Playing Tentatively!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and #lalkalndbasses Friday we preempt our discussion on improvisation to cover something I encountered and covered several times this week in lessons..."playing tentatively". It is not enough to play the right notes, the right groove using the correct techniques...you need to play with CONFIDENCE, CONVICTION and PURPOSE. You are trying to convey a story to the listener..not just throw notes at them and hope they work.  Even the best bassline...the most amazing solo...can sound wrong if played tentatively.  If ur unsure about what ur playing, the listener with undoubtedly be as well...u dig?  Ok, as always, how...first you need to have intimate knowledge of what you are playing...notes, harmony, structure, etc. This comes from regular practice of music fundamentals as well as the piece at hand.  There are no shortcuts here IMO. The times in my career I let fundamentals slide, my playing suffered. Ok, that work is ongoing.  What next..record yourself playing a piece you are working in..band material,  shed material..whatever.  Evaluate your confidence level, approach, attitude..it is amazing what you will see. Record yourself exaggerating some of the dynamics, feel, glissandos, etc. While it may be over the top, it may unlock some useful tools to keep you confident. I have done this with countless students (and myself as well) with amazing results.  Attitude and confidence shows the listener your musical intentions and sincerely IMO and help to keep the listener, and bandmates, engaged and involved. As always, I invite your insights.  #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons