Do Ukulele Groups Need A Bass? Rachel's Rambles #22

Do Ukulele Groups Need A Bass? Rachel's Rambles #22
A topic which interests me greatly and as a bass and ukulele player I've been asked to talk about how a bass can enhance a ukulele group. It doesn't have to be complicated, adding a very simple bass line following the ukulele chord charts can make a huge difference.
If you wish to learn bass to play with a ukulele group and have no idea where to start, check out the videos below:
Bass Ukulele Lessons For Beginners - • Bass Ukulele Beginner ...
How To Make A Bass line - • How To Make A Bass Lin...
Walking Bassline For Beginners - • Walking Bass Line Tuto...
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🚀 Support my Patreon Page for exclusive ukulele and bass ukulele goodies like: pdf transcriptions, bass TABs, chord charts, behind the scenes and more - / ukulelewales
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Adding a bass to a ukulele group and Rachel's Rambles #:22
00:00 Intro to Bass ukueles in a ukulele group / Rachel's Rambles #22
00:48 How to get a bass player
04:04 How does the bass enhance a ukulele group
05:57 Sound demos of bass playing in various sized ukulele groups
10:16 A large ukulele group with no bass
11:12 Direct comparisons of with and without bass with a ukulele group
15:18 Rachel's Rambles #22 News and upcoming events.
19:55 Overview of do ukulele groups need bass and the rambles.
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[@andymarshman9546]

Modesty aside, I can tell you that our group LOVED the addition of bass from the first day I arrived with one. We have a large group and many were late bloomers. They can handle 4/4 timing but don't seem to have a natural 'swing' nor do they have good timing. There are so many positive improvements to the group sound thanks to the ukulele bass. We perform in public a few times a year but if I'm not available, they schedule a date when I'm free. Love this KZbin site.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Andy and so good to hear you have “trained” your uke group well. 👏🫶

[@RobertKropkowski]

Loved your ramble about the addition of a Ubass to a uke ensemble. I actually thought of this a few months ago and watched your beginner bass lessons before I bought the fretless Ubass. As a piano player, I have a knowledge of bass fundamentals and have found the bass to be a welcome addition to our community uke ensemble. We have 3 concert, one baritone, 2 eight string baritones and now my Ubass. Thank you for the lessons and additional information you provide. Bob from Taneytown, MD, USA.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sounds like you are a multi talented musician Bob and wonderful to hear that you are now onto fretless bass too and yes, piano will help you massively with you playing both uke and bass.

[@juderandall703]

Jude sings...."What a difference a Bass makes!"🎵😁 Enjoyed all about that Bass Rach! It is quite amazing how much depth is added by a bass line. It's a necessity in my opinion although on the odd occasion we can find ourselves without. Wish I'd picked one up years ago & learnt it sooner! Thanks for compiling this vid, I know it will be a great help to many ❤️

[@UkuleleWales]

😂😂🥰

[@DavidLee-hj2sw]

Bass is a must.

[@UkuleleWales]

Oh yes! 🎶

[@DaddyWelshie]

Bass - scientifically the most important member of the band. Some times note choice isn't the be all but certainly timing/rhythm has to spot on . The only issue I have is that ALL ukulele groups try to strum the SAME strum for everything and the bass can sometimes be difficult to influence the sound especially when the bass line is very well known (even worse when some uke players start having egos! :-O) Perhaps I'm biased but I find bass far more enjoyable than playing uke even though I'm a no frills player. PS: by ere, this 'ere, over ere ;-) and see you at Cheltenham

[@UkuleleWales]

100% agree Aaron 🥰 2 choices with the uke players - turn your amp up or just ignore them! 😉 Of course I am only joking 😉 Yes, very much look forward to seeing you and fam at Cheltenham 😊

[@acousticnoisecollective]

Our group has two bass players! Strictly speaking we have four individuals that can play a u-bass but for our practices (haven't done a live show yet) we have one of us on "proper" walking baselines and another doing just root notes. Sounds great.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sounds like you have the bass well covered there. Normally I would say 2 basses aren’t a good idea but yes, it sounds like you have got it sorted playing like that. We did it the other day with Kool Hand Ukes. 👍

[@Cederuiter]

Great tip for 2 bass players: one playing the bass lines and the other just the root notes! Thanks so much!

[@victoyalou]

I love these videos! Each one is so very helpful! Thank you!

[@kevinmcgill3445]

High Fives for mentioning “Simplicity”. Last year was my first year trying to play with anybody besides myself. Most of my experience at that point was from online lessons which ultimately stress Bass lines, sometimes very complicated ones. The stress of my first year taught me to go back to basics and never mind the fancy stuff. This year, I have concentrated on getting a nice solid root note tone, try to pick up a simple rhythm and add another note or two when I feel confident. The other ukes fill up the space. The Bass adds depth. For a newbie UBass player this approach made jamming with others much more enjoyable for myself and the group. The other aid was convincing myself that I didn’t need to get up to speed with the first verse (or for that matter, on the first week!) Love your stuff as always.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sounds like you have got it well sussed Kevin. Yes simple and useful / correct is way better than trying to Harding and making a mess. If I’m doing a new song and / or something I don’t know I always got as simple as possible to start with. The bass is about the group not the bass if that makes sense. Keep up the good work. 👏

[@philcharlesworth3542]

I can realate to what you say. I played double bass for about 40 years and got a U-bass when our ukulele group started. It's been interesting to move from following a score to playing by ear. Being the metronome is a completrly different role to playing a part.

[@UkuleleWales]

Loved reading this Phil. Yes I don’t mind being the metronome but I’ve always followed notes so playing by ear is something I always need to work at. But I am getting better. What U-Bass do you play?

[@philcharlesworth3542]

@@UkuleleWales It's a Kala Zebrawood. I've put flatwound strings on it as I found the Poly strings waaaaay too flexible.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@philcharlesworth3542 Ooooh, nice. Have you tried the Aquila Thunderbrowns? Much better than the other poly strings.

[@philcharlesworth3542]

@@UkuleleWales I've not tried many strings or basses yet. The flatwounds are from Gallistrings. Your reviews are leading me towards a solid body for my next bass. Hollow bodies seem prone to feedback.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@philcharlesworth3542 I've not really suffered any feedback issues with my electro acoustic, there are feedback suppressors that may be of help? Another cracking solid body piezo pickup with flatwounds is the Magic Fluke Timber bass. They are being redesigned at the moment but very light and lovely to play. 👍

[@judynpeterjones3307]

Essential, end of!! A cajon is useful too I think as they feed off each other to keep the timing right!

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, a “proper” all be it main rhythm section. 😊

[@derekwoolley9218]

Hi Rachel, I really enjoyed that, it gave me a renewed enthusiasm for playing the bass .

[@UkuleleWales]

Derek, I LOVED reading this! 🥰

[@theurtleproject]

Hi Rachel, I have recently transitioned to Bass Uke from Tenor uke in our uke group (25 players) most had never even thought a bass was possible. I had played BB flat bass in brass bands for years, so the transition was not hard ….its made the world of difference to our sound at gigs….and….the rest of the group complain if I have not turned up the volume enough. Its all fun. love your channel!😊

[@UkuleleWales]

That is brilliant to hear and love the fact your group loves and appreciate you. Plus, even a bass uke is a LOT smaller tan a Bb flat Bass! 😂

[@jillgeary1313]

The bass is SOOOO important! Love it. I've played bass off and on for years - even double bass - until I started having hand issues...so my bass progress has waned drastically (I'm starting over again!). I do have a few Ubasses (and the new solid bass which I'm eager to put flats on when available again), so when my hands are having 'a good day' I practice. Suggestions for live streams: I love the idea of PA/amps, would like to find some drum tracks to play along with for rhythm practice (not sure where to look - on KZbin?), also some popular/common ukulele songs that are slowed down to practice bass with along with ideas how to add/spice up the bass lines. And here's a thought - maybe not for a live stream, but for a Rachel Rambles - what do you do when you hold a steady beat, but the ukes (or whatever instruments) speed up and slow down all the time? How can you keep them on track? Sometimes I just feel like stopping and letting them play on without the bass LOL

[@UkuleleWales]

Loved reading all of this Gill and very cool that you are a fellow double bassist. Love your suggestions for livestreams / videos, will definitely have a think. Lovely seeing you on Facebook too. 😎

[@PeterMossUkulele]

I love to hear the full sound of a uke group with an electric bass - especially if the player can do walk ups and downs or bounce between root and 5th. The trouble is there are many who will purchase their first bass and amp and want to plug in and play. Sadly thats not going to happen. Also with the bass being such a dominant sound, wrong notes or timing can have a detrimental effect to the whole group. My advice is have a chat with Rachel, even before purchasing your equipment. Then book 3-6 months training with her after which you could slot into most uke outfits and be a definite asset to the group. Peter's Ramble #1 lol.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Peter, love this bit of advice and yes totally agree, the bass is so important and needs to be right, no hiding anywhere.

[@micahatc]

The Uke is such a high instrument already, so it really needs a bass to round out the sound. Great video!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks and yes, totally agree. 👍

[@peterbradley4391]

Really enjoyed your latest ramble Rachel, it was really interesting how you talked about the bass playing in a group; it was something i myself had never taken any notice of before but I now get the difference it makes to any group really, so from someone who doesn't have a musical background Thank you, I really enjoy learning different things like that it helps keep an old mind active 👏👏❤

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Peter, I was so glad to read this as I was hoping uke players may enjoy watching it too and possibly even spark some interest in playing it. Hope you are keeping well. 😊

[@joeydrew4847]

Hello Rachel.. I’ve got a bass uke.. following you is an inspiration. Jo

[@UkuleleWales]

That's awesome Jo, keep u the good work. 😊

[@JuhaYlitalo]

Jonty from Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is also good example about how one bass can give more life to the sound from group of ukuleles.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes! I would have loved to have used them as an example but I didn’t want to infringe copyright so was using my own footage. I am hope to do an interview with him soon - what a cool dude! 😎

[@JonBa63]

I really love your channel ‼️🤩 Lot of hugs from Germany 🙋🏻‍♀️😘

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Jon and sending greetings back to Germany from Wales. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Rwjudy48]

Hello, Rachel. I like your ideas for upcoming livestreams: using Garage Band (for recording and mixing uke and bass especially), setting up PA systems, etc.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Robert, good to know as you are always so involved on the chat on the livestreams. Will get onto them.

[@judih.8754]

Yes I agree! We have a bass player in our ukulele group, in the US. It adds a whole new dimension to our performances. Ours plays a uke bass. It also helps in keeping time!

[@UkuleleWales]

Loved reading this Judi, so glad it’s helping your group. 😎

[@billmumbo2697]

The bass is the foundation ( along with drums some of my best times was playing bass whilst my brother played drums !)👍

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree Bill and when the bass and drums really gel 😊

[@billmumbo2697]

@@UkuleleWales hi Rachel KZbin delighted to 🙉 that my cousin's granddaughter has bought herself a Harley Benton Jazz bass after trying my various basses ( she plays a bit of piano and guitar in fact I've just fettled an old electric guitar grandad gave her!) I told her about your channel and also Cici bass as the girl is still in school wether she'll weather the storms of practice only time will tell but I will encourage her all I can keep on keeping on Rachel 👍👍👍👍

[@billmumbo2697]

Predictive text mucked it up again ( mind you it could be that after my second cataract surgery I have stereo vision again not used to it yet ) predictive text insisted stereo was steroid!!!!!!!!!!🤣

[@thejabberwocki]

i'm off to summer strum and spring fling (northwest, but only just outside wales - liverpool area, ish) this year. first uke festivals for me so i can't tell you how good they're gonna be, but fingers crossed!

[@UkuleleWales]

It is on my radar but it’s also the last day of term for us so I’m going to have to see. Looks cool though 😊

[@grantsmith8502]

Thanks for this video , would love to see more pa stuff , Keep um coming your sure know your onions thanks Try not to repeat your self Have got a camper van buy any chance 😂

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Grant and yes, unfortunately I do start to ramble and repeat! More stuff on PAs for sure. 👍

[@joeydrew4847]

Hello Rachel.. Grassy Knoll Bristol Phil put me on to you.. oh my, you are incredible . With you now.. and I’m staying. Thank you. Jo

[@UkuleleWales]

Awesome to hear Jo, glad to have you joining in the fun! 😎

[@georgewoodward8853]

Hi Rachel, would love it if you could come to Summerstrum on The Wirral on the weekend of 20th/ 21st July. Ukulele Buddies are playing on the Saturday. Thanks Jeanette xx

[@UkuleleWales]

Hey Jeanette, it is on my radar and in fact I checked out the website a little while ago. It starts on our very last day of term in school, so it might be difficult but I certainly haven’t discounted it yet. 🤞

[@clivehunte3026]

Exactly Rachel, I'm here if you need bass 😁👍🏾

[@UkuleleWales]

I know you play with a band Clive, do you play with a ukulele group? You could be in demand! 😉

[@clivehunte3026]

I'd love to play with a ukelele group. I had the pleasure of playing with a ukelele duo from Singapore 2 weeks ago, I'll share that footage with you via email. 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

@@clivehunte3026 Awesome!

[@marybikes8470]

I really liked this video. The other topics you've brought up also sound very interesting. I've played a bit with garage band. I also tried Ableton, which my nephew recommended that I try for self recording and/or adding myself playing other instruments or other ukuleles since I don't have a local Ukulele group near me.

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you enjoyed Mary and yes, I personally prefer GarageBand, although I know Ableton is an excellent DAW. It’s a shame there isn’t a group close to you.

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

I definitely noticed a huge difference. I’ve been toying with the idea of learning bass. I play uke only at the moment so if you think it would be quite simple for me to give it a go, perhaps I’ll bite the bullet and save for a bass and amp. It’s your fault I bought a solid body electric haha wee joke I do love it really. Thanks for your videos I really enjoy watching and learning from them/you 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

Awh Thanks Charis, loved reading this. The bass ukulele is a completely different instrument to the ukulele but it is fairly straight forward to get the basics. Is there a way you could try one out at say a music shop or a ukulele event to see if you might like playing it?

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

Hi there Rachel, thanks for taking the time to reply to my comment. Unfortunately there isn't a music shop locally that has a uke bass in store. I get most of my ukes from Matt at World of Ukes and he's 100 miles away haha I am however hoping to go to a uke festival this year so perhaps I'll be lucky enough to get to try a u-bass then. Either that or I'll have a look out for a second hand one that I can sell on without much loss if things didn't work out 😊x

[@UkuleleWales]

@@chariscarrollbrownlie4904 good plan! Which festival are you looking at? (me just being nosey!)

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

Haha well I'd like to go to the uke festival of Great Britain. It's quite a distance however but I'm trying to organise pet sitters etc so will have to see if things fall into place. I'm up in Scotland and I don't believe we have any plans for a festival up here this year

[@bassMAGics]

❤❤❤❤

[@spinnersue17]

Hi Rachel, great video as always. In my small village group we are lucky enough to have our regular very experienced bass player, but I have noticed that when he is absent, there doesn't appear to be anyone to stand in for him. I'd love to learn bass at a later date when I've had a bit more experience playing my concert uke. I can't ever see me taking over as the 'actual' bass player in the group though, lol. As you know, I love all your content on the channel and particularly enjoyed your Vanny De Vito adventures last year. I am back in full swing now and really hoping to get to my first festival or two this year. x

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Sue, I am so glad to hear you are back playing again, I know how much you were missing it and yes, get to some festivals, might even get to meet! Starting to play bass and having a main bass player to dep for would be a great way of starting out. 👍

[@spinnersue17]

@@UkuleleWales❤️

[@ComoxTerry]

Just lucked onto this great 'Ukulele' You tube channel. I lead a group in far off Vancouver Island (Evergreen Ukulele Club in Courtenay). The bass certainly enhances our sound (big time). But.... I am always unsure as to where to place the bass amp ...facing the group?, up high or floor level, back of room or front?. I am always concerned that those sitting closest to the bass may be bothered by the volume while those further away might not hear it strong enough. Any suggestions? Cheers from Canada.

[@bridgettereynolds3632]

Hi Rachel really enjoyed the video. I play a Hofner bass. I play with the “ Pompey Pluckers” here in the Deep South 😂 we also have a very good cajon player which is great for me to link into. I think the bass is an important addition it lifts what could be a very bland monotonous dimension to the group. I follow chord charts I read music I also play guitar but at the moment I’m following your lessons to read Bass Clef music. Thank you for that👍🏻 going from treble clef to reading bass clef is a bit of a challenge to get in my head but I’m doing ok with it. Love the idea of a video discussing PA equipment set ups.

[@despeed]

A great ramble, thank you. I always listen with headphones so I really appreciate it as it adds depth to the performance. No need to apologise for doing too many reviews, every one you do is really informative. I've noticed that a tambourine is usually present in a group. Do you sometimes use a tambourine backing track, homemade or otherwise? Cheers

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Des, and you’d be surprised how many comments I get saying they can’t hear the bass (always using a phone / tablet / laptop speakers! 🫣 Just uses a foot tambourine so no, no backing track. I have one too for school, they are great but it knackers your foot! 😂

[@Teeum5]

Yes, I really could hear the difference with or without the bass. I thought that I wouldn’t notice this clear. Today my book “Team Strings - Double Bass” arrived. But I have no bass and still am not sure whether I will buy one. Thanks for a great video.

[@alanm8431]

Get an inexpensive or used ubass and with Rachel's lessons, Team Strings and a bit of everyday practice you will see results quickly. Worked for me, and I'm old with worn out hands and wrists. Bass is not "easier" than any other instrument but some results come soon in learning.

[@Teeum5]

@@alanm8431 Hello Alan, thank you for your answer. Looking for a used bass or for an inexpensive one was what I already did but was not lucky in finding one yet. And I am not sure which to buy as I never played bass. Unfortunately there are no shops nearby to go and buy there so the only possibility would be to buy online. I watched several of Rachels videos about basses and for sure I couldn’t fix any wrong settings, and which strings would be best for me, which … and so on and so forth. The first step is definitely the most difficult one (for me). And by the way, I already watched the first bass teaching videos, that's why I bought the mentioned book. Do you have any recommendations for an inexpensive acoustic bass?

[@UkuleleWales]

I think I have just read you have got a bass ukulele so I am very glad to hear this. With your new book you’ll be flying allong on the bass soon. Thanks Alan for you input too. 😊

[@TimoSund]

The effect having distinct base note playing in the plethora of notes other instruments and singers produce is terra firma for combined performance

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, the bass does give a sense of grounding, great way you put it. 👍

[@TimoSund]

@@UkuleleWales well. I’ve been soundtechie both live and studio from early 80s. Have had my time to think

[@MartinJeffery-sx6xh]

Hi, Picked up my Bass in January 24, I got the Batking one (wanted something that looked a bit like a classical instrument as well). Never played bass before but former 'cellist and have been playing a tenor uke for about 3 years. (By the way, Batking have changed the battery box etc since your review - is now a 6v button cell). I have worked my way through your lessons 1-5 and can just about move to the right places but wondered if there is any way you could provide a tab chart or similar as an example from your video on this 'ramble'. Our group has 'Flowers' and 'What's going on' on its playlist, I need some examples of improvisation so that I can work out how to achieve it!

[@UkuleleWales]

If you are reading music (especially as a cellist) you might want o start looking at the actual bass lines. Flowers has got a great bass line, what I tend to do if I don’t have the bass part, I use the ukulele chart and a lot of rhythm with the root notes to start with. 👍

[@billmumbo2697]

Rachel "can you play by'ere" me "i don't usually but icould move over there i suppose??"😅

[@UkuleleWales]

😂😂😂😂

[@TheQuietpanda]

ye bass changes a uke group alot but i dont realy like it because it makes more stuf for my brain to try to ignore but it does make the group better

[@UkuleleWales]

You do cope with it very well though 👽👍

[@TheQuietpanda]

@@UkuleleWales well the masking works then lol

[@billmumbo2697]

Also Brown eyed girl has a well known bass riff .

[@UkuleleWales]

Oh yes Bill, one of my favourites! 😎

[@raysnow411]

I have a 24.75 scale bass acoustic guitar. I got it so I could have a go at playing bass without a lot of fuss with setup. I was wondering if you had any experience with bass strings for that scale length. The three I am seeing are d'addario xl strings designed for taylor gs mini bass and possible Goldstone flatwound strings designed for Goldstone microbass. Also aquila 210u flat spirals strings. One is advertised as being for 22-24 scale. A little under my guitar scale. Any ideas you would offer me. I really want to try flatwounds. Any ideas on which ones to try first? Thought maybe you come across information with this scale length. Just brainstorming here.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Ray, check out my latest video because I actually put the Goldtone Micro bass strings 25” scale strings in the Flight Mini JB. Might give you an idea. They are the only ones of that kind of scale length that I’ve tried as they are little too long generally for the mini basses. Let me know how you get on. 👍

[@MyOgrady]

hi Rachel I fit in the category that you mentioned I know most of the notes at the top end of the Bass after watching your Bass tutorial,and my friend John who plays the lead ukulele in Bold ukes (Newbold Verdon) showed my a run from C to F (C,D,E,F) and I can play it but I’m never sure when to start the run ? If only these notes were on the song sheet with ukulele chords in the right place? It’s great to have someone who understands the hurdles beginners face. Regards Michael O’Grady.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sounds like you are making great progress Michael, well done. I am hoping to start doing lots more bass lessons soon once work (in school) calms down a bit. Quick tip, if you are counting in 4, try and time the run for the last 2 beats / measures so the run up notes would be quavers / 18th notes. 👍

[@ChrisGorman87]

In my personal opinion I feel all you need is two ukuleles, one bass, and a singer. To me , hearing ten or more ukulele’s at once really doesn’t sound good 😢just my opinion

[@UkuleleWales]

I do understand it is nice to listen to a smaller, tighter group but just the joy that comes from playing in a large group, with or without bass makes it worthwhile? Hope you are keeping well Chris. 😎

[@Terry_1111]

Hi Rachel! The music is definitely better with a bass ukulele playing along. What about a baritone ukulele? Would that make a big difference in the sound as well? I love my baritone and I'm seriously thinking about making a bass my next purchase. Thanks for sharing all that you do!

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Terry, yes a baritone makes a big difference which is even more noticeable when there is no bass playing. 👍

[@Terry_1111]

@@UkuleleWales Thank you, Rachel!

[@Spoiled_bats]

Since when you turned purple? 💜

[@UkuleleWales]

Me, I’ve always been a purple 💜😊