then, accept it and learn from it.

Try that and let me know how it goes.
peace, vic

Hello Victor,
My question is this: I have a 10 year old son who is showing a real interest in the bass. He watches the videos of you and asks; Can I play like that someday? As a parent I want him to stick with it for he seems to enjoy himself, but I also want it to remain fun for him. I want to encourage him but I certainly dont want overkill. Any suggestions from you would be extremely appreciated. God Bless!

Keith

Hello, Thanx for your question. Just like learning English, your son will learn Music if he is exposed to it and allowed to participate in it.
Take him to concerts, jam with him, and make sure he has opportunities to freely play. Don't wait for him to get good before he is allowed to play with good musicians. Then, guide him.

That's my advice.

peace, vic

Hey Vic,
I started playing bass when I was 11, and started into concert percussion
around age 15, and got really heavy into the latter throughout high school. Right now I'm a percussion major at a community college wanting to transfer to university. I recently entered into a contest, in which I didn't place; auditioned for three schools, and was not accepted into the one I wanted the most; thought I would get scholarship from the other to, but not really on that. I just started on the drumset (only did concert stuff up to now) and doubt that I'll be able to become proficient in that, since all of the drumset players I love watching started at an average age of five. I feel like quitting altogether. What do you do if and/or when you feel like this?

Hello, Remember that Michael Jordan got cut from the highschool basketball team. Imagine that. Did he give up, or did he get stronger. Which one was it?
There are countless stories like this. Yours could be next. I hope so. Think about that!

peace, vic

Hello Vic
I have now been playing bass for 4 years and now it feels like I'm stuck. I cant come up with anything groovy. I have tried to be inspired by other songs. I have tried to listen to other people that play bass or any other instrument. I have tried to record myself. I have tried other techniques but I always come up with the same thing in the end. I really need help. Do you
ever get stuck?
Pleas I need your help. Sorry for my bad English.
From Erik
Peace

Hello Erik, It sounds like U are trying many good things. U may want to try just playing a lot simpler. This will allow your thinking to get out of the way. Also, make sure that U are playing Music, not techniques. This is an easy mistake to keep making. (I speak from experience) And most of all, don't be afraid to put the bass down for a while. It's a groovy thing to do sometimes. Playing Music is like talking. U need to have something to say. It's hard to learn anything new if your bass is in your hands all the time. Get out and enjoy Life! Do something fun and outrageous. Then, express it thru your instrument.
Take care.
peace, vic
<><><><><>

Hi,
I have a qestion,
I'm 18 year old bassman from Poland. I've played the bass for 2 years. I like Jazz and want to play the bass all the time. But I don't know what to do. I know notes, but I know nothing about
harmony. In polish music schools I can learn only classical music. You think it's good idea to go there and learn it? I feel Jazz all my body and all my brain and love it.

Please, give me some advice.

Radek.

Hello Radek, learn all U can where and when U can. If U study Classical Music and use your mind and ears, it'll teach U a lot about jazz. There is a ton of harmony in Classical Music. Many of the greatest Jazz musicians study classical Music for the harmony and other reasons. Harmony is everywhere. Music is Music. Don't let the styles fool U.
Learn it all.
peace, vic

Hello Vic,

I am music teacher in NJ. I recently had 2 begining guitar students join my class that are left handed. Should I teach them guitar lefty or righty? I see benefits in both ways but what do you think?

Steve

Hey Steve, that is a very, very good question. I had to think long and hard before I could come up with an answer that I agreed with. This is a sensitive issue and I don't even pretend to know the best answer for each person, but here are some things to think about.

I believe that if the student has already been playing lefty, I would keep him/her that way. But if he has not started playing yet, I would start him playing as a righty, and here's why.

Playing right handed is the standard. Most guitars are built that way. But when I think about it, the guitar is not really a right or left handed instrument. It is only the way we hold it. When we play right handed, the left hand (freting hand) does most of the work, and vice versa. When playing the piano, there is no right or left handed way to play it. Everyone plays it the same way. For the beginning student, I would aproach it that way, like a piano

Playing guitar right handed may allow the student more opportunities. He/she could walk in to a jam session or a music store, pick up an instrument and play. If he needed a left handed instrument, he would always have to have his with him. This could be a problem.

If the beginning student feels more natural left handed, then I would have him play a right handed guitar left handed. (ie: upside down.) This way, he could pick up most any guitar or bass and play it. I have seen left handed drummers that have to switch the whole kit around just to play. This is usually a drag. It practically cuts out his chances at most jam sessions or any other "spur-of-the-moment situations. Needing a left handed guitar creates the same problem. I would have your students learn right handed or stay left handed but play a right handed guitar.

So, there U go. That's my thoughts. I don't claim to be right (or left) but that's what I think, for now anyway.

I hope that helps. Again, great question. (that one made me think.)

Peace, vic

hi victor,

i am 27 and i been playing bass since im 7. im basically self taught. i also play cello and trombone. i have learned to read notes at the age of 3. i have had a few bass students in the past. i am very frustrated and i would like to know what your opinion is on books that have bass tabs written above the notes. i find that when i teach someone to play and read the bass clef, they get stuck just reading the numbers. in the end, i put a REAL sheet of music in front of them and they wonder where the tab has gone and they cant read 1 note. isnt learning from a tab cheating? i have never found any good that has come out of learning how to play the bass with a book that is full of tabs. i am frustrated cause i literally cant find any book nowadays that does NOT have a tab above evers single note. how is anybody ever sposed to learn to read music the TRUE way?

thanks for your time, LJ

Hello LJ, I used to feel the same way about TAB, but know I realize that tab is just "another way" to do it. To try to force everyone to do things one way may not be the best. And actually, tab has some benefits to it that notation doesn't have.

My transcription book has tablature in it and I am happy about that. Now, people can know exactly how I played a song, not just the notes I used, but where on the neck I played those notes. There is not a good way to show which fret or position to play a note except for tab. if I want to show U on paper exactly where to play a note, tab is a great way.

You say that people should learn the "true way" to read music. how do we know what the "true way" is? Some people may say that playing the "electric" bass is not the true way. I say, whatever works for U is "true" enough for me.

Béla Fleck reads tab much better than he reads notation. There's no way that I would tell him that he is less of a musician because of it. He has benefited greatly because of it and so have I because of him.

Do what works for U and stay open to what works for others.

Take care.

peace, vic

Victor,

On your website you answer many questions on technique and practicing but here is one that I would like to hear your thoughts on. Being in a band that plays different types of venues (inside/outside, hot/cold weather, etc.) do you have any tips on maintaining the instrument though climate changes. Also do you make any adjustments to the bass when flying (carry on/checked baggage)

thanks

Clint
<><><><><>

Hello Clint, Great questions. This is where knowing how to be your own tech. is important.

You may want to check your basses at the beginning of each day. Especially if it goes from cold to warm weather. (Air condition to warm outdoors for example.)

As soon as I can, I try to get my bass into the temperature that I will be performing in that night. I also, leave the bass in the case for a while before taking it out so that it can adjust.

U may need to adjust your trust-rod, lower or raise your action at the bridge or nut, or change your strings depending on the temperature.

Make sure that U first learn the proper ways of adjusting your bass and make your adjustments in small increments.

When I fly, I usually take my bass on the plane with me. I try not to check it at all cost. But sometimes I have to. If I have to put it under, I will sometimes loosen the strings. I'm not sure why I do it but I do. I guess it allows the neck to shift if it needs to.

Again, great question. I hope this helps.

peace, vic

Good evening Victor!,

I am a bassplayer who loves when music starts to produce a deep groove that everyone can feel and enjoy.
I can read a little bit but most of my time I don't want to practice reading since what I want to do and achive in my
life is to play music from my heart. I don't really agree with you when you are talking about how important reading is.
What I mean is that the important thing is to have a good time with music and this does not mean that you need to sit hours and hours practicing how to read.
I know the pros about reading music but I just prefer playing and creating music by playing what you feel, without sheet music, especially
when playing with other people.
I rather play the instrument and having a good time instead of practice how to read and get bored.
I play in a big orchestra in Helsingborg Sweden so I am not totally a neewbie about reading, it just don't feel right to me.
I would like you to comment my approach to music.

Thank you!

Mathias

Hello Mathias, to me, reading Music is like reading any Language. If U could not read English, U would have had a very hard time writing this email to me. Imagine not being able to read Swedish. Also, remember that a good musician can read Music from the heart.

Like U, if I have a choice between reading or playing by feel; I would choose playing by feel. BUT, it depends on the situation. There are many situations where what U feel may not be what the band leader wants or, U may not have a chance to learn the Music before hand. (I've been in that situation many times.) At that point, I hope that the band leader has Music for me to read. If he has a part written out, I need to be able to read it. If we can read well, we open up our musical possibilities.
In any language, being able to read and write can help us communicate with others as well as help us document our thoughts and ideas . It is no different in the language of Music.
Be well.

peace, vic
<><><><><>

Victor,

thanks

Clint

Hello Clint, Great questions. This is where knowing how to be your own tech. is important.

You may want to check your basses at the beginning of each day. Especially if it goes from cold to warm weather. (Air condition to warm outdoors for example.)

As soon as I can, I try to get my bass into the temperature that I will be performing in that night. I also, leave the bass in the case for a while before taking it out so that it can adjust.

U may need to adjust your trust-rod, lower or raise your action at the bridge or nut, or change your strings depending on the temperature.

Make sure that U first learn the proper ways of adjusting your bass and make your adjustments in small increments.

Again, great question. I hope this helps.

peace, vic

Hey Vic,
I have been researching ear buds and was curious to what brand you use. I was watching the Flecktone's Live at the Quick and noticed your earphones and they were none like I ever seen. They didn't look like the ones that were earplugs but rather conventional headphones. This is something that I'm very interested in because I would still like to hear my bass cabinet along with the live drums.
I know that you are busy. Thank you for reading.
Josh

Hello Josh,
The Flecktones use Shure wireless earphone packs for our
monitors. BUT we rarely use the earmolds. We buy conventional 'Walkman'
style earphones and use them instead. These are usually the open air type
that allow U to hear what's going on around U rather than closing off all
outside sound like the molds do. We found that we do not like molds
because they close off too much of the outside noise.
U should try many different styles of phones to see what U like. Who
knows, U probably already own a good pair and U can save some money. I
hope this helps.
Be well.
peace, vic