#tonebase

I am often asked what advice I have for aspiring bassists… The two most important recommendations I can make are to practice diligently and listen carefully. 

It is also essential to practice with a purpose in mind. Your practice time should not be spent on “noodling.” Know what you are working on and focus on that. If you aren’t sure where to start, chords are always a good choice. Get a solid grasp on your chords so you can understand how your notes will fit in with the notes of others. Listen to the music you want to play and study it with this in mind. 

When you land your first gig, leave your ego at home and bring a second set of ears to the gig. Make sure you know the form and keys of the songs you’ll be playing. Know when to stop soloing, read the room. Dress your best so you feel your best and get in the right mindset. And remember, every gig is an opportunity to learn.

My complete roadmap for bassists looking to take the stage is in my Ron Carter Library under the title “Blueprint for the Working Jazz Bassist.” For those of you not quite there yet, “Comprehensive Bass Method” will be the place to start. There’s much more to explore, however, including my online masterclasses with Open Studio and tonebase… I invite you to explore what I have to offer on my website,  www dot Ron Carter Jazz dot com.