I struggled with the 6 pattern. Then I broke it down and omitted the left hand and just got the alternating working between two thumbs and a thumb/pluck in time of course. Adding the left hand became a bit easier. Also I found that if I start and the thumb it was easier -> Thumb-pluck-LH-thumb-thumb-LH... Took me less than 10 minutes to get this to a moderate speed with a metronome. Hope this helps anyone struggling with this technique.
So does the same pattern in terms of the chart apply for example, if you're playing C on the A string, 3rd fret? Because then it would be C, E, B, so does the pattern stay the same up and down the neck?
great breakdown...I think it deserves to be mentioned that besides playing the bass line, Sting is singing the song also...that may not difficult in the chorus but that bass line during the verse lyric is a handfull. Great video.
I would caution against always looking for things you can't play when you're practicing. In my experience, things that were once "too challenging" are often easier to tackle once I've gotten better at (or even learned about) a new technique or rhythm pattern, if that makes any sense. Challenging yourself on a daily basis may end up leaving you discouraged, and I think going back to playing what you already know gives you an opportunity to fine tune your technique or train your ear.
I like the basslines from Copeland's songs - Miss Gradenko or Bombs Away. They are quite syncopated, interesting stuff. I wonder if it was Copeland who came up with them
As a beginning bass player I was so proud to have the same Ibanez Musician bass as Sting. Ok, his was fretless, mine not. Still. Hey, just wondering, that song might be older than mr TB. Do people still write bass lines like this?
I know I've never underrated him! Classic lines in classic tunes--certainly some of the best rock of the 80's--and the fact that he sings over lines that are so often syncopated is really impressive.
