Anybody know what a bass guitar should sound like in ska music?

[MetalMat]

I was asked to go play bass guitar for a ska/punk band. Even though I listen to heavy metal 95% of the time, I love being in any band where I am having fun, in fact the best time I ever had was in my old emo band (I did not like the music, but had such a fun time in the band).

Anyways, I play rock/metal/blues most of the time and the trombone player e-mailed me a few songs they will be doing. I can grasp the punk and hardcore stuff, but the ska song is confusing me. Anybody know any tips or where I can find some info cause I am meeting with the band tommorow night.

Oh yeah, I use my fingers, no picks. I only use picks for guitar.

 

[SWScorch]

no clue really, but you should play some slap-bass. That would sound cool

 

[Lonyo]

Listen to some Madness stuff.

 

[MetalMat]

Originally posted by: SWScorch
no clue really, but you should play some slap-bass. That would sound cool

Man I stink at slap bass. I mean I can do it a little bit, but I am not proficient. I gotta get off my arse and get back to practicing more.

 

[cjgallen]

Fender P-Bass, with a pick. That's how I've always heard it in poppy/ska-ish music.

I hate picks. Just use your own style.

Maybe off-beat up and down notes, with a filler every two measures, something like that.

 

[mordantmonkey]

lots of up-beats. bouncy walking bass lines. and yeah do some slap bass.

and if it's the kind of ska band doing punk and hardcore, i'd suggest listening to skankin' pickle instead of madness.

 

[David Brent]

like the seinfeld bass. that would awesome x1000

 

[MetalMat]

Man this is gonna be hard Im used to just playing really fast with some fills. I dont realy walk too much, Im more of a boxy player.

 

[cjgallen]

Originally posted by: David Brent
like the seinfeld bass. that would awesome x1000

That's a keyboard set on "slap bass" mode.

 

[clamum]

A lot of the ska songs I've heard have some pretty badass bass lines... listen to some Suicide Machines, Sublime, Mustard Plug, and Less Than Jake to get an idea.

 

[Subbaculcha]

Listen to a bit of Selecter or The Specials. If they're really into Ska they'll be impressed with you.

 

[mordantmonkey]

Originally posted by: MetalMat
Man this is gonna be hard Im used to just playing really fast with some fills. I dont realy walk too much, Im more of a boxy player.

oh no, not all the time. and you can double up the speed if it feels to slow. i don't think a ska bassist can play to fast.