14/09/21
Starting this project I was tasked with handling the bass with our first track “Valerie”. First things first I listened to the track in a couple different incarnations; the original version by The Zutons, the Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson version, and a live acoustic version performed by The Zutons. I then found what seemed to be a good bass tab to help me learn what I need to play (https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-zutons/valerie-bass-609092).
16/09/21
After becoming somewhat comfortable with “Valerie” we decided to look for new songs to potentially add to the setlist, one we thought to try was The Script’s “Hall of Fame”. I found a very simple bass tab (https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-script/hall-of-fame-bass-1239554) and the group gave it a shot.
In addition to this, I did look at a couple videos to help myself with my technique when it comes to using a pick on bass. I am trying to adapt my hand position to lessen the stress on my hand whilst playing, like what is described in the video linked below.
17/09/21
With us starting to learn “Locked Out of Heaven” I needed to find a bass tab to try out, I found a basic one that I am able to work with at my level (https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/bruno-mars/locked-out-of-heaven-bass-1197263) and it’s doing good for me, I’m able to memorise my simplified version of it and I’m having fun with it.
24/09/21
As we decided to rehearse “Californication” next, we learnt the song with the help of some lyric/chord sheets handed to us by John, it took some time to get to grips with the song but the sheets were a useful tool.
09/10/21
As I had some difficulty with my playing it was clear that I was really lacking when it came to my basic technique. I looked around and found this video to be rather useful and I am hopeful it will lead to an improvement in my playing ability.