Tips for Kicking Off Your Journey as a Solo Bassist
The electric bass guitar has come a long way. It’s an instrument that has evolved physically, technically, and sonically over the past 60+ years, and bassists all over the world continue to push its limits.
Once used only as a foundational instrument, the bass guitar has gradually found its way to the spotlight. Bass players like Michael Manring, Steve Lawson, and many more are using the bass to function as a prominent, melodic lead voice in addition to its traditional role. These individuals are known as solo bassists.
Maybe you’re an intermediate bass player who feels like you’re ready for the next challenge. You’re on the verge of plateauing in your musical journey and are in desperate need of something new.
If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place! The goal of this post is to give you some tips and inspiration for dipping your toes in the realm of solo bass playing.
What do I need to know in advance before getting into solo bass?
Nobody starts out with amazing chops… some aspiring bassists want to immediately get to the fun stuff, like slapping and tapping, and bypass important fundamental concepts that all bass players need to know. Before jumping into solo bass, make sure:
- You’ve got a good grasp of music theory.
- You understand the role of the bass guitar.
- You know how to groove.
Check out this song from Victor Wooten’s trio, TRYPNOTYX. Notice Vic’s solid walking bassline around the 2:00 mark, giving space for the saxophone to take the lead. This is a perfect example of a great bassist who knows when it’s appropriate to show off and when it’s time to keep the groove simple.
Do I need to be a fast, technical player to be a solo bassist?
You sure don’t! Although watching players with incredible speed is fun to watch and listen to, sometimes it can be discouraging. We start to think to ourselves “I’ll never get to THAT level.”
If those thoughts ever creep into your brain, remember this:
Faster playing doesn’t necessarily equal better music.
You don’t need to impress people with flashy technique – you and your bass just need to have something to say. Now, if your musical vision requires highly technical chops, then go for it! Pursue that. I’m not saying don’t try to improve as a musician, but just write and play from your heart.
Check out the tune “Gratitude” by Mark Egan. There’s nothing flashy about his fretless bass part, but it’s still beautiful to listen to.
Do I need to tweak my tone when playing solo bass?
It depends! Here are a few good rules of thumb:
- When playing slap: tweak your EQ by boosting the bass a bit, cut those mids, and adjust the treble as needed. The result? Something very Marcus Miller-ish.
- When playing finger style: tweak your EQ by cutting the bass, and boost the mids and treble as needed. And try plucking closer to the bridge. Evan Marien’s music is a great example of finger style solo bass tone.
For more on solo tone, check out this post.
What gear do I need as a solo bassist?
There’s no “one size fits all” bass rig when it comes to gear. Some solo bassists use four strings, others use six. Some don’t use effects, others use fully loaded pedalboards. Let’s look at some examples to figure out what gear you need for your solo bass act.
Steve Lawson
UK-based Steve Lawson uses his signature Elrick 6-string bass and effects pedals to make music so beautiful and ambient that it’s hard to believe that all those sounds are coming from one instrument. Check out his original composition “This Is Not The End.”
Jaco Pastorius
It would be a crime if I didn’t mention Jaco in a solo bass-related post. Jaco has made a plethora of contributions to the bass community and is known for his signature sound, blazing speed, and more. In the video below, skip to 1:40 to see him jamming with a looper on his 4-string Fender fretless jazz bass (aka “The Bass Of Doom”).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6miAm2bYxw
Dmitry Lisenko
Using the acoustic bass rather than an electric bass, Dmitry incorporates slap and percussive finger style to create a sound so unique that it’d be difficult for any other bassist to copy.
Can you name some examples of solo bassists and their genre?
Shaun Monday – Soul
Berklee graduate Shaun Munday uses his bass and his voice to create a unique soul sound unlike anybody else.
Marcus Miller – Jazz/Funk
Most of Marcus Miller’s solo work involves a full band in which the bass is prominent throughout the music. If you love slap solos, you’ve got to check out his music.
The Omnific – Metal
You don’t see much solo bass music in the this scene, but Australian-based band The Omnific is making metal fans everywhere turn their heads. Consisting of one drummer and two bassists, their metal-influenced style is definitely one of a kind.
Evan Marien – Electronic
I have a difficult time putting my finger on multi-instrumentalist Evan Marien’s genre of music. Electronic? Fusion? Experimental? Whatever it is, it’s freakin’ awesome.
Jonathan Dimond – Classical
That’s right – the electric bass is no stranger to Bach, either. Check out this classical piece arranged for electric bass.
Michael Manring – Unknown
Some solo bassists are so incredibly unique and talented that confining them to one, two, or even three genres just isn’t possible. Sometimes I wonder if Michael Manring is even human…
As you can see, a solo bass act can range from one-man-bands to full jazz ensembles. The possibilities are endless – the hard part is figuring out which path you want to pursue.
I hope you take these ideas and examples to get your creative juices flowing. Adapt them and be inspired by them. Or, throw them all out the window to find your unique sound! Also, be sure to check out my “All About That Bass” playlist for more examples of solo bass artists, albums, and arrangements. And no, I’m not referring to the Meghan Trainor song…
Leave me a comment if you found this post useful. Best of luck!
