Bassists in cover bands- what's your approach?

[corndog]

I needed to learn 30 songs in 30 days about 5 years ago.

For me it’s just work. I need to rewrite a lot of the songs I need to learn fast. It’s not the best approach but in a short time frame, I just look for patterns in the chorus, verses and bridges. Chart that out and learn any signature notes/patterns for the song.

If you can nail the chord changes, know the basic structure of the song, you don’t need to play every note, just need to play the right note at the right time.

If there a gig lined up (there was for me). Go in and play as noted above with enthusiasm. If it’s going to be a permanent band, you can always learn the subtle fills etc after the gig.

 

[Sumaru]

How did you do it when you first started playing bass, and went through the ritual of learning whatever songs lit your fuse and prompted you to take up the instrument in the first place?

Well to be honest, I was a crossover from lead guitar about 11 years ago when I was about 38. Had been playing since I was 11 or so. Back in those days, I'd pop a tape in, learn a chunk, and move onto other parts. My hearing isn't as good these days, but when I started playing bass, I learned some chops using Rocksmith. Unfortunately that's not really a viable option any longer, and I'd used that primarily to just get the feel of playing bass- more technique focused than anything. After becoming comfortable with the mechanics, it was off to the races writing with a local metal act, which for obvious reasons presents no issues for learning the material. I guess I'm asking what are the best sources for getting the most accurate transcriptions? I just downloaded Guitar Pro 8, and it seems somewhat promising, but the "My Songbook" library is lacking more than a few titles on the set list I was given.

 

[Makoa Johnson]

For me personally learning about nashville number charts changed the game for completing this task in an efficient manner. There are obviously some iconic basslines that you will need to memorize or fully transcribe, but in a lot of cases as long as the fundamental chord changes and rhythmic hooks are correct, and your playing is in the pocket that will successfully get you through subbing a covers gig. And if it is a more long term / detail oriented type gig that you need to nail a note for note audition, for me anyway the act of charting the form and chord motion on a number chart while listening through the recordings still serves as a good foundation to assist with general ear training and reference while I'm getting the exact lines under my fingers and memorized.

Also this might seem obvious but always make sure you have clarity from the bandleader on the exact versions and even exact songs that you are supposed to be learning and in what keys to avoid unnecessarily silly mistakes. For example one time I learned an entirely different song, ("All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow, instead of "All I Want To Do" by Sugarland. ) But more commonly it will be like the band is playing a version from a particular live concert that has extra hits and is a step down from the original album recording, or is a full version and the form I had in my head from a previous band was an edited radio single version, stuff like that.

 

[Tom Winter]

If I wasn't familiar with a song, I listened to it over and over. In the car, etc. Same with set lists. I use headphones and learn songs by ear. Maybe silly but, when I was starting out on bass, I didn't use Tuners. I believe this "trained" my ears.
I will try to play the song as many times as I can until I think its right. Walk away for a bit then repeat whenever. I was able to competently learn about three songs a week. I was always ready for rehearsals. Over the years I learned hundreds of songs like that.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

I've been playing in cover bands for 30+ years.
I used to be fastidious about every note off the record.
Now, unless the bassline is a hook (brick house etc) I learn the chord changes and play my own chops over the root.

 

[pb9717]

Charts are your friend. It’s likely you’ll only need em for the tunes you’re unfamiliar with. I write em out then take a pic with my iPad. Tunes your already know by hearing, will be easy to learn and play. But charts will keep you correct on the unfamiliar stuff. They’ll give you your arrangement, and your changes.

 

[2112]

For every cover I start with some source tab, primarily bass tab videos posted to YouTube but occasionally tab posted elsewhere online. From this, I build an accurate note-for-note tab in a text editor. This helps me pick up the lines and roadmap.

As you are all well-aware, the quality of these sources varies widely lol, so I often have plenty of corrections to make. But, having done this for years I've gotten a pretty good feel who's usually good and who's usually not. On the average, I'll spend 30-45 minutes per song building its tab. Sometimes significantly more, and sometimes significantly less, depending on the complexity of the line, the length of the song, and the reliability of the source tab.

Then, I use the tabs to shed the crap outta them, and start weaning myself off of them after about a dozen plays. And then it's simply repeated playalongs to embed the lines into long-term and muscle memory.

I've been doing it this way for years, and it works well for me. Last week, between this method and Beautiful Wife's understanding, I learned 19 new songs for a new covers project I'm putting together... started tabbing Monday and rehearsal was Saturday.

 

[Sumaru]

I needed to learn 30 songs in 30 days about 5 years ago.

For me it’s just work. I need to rewrite a lot of the songs I need to learn fast. It’s not the best approach but in a short time frame, I just look for patterns in the chorus, verses and bridges. Chart that out and learn any signature notes/patterns for the song.

If you can nail the chord changes, know the basic structure of the song, you don’t need to play every note, just need to play the right note at the right time.

If there a gig lined up (there was for me). Go in and play as noted above with enthusiasm. If it’s going to be a permanent band, you can always learn the subtle fills etc after the gig.

Love this, and I know it's the best way to survive the onslaught in your case- 30 songs in 30 days is brutal! I have about a week to learn at least 5 songs from their set list (though I know coming armed with at least twice that will be much more to my advantage).
I've never been satisfied with the "good enough" approach for very long, though my bandmates would go into the studio with it. That was part of the disconnect. I'm my own worst critic for sure and always try to nail the song- I just feel like if it's worth doing, it's worth your all.

 

[Jazzdogg]

Learn how to write and read charts. Try to memorize the song structure. That's the best advice and can give you. Most classic songs are fairly easy but it's remembering the structure that always gets me.

I rely on my ears a lot - always have.

For the stuff I play, I usually scratch out a rudimentary chart that can be used in any key using Nashville-style notation to note scale degrees (One Six Two Five, One Four Five, etc.) basic rhythmic structure, repeats, etc. For easier songs, I may just make a note, e.g., "Rhythm changes, usually played in Bb," or "Twelve-bar blues with sharped five step-down." I typically note enough of the lyrics to act as "sign posts" while playing.

Such rudimentary charts only takes as long to jot down as it takes to listen to the song once or twice.

I have seldom needed a full chart for the stuff I've played with cover bands, but some of the charts I've played in tribute bands have been complex enough to warrant a full chart if they're not songs I've already played.

 

[Sumaru]

For every cover I start with some source tab, primarily bass tab videos posted to YouTube but occasionally tab posted elsewhere online. From this, I build an accurate note-for-note tab in a text editor. This helps me pick up the lines and roadmap.

As you are all well-aware, the quality of these sources varies widely lol, so I often have plenty of corrections to make. But, having done this for years I've gotten a pretty good feel who's usually good and who's usually not. On the average, I'll spend 30-45 minutes per song building its tab. Sometimes significantly more, and sometimes significantly less, depending on the complexity of the line, the length of the song, and the reliability of the source tab.

Then, I use the tabs to shed the crap outta them, and start weaning myself off of them after about a dozen plays. And then it's simply repeated playalongs to embed the lines into long-term and muscle memory.

I've been doing it this way for years, and it works well for me. Last week, between this method and Beautiful Wife's understanding, I learned 19 new songs for a new covers project I'm putting together... started tabbing Monday and rehearsal was Saturday.

Nice. Are there specific tab and/or video sources/contributors that stand out that you can share? Trying to zero in on what's most worthy of digging into seems like such a huge portion of this challenge!

 

[grimjim]

I use a simplified system in the beginning memorize song structure, whether it's original or covers.

Most songs only have so many different parts. To make it simple I'll start with 3. Verse, Chorus and Bridge.

I will letter every different part, A, B, C etc.

Then I'll make a chart:
A-4 (verse 4 times)
B-2 (chorus 2 times)
A-6 (verse 6 times)
B-4 (chorus 4 times)
C-8 (bridge 8 times)
B-4 (chorus 4 times)
You get the idea.

Once the structure is down, I'll worry about fills or changing riffs around.

I really don't play covers note for note. I'll keep signature parts and improvise most fills unless it's essential to the song. Learning a bunch of songs, you'll drive yourself nuts trying to learn every fill note for note.

This is what works for me anyway.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

Here's my formula:
1) YouTube bass cover videos with tabs and notation
2) Amazing slow downer app. Great for slowing down MP3's and chunking parts for complex songs
3) Quality headphones and headphone amp. I use the Boss WAZA air bass.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

This is one for all the cover band bassists out there- just wondering what's your advice for quickly/efficiently/accurately learning material for gigs? I've been in a local original metal band for the last 9 years and due to drama I'll spare here, have parted ways. Not sure I want to remain in that scene any longer. Poor crowd attendance, limited venues, and not a dime to be made; so at almost 50 I've decided maybe it's time to start getting paid back for all the years of time and monetary investment. One of the most well known cover bands in the city/region is currently seeking a bassist, and I'm considering throwing my hat in the ring- settings my sights high.
What are the best ways to quickly and accurately learn the material? I was thinking of picking up guitar pro 8. Love to hear y'all's thoughts.

Learn the song form first. Learn the intro, the verse, pre chorus if there is one , chorus , bridge or “B section, and any identifiable licks. Then assemble the parts in order.

Record your work and review . If possible , record the band with the old bassist and play along with it, or ask if there are any recording of the band you can borrow. Some bands have charts or tabs.

Finally the Chordfy app is great for learning material. 500k+ library of songs to play along with. Had chords charts to follow.

 

[mrcbass]

This is one for all the cover band bassists out there- just wondering what's your advice for quickly/efficiently/accurately learning material for gigs? I've been in a local original metal band for the last 9 years and due to drama I'll spare here, have parted ways. Not sure I want to remain in that scene any longer. Poor crowd attendance, limited venues, and not a dime to be made; so at almost 50 I've decided maybe it's time to start getting paid back for all the years of time and monetary investment. One of the most well known cover bands in the city/region is currently seeking a bassist, and I'm considering throwing my hat in the ring- settings my sights high.
What are the best ways to quickly and accurately learn the material? I was thinking of picking up guitar pro 8. Love to hear y'all's thoughts.

For me, understanding some basic theory is a big step in being able to quickly pick up songs. If it's a song I've heard forever, I may not even need to research charts, just figure out what key and start working out a bassline. The theory helps to identify chord patterns (there are several very common chord patterns in classic rock.

But even on songs I've never heard that have unusual chord structure, it's not typically too tough to lock in on a song. My process for learning new material - especially handfuls at a time like I might for an audition - I use this process:
- First, if I don't have the song in my collection, I'll hopefully find it on YouTube and download it not my catalog.
- Second, I try to locate a chart (lyrics and chords) to work from - I typically find that UltimateGuitar has a good selection of charts.
Unfortunately, they are not always accurate, so I spend some time (usually a few minutes) vetting the chart, playing along with the track, and fixing the things that need to be adjusted.
- Then I create my own shorthand chart. My shorthand charts remove most of the lyrics (all if I'm not doing any backing vox) and just basically put the chords in order and into a song structure. I can use these charts on my tablet while I'm locking them in, but typically, by the time I'm on stage, their use is limited to a quick glance at the key and maybe a tricky section. Building these charts also gives me a permanent record of the song which allows me to quickly get it back to ready it it comes up for another project some time later. Building the charts also helps me to memorize them because of the details involved.
- After I have my chart locked down, I spend what ever time I need to get comfortable with the song, dialing in lines (and vox if necessary). If I have a few weeks to prepare, the charts are not used much.

I know this sounds like a lot, but honestly I've spent more time typing this up than it does for me to do everything I do for a song except the last item.

My advice is to not worry about getting songs at a note for note level. Try to capture any iconic parts, but then focus on the groove and make lines that are in your wheelhouse. As bassists, we can get away with a lot and IMO, it's better to play something that you can pull off rather than to bungle around trying to apply the pyrotechnics that may be on the recording. I'd advise differently for a tribute band, but seriously, few people ever really know most basslines, and as long as you're working the groove, it's all good. I find that my bandmates appreciate my approach, and I do get compliments at gigs.

Good luck.

 

[seanm]

I almost never play the recorded version note for note. In fact, for the way the cover band plays the songs the recorded bass line doesn't work. e.g. My current band is currently basically an unplugged band. The bass line to Hotel California is WAY too busy and clashes.

I learn the chord structure... then I learn the chord structure as the band plays it. First few times it is as simple as possible.. then I can add. Unless there is a well know bass line you have to play.

So, basically I treat covers as originals most of the time.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

Make charts for the weird and unfamiliar tunes.

Ask questions about certain parts or passages or songs that possibly have two bass parts.

Practice the harder songs standing up so you don’t only know how to play it when sitting down and looking at your fret board.

 

[DaveParker39]

This is one for all the cover band bassists out there- just wondering what's your advice for quickly/efficiently/accurately learning material for gigs? I've been in a local original metal band for the last 9 years and due to drama I'll spare here, have parted ways. Not sure I want to remain in that scene any longer. Poor crowd attendance, limited venues, and not a dime to be made; so at almost 50 I've decided maybe it's time to start getting paid back for all the years of time and monetary investment. One of the most well known cover bands in the city/region is currently seeking a bassist, and I'm considering throwing my hat in the ring- settings my sights high.
What are the best ways to quickly and accurately learn the material? I was thinking of picking up guitar pro 8. Love to hear y'all's thoughts.

Step 1) Listen to the song, get an idea of the sctructure
Step 2) Find a chord chart and get an idea of what is going on musically, try to play it in the most simple way possible
Step 3) find an isolated bass track or a bass transcription and add the rest of the bass line
Step 4) play along with the track. if you can find a version of it with the bass removed, eventually work up to that.

Step 2 is very important because there will be situations where you just can't play something note for note so you have to play what makes sense musically.

 

[Freekmagnet]

I break a song down into the most basic components: chords, overall feel, song structure. I'll usually write a quick chord chart with basic structure of "verse", "chorus", and "bridge". The feel I just have to remember., but that's not really hard for me. If there's a bass hook, or a lick that makes the song what it is, I'll learn that, too. I don't go down the rabbit hole of playing the bass part note-for-note - I just try to come up with something that makes the band sound strong.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Lots of great stuff here! I'll add a couple, as someone who spent 20 years working primarily cover bands, often as an on-call sub. My record was charting 40 songs in a single afternoon for a show that evening. I also played a lot of shows totally cold, with no charts or even a set list, and in my last full-time working band we had upwards of 300 songs prepared on a given night.

Theory, at least basic chord/interval theory, is key. Being able to understand what a I - vi - ii - V is, how to equate notes to numbers (IE someone shouts out "go to the four!"), at least the basics of reading/writing charts.

It's orders of magnitude harder to learn material you have never heard before, compared to songs that you are familiar with even if you've never actually played them. If you want to break into a scene then go hunt down song lists and build a play list you can listen to in the car, at home, etc. Make that music your background, and when you sit down to write charts it will be much easier. The last big show I had with a horn band had pretty tricky arrangements, so I listened to the entire show (well, the original recordings of the songs we were covering) twice a day for two weeks. It made it far easier to sit down and write charts when I could already hum the melody, and could anticipate when changes were coming.

When trying to work fast, use that big repository of music in your head as a reference guide. Most music, especially popular tunes that are common in cover bands, fits into fairly similar formulas. If the groove of the song is just like "Thrill Is Gone" but with an alternate turnaround, rather than charting it all out, I'll write "Thrill is gone groove, turnaround: " and only chart the parts that are different. I've played Thrill Is Gone 2,000 times, if this song is similar just tell me so and I'm already 90% of the way there.

One mistake I see students make a lot is playing along with, or over the top of, songs they are learning. It slows you down so much and leads to mistakes. Instead, turn you bass up just loud enough to hear it but not to overpower the bass on the record. Then, don't play the parts you know, only play a note when you need to find a match to what you hear. I often see people jam along right over a note they missed, or they are so into playing their own thing they guess at the next section or note rather than checking for accuracy and verifying what they think is the note is actually there.

 

[c-ba55]

Google the name of the song and "bass pdf" or "bass transcription" or "sheet music." Best case, you get a transcription. maybe you need to look at youtube for "bass cover" of the song. Often, you get the chords and maybe the bass line if it's an important part of the song. Sites like chordify and songsterr are key (download from songsterr, open in muse score to get sheet music). I almost never need to transcribe anything, although you do have to quality check what's out there for sure. Then, I make my own one-page chart in google docs with some text and some snapshots of sheet music, export that to my ipad (forScore) and make a setlist. Practice off that, and worst case use it to jog your memory at the gig. Don't stare at it while you play.

Here's an example.