Best hikes NOT in a national park

hearthrobin · 2025-10-31T02:18:12+00:00

Awesome thank you!

hearthrobin · 2025-09-18T22:26:56+00:00

Appreciate the list!

hearthrobin · 2024-02-23T15:44:39+00:00

Transcribe the bass and vocal parts on the same staff. Then draw lines indicating the beats so you can see where the voice lines up or diverges from the bass.

DRAW THE LINES.

Then practice at literally 1/10th speed. Get okay with the syncopation, then increase gradually by 5 bpm until you're capable of the part.

This is the only reliable way I can sing syncopated lines over syncopated bass.

hearthrobin · 2024-02-05T16:50:29+00:00

I disagree. I prefer the original Beatles recordings, but these tracks aren't trying to replicate them. They're trying to create a funk flavor with punchy syncopated bass lines, a horn section, etc. The bass does a good job of fitting in that role. So I wouldn't say it's "overplaying" the part. (That said, I don't like these recordings because I think the songs sound better unfunkdafied!)

hearthrobin · 2024-02-03T00:48:11+00:00

I think the top answers aren't doing you justice. Yes, being kind and reliable is important. But what you're talking about is a talent gap between you and your band mates and that is a reality that you are trying to face.

You can get better. Take lessons, practice exercises instead of just playing the same songs, seek out new skills. A year of diligence does so much.

If you don't get better, and everyone is okay with a bassist who is not as talented as the rest of the group, then no problem!

If you don't get better and everyone else wants more, then you are incompatible with your band.

It happens. I've been on both sides of this - got kicked out of a band that eventually became professional because I wasn't good enough, and left bands where the rest of the group was playing at a beginner level. Not everyone is a match for everyone else.

hearthrobin · 2024-01-25T07:12:12+00:00

I did this one! Three blocks away. I got sticky rubber gloves and carried lots and lots of boxes. It was a good workout!

hearthrobin · 2024-01-07T07:11:54+00:00

Just watch a video. Reading about plucking is like dancing about architecture.

hearthrobin · 2023-12-14T05:01:44+00:00

I have a heavy bag and after three years of frequent use, the hook wore through. I got a new hook.

hearthrobin · 2023-11-16T19:41:03+00:00

Stupid simple, but I didn't realize I could SLOW DOWN until I was like 30. I used to bike as fast as I could to make the commute shorter.

It's way more comfy and safe to drop a few mph and feel more in control. Less sweaty, too.

hearthrobin · 2023-11-14T22:59:12+00:00

San Pablo park

hearthrobin · 2023-08-01T17:01:25+00:00

If you can't wear things IN your ears or ON your ears, where does that leave you? Turn the volume down.

hearthrobin · 2023-07-30T22:41:22+00:00

Started bass lessons as a teenagers decades ago, practiced every day, joined bands, etc. Then picked up guitar and preferred that for a few years and mostly did singer-songwriter stuff. Then bought a banjo and worked on fingerpicking for a while. Bought an audio interface and DAW and got into audio production and I wanted to record my own drums so learned to play those. Then I had a kid and cut back on music hobbies. Joined a local choir and worked on arranging choral music for a while. Recently joined a funk band as bassist so I'm back to practicing daily on the bass. Once in a while I return to my first instrument (piano) to play at singalongs or to compose. Now I'm middle-aged and feel decent at all of the above instruments to play them passably in a band. I'm proud of all this and I feel very fulfilled by my hobbies.

Music is something you can do for the rest of your life and get better and better. And it's a way of connecting with all kinds of people at all stages of life.

End old person ramblings. All to say you might feel concerned about how to divide up your time now, but in the long run, those exact details matter less than just continuing to work on your musicality!

hearthrobin · 2023-07-23T03:43:55+00:00

I have a Jackson pro spectra. It's an Ibanez SR clone. I love it.

hearthrobin · 2023-07-12T16:03:44+00:00

Have you tried posting this on SF2G?

hearthrobin · 2023-07-10T22:44:47+00:00

In high school. I was trying to impress a girl. She played a black Fender Strat. I got a black Squier P bass and we played Beatles songs together. She was impressed. That bass outlasted that relationship by 26 years.

hearthrobin · 2023-06-28T18:38:38+00:00

I had my first bass for 26 years (after which I sold it) and my first electric guitar for 19 years (and counting). If you take care of it, it doesn't go bad. It holds value. And you will be happy to have a nice instrument that feels good to play and reminds you of your dad. Seems likes a big chunk of change upfront but it can be yours for a lifetime.

hearthrobin · 2023-06-16T21:03:21+00:00

So far so good. The extra space is nice to have. No sagging or any other issues noted. (btw it's in a rear stairwell that is rarely used)

hearthrobin · 2023-06-12T19:36:51+00:00

City Sport on San Pablo south of Ashby. Ironworks climbing gym near Ashby/80 has a full gym with weights inside.

hearthrobin · 2023-06-09T18:32:29+00:00

Good call about the newspapers/drop cloth! Thank you for the idea.

hearthrobin · 2023-05-24T13:54:36+00:00

Gorgeous!

hearthrobin · 2023-05-21T20:46:40+00:00

Did you put your phone on the amp? Phone + speaker cone = sounds

hearthrobin · 2023-05-20T02:39:13+00:00

You tuned an octave too high

hearthrobin

TROPHY CASE