Classical music, that is.
The description of the video states, “Fur Elise (Ludwig Van Beethoven) – solo arrangement for bass guitar. For instructional purposes.”
Learning classical pieces on the bass guitar is actually a really good way to increase finger strength and getting to know your fretboard (as in where notes are) a lot better.
Know that it’s probably true you’ll never play classical pieces with an actual band, but in this instance that’s okay, because if you can learn this (even if just a little bit of it,) it can make the stuff you play with your band a whole lot easier.
Also, one other thing. What you will see/hear below is this particular bass player’s interpretation of Fur Elise, as in his arrangement. You don’t have to play it exactly like he does (especially since he’s rushing through it a bit.) If you find a more comfortable way of doing it, then by all means, do it your way.
An important thing missing here is to play with a metronome. This guys timing is poor, and I think he’s playing it faster that his chops can manage.
A nice effort. Yes, he’s going WAY too fast. The notes on this piece are best played with a bit of “hesitancy”, allowing them to fall off the plucking finger like a drop of morning dew off a ripening apple on the tree. I studied classical guitar for awhile and learned how beautiful this piece can be. Shouldn’t JUST be reduced to an exercise. Should be played with respect and care. Stil, a nice effort by the young fellow..
work on that pinky
Agreed. The timing in his rendition isn’t just a factor of “interpretation”. The meter he is playing is internally inconsistent. I am classically trained, and play this on the piano and the tempo is critical to proper execution of the piece. A metronome is absolutely essential as a tool during practice time. Remember folks, the drummer is not solely responsible for the tempo – all musicians are.
It is really awesome to see and hear young Folks putting forth great effort to improve their musical and creative talents, well done!!!
Playing way to fast and sloppy! Should have played on a five string so he would not have to reach and slide for the low notes on his appreggios!! Nice attempt
To address the tempo issues here, when reading / playing music you “feel” the notes as much as reading them. The sheet music is really just a guideline. If you play the music with exact note value and tempo, it WILL sound very sterile. But I do agree this should have been played slower with more more feel to accentuate the individual melodies within the piece and to tie it all together as an expression not an exercise. And yes, when practicing use a metronome. Especially at very slow tempos (you’ll find out just how bad your tempo really is).
The player is obviously young, and amped up with that adrenaline you have when everything is new– they are concerned with where the notes are, and the other aspects of the piece ( or any other piece/ arrangement ) will come- this kid looks like he is doing fine- point: his left hand is finding the notes, very quickly- consequently, he seems comfortable with his fretboard ( note wise ) across the board-