In this video from Ashlee Varner’s Music Career Essentials for the Professional Singer course, Berklee student Savannah Stone discusses the role of the bass guitar, and how it relates to what the singer does in a band. The bass is part of the rhythm section, and as such it is a bridge between the drums and the other harmonic instruments. The bass has pitches and can follow chords, but the bass is also capable of producing a low end that can match with the rhythm section. When the bass is playing with a vocalist, dynamics are a huge part of what the bass brings to the mix, because as a bassist, you don’t want to be so loud that you overpower the vocalist. Savannah provides some valuable tips on ways to play that will highlight the vocalist.
ABOUT ASHLEE VARNER Ashlee Varner has toured throughout the world with numerous groups as a pianist and vocalist, and is best known for her unique vocal arrangements. In 2014, she won DownBeat magazine’s award for Best Graduate College Jazz Vocal Soloist. Her latest recording work is featured on Kenneth Brown’s album, “3 Down,” produced by Donald Brown and featuring Jeremy Pelt on trumpet and Greg Tardy on sax. The album has received international radio play (France, England, and the United States) and appeared at No. 27 in Jazz Week’s Top 50 chart.
Music Career Essentials for Professional Singers | Ashlee Varner | Berklee | Berklee Online | Berklee College of Music | Bass Guitar | Playing Music in an Ensemble
