Tips for Practicing my Bass Guitar

Amplify’d from playbassnow.com

Practice tips & thoughts

What is your goal? You want to be an allround player that can play many styles of music and techniques? Or do you just want to be good in your preferred style of music? How many hours should you practice? Well how much time do you have to your disposal? Work, school, children, husbands, wifes take their cut… Also depends on your ambition – se previous. How to practice Do it on a regular basis, preferably every day from 30 minutes to 6 hours (!). Find a certain time of the day where you can concentrate and not get disturbed by the outside world – i get up early in the morning (when my work schedual permit) and do 1 to 4 hours practicing. Start with the “boring” stuff (i kinda like it though), playing scales , arpeggios, chords. Go here for specific scale practice advice I usually set my alarm clock to 10 minute intervals – then i play a certain exercise for that time period before moving on to something different, makes it easier for me when i have to “obey” the alarm Always practice with a rhythm device – metronome, rhythm machine, software drum machine ( free soft drummachine Hammerhead ). Play everything slow at first, dont speed up until you can play your lines with fluidity and in perfect time. Keep track of your progress – keep a ledger with your practice routines/goals and maybe write in tempos. Get some accompagment software or gadget to practice to – nice alternative to simple rhythm or metronome beat and you get chords and harmony to play to Band in a box software where You plot in chords and pick a style. An example could be: Make a song with i.e Major 7 chords in all 12 keys (8 bars each), and practice your scales, arpeggios, licks to that. A free online alternative to Band in a box on www.activebass.com – click on the menu item track builder Music minus one (bass) recordings – same examples below: Ultimate playalong by John Patitucci level 2 – you play with Mike Stern, Dave Weckl and other heavy players Francis Rocco Prestia – Sittin in with Rocco Prestia – you play with the Tower of power rhythm section! Jamtracks – different styles can be purchased Eartraining – which is what you should practice every day. Learn /transcribe songs you “lift off” albums by ear, start with easy ones – simple blues, rock, pop songs with few chords and simple rhythms ie “stand by me”, “knocking on heavens door”, “Walkin on sunshine”, “one of us”… Dont limit yourself listenening and learning from bassplayers only, listens to singers, guitarists, pianists, hornplayers, banjoplayers….well, on second thought…;-). Transcribing music from albums If you get tired of hitting the pause button again and again, there’s more practical solutions A really good software “trainer” / transcribing program is TRANSCRIBE , it allows you to loop sections, slow the tempo down and keeping the pitch intact (timestretching its called), cancel the bass and many other great features. The Korg Pandora PX4D and the newer Korg Pandora PX5D has builtin a “slow music down” feature too if you prefer hardware Record yourself And listen back with critical ears. Make youtube videos (not war), it’ll make you even more critical, when you have an audience. Inspiration “Steal and incorporate” , your idols – had idols – had idols… they borrowed licks, riffs and basslines from. Its ok to take material and transform it into your own stuff, but do not fall into the trap of only listening and learning from a single artist, I actually heard several cd’s with bassists playin their “own” compositons, but totally “copycatting” Marcus Miller’s tone, playingstyle, composing style, you name it! And the funny thing, the players are awesome – technical and playingwise. But you dont care, you’d rather put on a Marcus Miller cd. **DISCLAIMER! I myself “copycat” (tone, style , songs) certain songs on youtube but only for education or exercise purposes, as we should learn from the great landmark Bassplayers, but i would never pass it as my own.** And try all kinds of music, even if you have a favorite style (i like funky stuff) Learn to read music A little goes a long way, go to the library and borrow everything written for the bass clave ; doublebass, cello, trombone, tuba… There’s a lot of easy classical pieces that is fun to play, and if you have a bassplaying friend you can read together and play duets, its very effective (and fun) when you’re two, you know right away when you (or your friend) make a mistake.Play with as many bands you can get into, always play with people at the same level or better than you. Dont say no to a gig or experience. Be willing to play for free (until you’re so good they’ll have to pay you). Join the bassplayer forum talkbass.com, you can find a lot of answers to technique, exercises, theory…. Practice the Homer Simpson way Practicing technical “no brain” related exercises while watching TV are possible – I frequently just lie on my sofa watching a movie while practicing various right hand finger plucking methods, just getting into the “automatic” mode – ie thumb, index, middle, ring – thumb, index, middle, ring, again and again for hours and hours (or a movie’s length) HAVE FUN! Read more at playbassnow.com

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Dr Phil has a show on Parental Alienation this week.

Amplify’d from www.drphil.com

Monday - October 18, 2010 "You're Not the Boss of Me!" Imagine someone telling you what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, controlling and criticizing every move you make. Dr. Phil’s guests say they know that feeling all too well. Cindy says her husband, Mike, controls everything she does, from what she eats, to when she prays, to how fast she walks. Mike says he doesn’t dominate his wife; he just cares. Cindy admits their marriage has gotten so bad, she drinks alcohol to cope. Find out what happened three years ago that may have contributed to Mike’s behavior. Then, Daniel says his wife, Jenni, constantly nags and criticizes him about every chore he does, calls him names and emasculates him. He says he locks himself in the garage to get away from her! Jenni admits she likes to be the boss of her household and stalks her husband around the house to do it. What’s behind her critical spirit? Dr. Phil puts these controllers to the test!   Tuesday - October 19, 2010 The Dr. Phil Housewives: My Own Worst Enemy Dr. Phil engages in a powerful confro

Monday - October 18, 2010 "You're Not the Boss of Me!" Imagine someone telling you what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, controlling and criticizing every move you make. Dr. Phil’s guests say they know that feeling all too well. Cindy says her husband, Mike, controls everything she does, from what she eats, to when she prays, to how fast she walks. Mike says he doesn’t dominate his wife; he just cares. Cindy admits their marriage has gotten so bad, she drinks alcohol to cope. Find out what happened three years ago that may have contributed to Mike’s behavior. Then, Daniel says his wife, Jenni, constantly nags and criticizes him about every chore he does, calls him names and emasculates him. He says he locks himself in the garage to get away from her! Jenni admits she likes to be the boss of her household and stalks her husband around the house to do it. What’s behind her critical spirit? Dr. Phil puts these controllers to the test!   Tuesday - October 19, 2010 The Dr. Phil Housewives: My Own Worst Enemy Dr. Phil engages in a powerful confrontation with Kimm. Will a heartfelt letter from her 16-year-old daughter inspire the mom, who has hardly left her bed in eight years, to make a change? Then, when she reveals a shocking secret, are the other Housewives really surprised? Next, when the women confront Rachael, she breaks down in tears of frustration and finally opens up about why she’s so angry all the time! When Dr. Phil tells her she can quit the process, will she take him up on his offer? Then, Michelle is brought to tears when she recalls a recent conversation with her emotionally absent father. She wonders: if her own father won’t love her, who will? When Dr. Phil sets her up on her first date in more than year, will she stop working long enough to enjoy a night out?   Wednesday - October 20, 2010 Parental Alienation It’s been called the ultimate form of child abuse — parents brainwashing their children against an ex-spouse in order to win custody. Could you be harming your child emotionally and not even know it? For 12 years, Chrissy and her ex-husband, Dennis, have been embroiled in a nasty custody battle for their two children. Dennis says that Chrissy badmouths him and his new wife, Gina, to their children and even took out a protective order against him, while Chrissy feels that her ex is an extreme disciplinarian who is teaching their kids to be pathological liars. Areva Martin, attorney and women’s advocate, examines Chrissy’s legal position, while Lisa Bloom, CBS legal analyst, weighs in on Dennis’ side. Will the parents reach a truce for the sake of their kids, or will they continue to battle it out in court? Plus, Dr. Phil speaks to former guest Bridget Marks who made headlines when she had to hand over her twin daughters to their biological father after a court ruled that she falsely accused him of molestation.   Thursday - October 21, 2010 End the Silence on Domestic Violence, Part 2 Every 15 seconds in America, a woman is abused, and it is the most under-reported phenomena in our society. Dr. Phil continues his mission to end the silence on domestic violence! First, he speaks with Mallory, a pregnant 19-year-old, who says her boyfriend, Brett, is abusive. Even though she says he pushes her around, has threatened her life and locked her in a closet, she refuses to end the relationship. Brett admits he has anger issues, and he says he loves Mallory, but sometimes he can’t stand her. Is there hope for this teen couple? And, Lori fears her 18-year-old daughter, Kelsi, is still involved with her abusive ex-boyfriend. Kelsi admits she’s torn between her feelings for her ex and following her family’s wishes. When these teens get a wake-up call from a mother whose daughter was murdered, will it change their behavior? Teens, do you know the warning signs of abuse and how to exit a dangerous relationship safely? Parents, do you know what to look for if you think your daughter is in a violent relationship? Don’t miss this important show! Make some noise -- join Dr. Phil’s campaign and pledge to end the silence on domestic violence!   Friday - October 22, 2010 Dr. Phil Tests Your Personality Do you tend to be more extroverted, agreeable or neurotic? Learn about the five basic dimensions of personality, and take the Big 5 Test to determine which category you fall in! Brian is a mild-mannered fun husband and father, except when he sits behind the wheel. He says he gets so angry and aggressive that he constantly sprays other cars with windshield wiper fluid — going through as much as three gallons every week! Can he put the brakes on his temper before someone gets hurt? Next, meet Sam Gosling, professor of psychology and author of Snoop: What Your Stuff Says about You. See what he learns about the Dr. Phil staff and Dr. Phil when he snoops through the office! And, body language expert Dr. Lillian Glass analyzes Darcy and Craig's behavior on a date. Is this couple of seven months compatible for the long haul? Plus, learn how to mesh your personality with someone who's opposite of you, and take a quiz to find out your dog personality!   Read more at www.drphil.com

 

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Dr Phil has a show on Parental Alienation this week.

Amplify’d from www.drphil.com

Monday - October 18, 2010 "You're Not the Boss of Me!" Imagine someone telling you what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, controlling and criticizing every move you make. Dr. Phil’s guests say they know that feeling all too well. Cindy says her husband, Mike, controls everything she does, from what she eats, to when she prays, to how fast she walks. Mike says he doesn’t dominate his wife; he just cares. Cindy admits their marriage has gotten so bad, she drinks alcohol to cope. Find out what happened three years ago that may have contributed to Mike’s behavior. Then, Daniel says his wife, Jenni, constantly nags and criticizes him about every chore he does, calls him names and emasculates him. He says he locks himself in the garage to get away from her! Jenni admits she likes to be the boss of her household and stalks her husband around the house to do it. What’s behind her critical spirit? Dr. Phil puts these controllers to the test!   Tuesday - October 19, 2010 The Dr. Phil Housewives: My Own Worst Enemy Dr. Phil engages in a powerful confro

Monday - October 18, 2010 "You're Not the Boss of Me!" Imagine someone telling you what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week, controlling and criticizing every move you make. Dr. Phil’s guests say they know that feeling all too well. Cindy says her husband, Mike, controls everything she does, from what she eats, to when she prays, to how fast she walks. Mike says he doesn’t dominate his wife; he just cares. Cindy admits their marriage has gotten so bad, she drinks alcohol to cope. Find out what happened three years ago that may have contributed to Mike’s behavior. Then, Daniel says his wife, Jenni, constantly nags and criticizes him about every chore he does, calls him names and emasculates him. He says he locks himself in the garage to get away from her! Jenni admits she likes to be the boss of her household and stalks her husband around the house to do it. What’s behind her critical spirit? Dr. Phil puts these controllers to the test!   Tuesday - October 19, 2010 The Dr. Phil Housewives: My Own Worst Enemy Dr. Phil engages in a powerful confrontation with Kimm. Will a heartfelt letter from her 16-year-old daughter inspire the mom, who has hardly left her bed in eight years, to make a change? Then, when she reveals a shocking secret, are the other Housewives really surprised? Next, when the women confront Rachael, she breaks down in tears of frustration and finally opens up about why she’s so angry all the time! When Dr. Phil tells her she can quit the process, will she take him up on his offer? Then, Michelle is brought to tears when she recalls a recent conversation with her emotionally absent father. She wonders: if her own father won’t love her, who will? When Dr. Phil sets her up on her first date in more than year, will she stop working long enough to enjoy a night out?   Wednesday - October 20, 2010 Parental Alienation It’s been called the ultimate form of child abuse — parents brainwashing their children against an ex-spouse in order to win custody. Could you be harming your child emotionally and not even know it? For 12 years, Chrissy and her ex-husband, Dennis, have been embroiled in a nasty custody battle for their two children. Dennis says that Chrissy badmouths him and his new wife, Gina, to their children and even took out a protective order against him, while Chrissy feels that her ex is an extreme disciplinarian who is teaching their kids to be pathological liars. Areva Martin, attorney and women’s advocate, examines Chrissy’s legal position, while Lisa Bloom, CBS legal analyst, weighs in on Dennis’ side. Will the parents reach a truce for the sake of their kids, or will they continue to battle it out in court? Plus, Dr. Phil speaks to former guest Bridget Marks who made headlines when she had to hand over her twin daughters to their biological father after a court ruled that she falsely accused him of molestation.   Thursday - October 21, 2010 End the Silence on Domestic Violence, Part 2 Every 15 seconds in America, a woman is abused, and it is the most under-reported phenomena in our society. Dr. Phil continues his mission to end the silence on domestic violence! First, he speaks with Mallory, a pregnant 19-year-old, who says her boyfriend, Brett, is abusive. Even though she says he pushes her around, has threatened her life and locked her in a closet, she refuses to end the relationship. Brett admits he has anger issues, and he says he loves Mallory, but sometimes he can’t stand her. Is there hope for this teen couple? And, Lori fears her 18-year-old daughter, Kelsi, is still involved with her abusive ex-boyfriend. Kelsi admits she’s torn between her feelings for her ex and following her family’s wishes. When these teens get a wake-up call from a mother whose daughter was murdered, will it change their behavior? Teens, do you know the warning signs of abuse and how to exit a dangerous relationship safely? Parents, do you know what to look for if you think your daughter is in a violent relationship? Don’t miss this important show! Make some noise -- join Dr. Phil’s campaign and pledge to end the silence on domestic violence!   Friday - October 22, 2010 Dr. Phil Tests Your Personality Do you tend to be more extroverted, agreeable or neurotic? Learn about the five basic dimensions of personality, and take the Big 5 Test to determine which category you fall in! Brian is a mild-mannered fun husband and father, except when he sits behind the wheel. He says he gets so angry and aggressive that he constantly sprays other cars with windshield wiper fluid — going through as much as three gallons every week! Can he put the brakes on his temper before someone gets hurt? Next, meet Sam Gosling, professor of psychology and author of Snoop: What Your Stuff Says about You. See what he learns about the Dr. Phil staff and Dr. Phil when he snoops through the office! And, body language expert Dr. Lillian Glass analyzes Darcy and Craig's behavior on a date. Is this couple of seven months compatible for the long haul? Plus, learn how to mesh your personality with someone who's opposite of you, and take a quiz to find out your dog personality!   Read more at www.drphil.com

 

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Someone has been eating my veggies!

Rodents are always a concern in my location... and this tip may be worth a try. Maybe mint would help to keep those critters from causing damage to my home and deter them from damaging my veggies.

Amplify’d from davesgarden.com

Keeping your plants in "mint" condition - and keeping rodent damage out!

By LariAnn Garner (LariAnn)

September 28, 2010

Ah, another tropical morning! Time to go inside the greenhouse and see the nice new leaves emerging on my prized Anthuriums. So I unzipped the door, poked my head in and. . . AGHHH! The new leaves were gone, chewed off at the stem, and no sign of the culprit anywhere. Such is the kind of hit-and-run damage that rodents can wreak on your favorite plants. I didn't really want to set those vicious traps, I just wanted the pesky critters to go elsewhere for gourmet snacks. Alas, a serendipitous tip came my way and it really worked! Read on. . .

(Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 5, 2008. Your comments are welcome, but please be aware that authors of previously published articles may not be able to promptly respond to new questions or comments.)

The bite of your life

Few things are more exciting to a plant lover than seeing a new leaf or flower bud emerging on a prized rare plant. For this reason, few things are as anger-producing as finding the ragged remaining tip of what used to be that leaf or flower bud after some vermin has had its way with your plant. This very experience happened to me recently, and with more than one plant. My desire for sweet revenge burned deeply and I searched high and low for the culprit. I suspected caterpillars or snails, but could find no signs of their presence anywhere. I was nearly at my wit's end.

It is at times like these that serendipity is most welcome. A week or so previous to my disappointing discovery, I had happened upon a discussion online where a hapless plant fancier related how their prized Anthurium plants had been defoliated by some unknown pest. It turned out that the unknown pest was some kind of rodent, either mouse or rat. At the time, I felt sympathy for this unfortunate individual, yet happy that my plants were safe, being up on benches and in a secure greenhouse. Besides, I hadn't seen any mice or rats around my place, so why worry?

Sweet Revenge

Perhaps the knowledge of this possibility drew the reality to me like a magnet, or perhaps my star signs were in the wrong alignment, but I soon saw what this other person had been lamenting about happen to some of my own beloved plants! For days I pondered about what to do, thinking about what I might be dealing with and wondering about how I was going to handle it. Since I couldn't find evidence of snail or caterpillar, I had to consider the possibility that a little local mouse or rat was cultivating a taste for rare Anthurium leaves at my expense.

One morning I was out with my plants, looking at some and watering others, when out of the corner of my eye, a little critter scurried away amongst the nearby bamboo stalks. I knew it was no squirrel. It had to be my nemesis, the Anthurium leaf-pilfering scofflaw I had been searching for. At that moment I knew that I had to find a solution, and once again help came serendipitously. I had been searching the internet for information about natural pest control, not thinking specifically about rodents, but about other pests, when I happened upon a website offering information on repelling rodents using peppermint. This seemed straightforward enough, and certainly doable, so as soon as I could manage it, I obtained some peppermint oil from a local health food store. I proceeded to put drops of it on some pieces of cotton nail polish removal pads. These oil-charged pads were then placed strategically in each pot and/or tray where vulnerable plants resided. For good measure, I placed a few on the greenhouse floor as well. I put so much peppermint oil in there that I could smell it outside the closed greenhouse after I was done!

Next was the wait to see if the varmints returned for further mischief, or if they would allow my greenhouse a wide berth. After a week or so I checked to see if any newly emerging leaves had been chewed. To my immense relief, the new leaves were intact in my peppermint greenhouse.

Once the peppermint odor began abating, I recharged the pads with more oil, making sure there was enough so I could smell it even when outside of the closed greenhouse. Thankfully, I haven't seen any damage since I began this regimen, but of course I won't let down my guard now. It is just a matter of getting used to a peppermint Anthurium house. I've always enjoyed mint anyway, so I don't mind. Peppermint is now a heavenly scent for me, conferring protection on my plants, at least from gourmet leaf-seeking rodents!

Next for me is to figure out the solution for a dastardly squirrel. This crafty beastie has developed a penchant for shredding the little red roses on my dwarf rose plant! I wonder if peppermint works on squirrels . . .

Peppermint prepared as a deterrent for rodents is available as products you can purchase online. One source is Dreaming Earth Botanicals and another is Gardener's Supply Co.. And of course you can always do what I did with the peppermint oil from the health food store. If you ever have a similar rodent problem and try this solution out for yourself, let me know how it goes! Read more at davesgarden.com

 

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