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I am mostly a guitar player but would like to include subtle bass in some flamenco recordings I've been working on. Nothing too crazy or overpowering, just to fill out the sound. I just made my bass fretless and its amazing. Has anyone here messed around with playing electric bass to flamenco? What was your approach with notes and rhythms? Thanks.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Dudnote)
I would like to note that I am aware that many of you are against bass in flamenco. So if you are going to point that out, I am aware of your opinions and understand why you would be against bass. Personally, I enjoy it when I'm in the mood for some bass.
Also, I should've specified the palos that I am working on and want to add bass to: tangos, bulerias, alegrias, rumba
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Gabewolf)
Sorry Gabewolf - no offence intended. Personally I'm not so against bass in flamenco so long as it's tasteful. Good luck on your journey!!
There's an accoustic bass in this at 3:19 that just slots into the ensemble seemlessly...
Since I don't play bass I can't really answer your question but I wonder if this thread will come up with anything other than the obvious - get the right chord, play in compas, add some embelishments here and there and don't go on an ego trip.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Dudnote)
No offense taken! That bass is incredible, the tone fits perfectly. As a multi-instrumentalist, I am interested in how to texture music with multiple instruments. The old-school flamenco format of cante/guitar/palmas is my favorite and inspired me as a musician but when bass, cajon and maybe some oud are added it inspires me as a composer to create something.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Gabewolf)
This might be off topic, since there is a risk that too much of this could loose the swing that defines the compas of a palo, but it's cool. To keep it flamenco you would have to be able to keep key accents of a palo in place no matter what the technique.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Dudnote)
Just thinking about that video, he's using a mix of P and i strokes as would a guitarist.
There are plenty of falsettas that go PiP,PiP,PiP,PiP (in triplets) - JG upload one for alegrias recently in the swap shop for example. So you could have a stack of fun with that pattern alone - even if just translating guitar falsettas to the bass.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Gabewolf)
Personal preference would be double bass But guess that is not what you asked So Short punchy notes with Farty Mids seem to be favoured from the 80's onwards - the right compression will easily emulate these tones Some sliding harmonics Double stops - 3rds and 7ths - use the b9 to tonic as a trill on home chord Triads and inversions - 7th chords - ie major with extensions Upper triad extensions agaisnt guitar voicing can sound sweet ( maybe invasive to a degree ) Ornamented arppegios Groove Unison lines with guitar - ie doubled Picado lines Chord/Scale approach like a jazz player perhaps Remate like a flamenco guitarist
Right hand wise any guitar technique your using but played lightly perhaps - the pickup Will do the work You could also look at using a plectrum if that's a comfortable option though the attack will be different sound wise
Guess the template was well set by Carlos Benevant and later Alain Perez Or steal from Jaco Pastorius, Kai Eckhardt or Eberhard Weber for other approaches and sounds or anyone within modern Cuban or Brazilian music The Dave Holland project with Pepe Habichela seems a tasty aporoach IMO Or anything by Javier Colina ( both double bass players but play in non invasive way )
Really depends what the pieces call for I guess
If all the above fails just play the root and fifth - that can be hard enough on a Fretless :-)
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to estebanana)
Ha So true And Stereo recordings and editing What is that all about ? Someone please release a cante - guitar recording in mono with sampled vinyl scratches Long overdue
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From: Encinitas, CA USA
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Gabewolf)
_____________________________
Ah well, there was a fantastic passion there, in my case anyway. I discovered flamenco very early on. It grips you in a way that you can't get away - Paco Pena
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to AlVãl)
quote:
ORIGINAL: AlVãl
Ha So true And Stereo recordings and editing What is that all about ? Someone please release a cante - guitar recording in mono with sampled vinyl scratches Long overdue
Guitar? Screw that! That's nuevo flamenco! The only instrument should be sound of a blacksmith's hammer.
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Ricardo)
Guess this is one of the better examples on you tube Arpeggios as a linear thing - a light Picado technique - I notice many bass players in other musics playing with a thumb rest stroke and finger free stroke - just takes up a lot of space in the music -
quote:
rasgueados
Think this guy does it sparingly and with taste You do hear a lot of this in modern bass
RE: How to play bass for flamenco? (in reply to Aretium)
Just a quick comment about bass and fingernails. So, I have been playing bass in bands (rock, funk, pop, etc) for many years. Also been playing guitar in many styles for even longer. However, I recently (last year or two) have really gotten into playing flamenco, and grew out my fingernails. It did take a bit of adjusting on the bass to play with fingernails.
1. I had to slightly reduce the highs in my EQ since the nails were brighter. 2. I already had a light touch on bass, so my nails do seem to be fine using standard stainless steel roundwound bass strings. 3. I actually find that playing with my nails instead of fingertips is faster and more accurate...who knew :). 4. When I do need that "duller" tone you get from fingertips, I play with either my thumb (easy to avoid the thumbnail) or I use the side of my fingers, almost like playing an upright (check out videos of Stanley Clarke playing to see what I mean). That position also avoids fingernails.
Now, as to the OP question about bass approach in flamenco, I don't have much opinion there. I am still very content to be immersed into the more traditional stylings of Sabicas, etc. so have never tried to play bass with flamenco myself.
Also not lucky enough to own a Jerzy Drozd bass, isn't that a requirement for "flamenco bass"
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I would imagine bass strings would eat up the fingernails really quickly. 
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