Playing Bass and Singing at the Same Time - Katie Thiroux Lesson

► Download the Transcription: bit.ly/if-i-wer...
►"From Beginner to Bandstand", a video course by Katie Thiroux comprising over 3 hours of lessons, play-along tracks and bass transcriptions. courses.discov...
► All of our lessons & courses in one place + free double bass player resources! discoverdouble...
►LESSON NOTES:
In this video, Katie Thiroux shares her top tips for singing and playing bass at the same time. The lesson opens with Katie's performance of 'If I Were a Bell' where she plays some tasteful walking lines with hip triplet fills If you want to download the transcription for this please click here: bit.ly/if-i-wer...
Based in L.A, Katie continues the hard-swinging bass tradition of double bassists such as Ray Brown, Israel Crosby or John Clayton. She is also a superb singer, so the perfect person to teach a lesson on playing the upright bass and singing at the same time.
This is Katie's first lesson for Discover Double Bass, so please make her welcome in the comments. :-)
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#FromBeginnerToBandstand

[@richardsorice4509]

I have never seen a performance of a solo jazz bassist, who sings standards. You do it very well. Would love to see you perform. Excellent!

[@maxyoung1408]

If you want to hear more jazz bass and singing together, check out Esperanza Spalding, she’s also fantastic!

[@richardsorice4509]

@@maxyoung1408 yeah, I paid big money to see her once and she did some punk rock, de_evolution of Emily nonsense. No longer a fan.☹️

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

Wow man, you're a hard man. Esperanza Spaulding is one of the best bassist/vocalist in the world and because she sang or did a different style of music, you're no longer a fan? The truth of the matter is, you weren't a true fan to begin with.

[@richardsorice4509]

@@jamessmith-zk4co , guess you would have to have been there. Was my birthday and my wife and I both adored Ms Spaulding. We couldn't wait for this concert and had high expectations. I was expecting something like a normal jazz concert, although I knew she had been flirting with this d'evolution of emily thing. We hoped for the best. We got to the venue. No chairs. People had to stand. The air conditioning was broken on a very hot day in June. The PA system was as loud as I've heard at any rock show and she didn't talk to the crowd once and she never picked up an upright bass. I feel I was cheated out of $100 and my time. I had the same thing happen when I went to see Snarkey Puppy and Charlie Hunter. I kind of expected a hot and crowded, no seat show at this point and I just left. I now prefer to go to jazz clubs and sit and have a drink and maybe a meal for a more intimate listening experience. Yes, Esperanza is one of the most amazing artists ever, but at this point I wouldn't invest another dime for a CD or a concert.

[@jan-paulvanderhoeven1639]

Jay Leonhart is worth watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sILQmYSveLKpn8k

[@nemo227]

I'm 80 and I still can't sing and play the bass. I'm such a bad singer that my bass refuses to play if I try to sing. Fair's fair.

[@nemo227]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 Watched it several time and now my bass is hiding.😪

[@A.LEXsdesk]

she's a powerhouse she is the band

[@nemo227]

The analysis and explanation is VERY good. It's not an impossible task: we can run and talk or sing, wash dishes and sing, take a shower and sing, tie our shoe laces and sing, etc. Our brains are capable of directing our hands and voices at the same time (or what seems like the same time). Our brains can allow us to do amazing things when we step aside and let our brains do the work.

[@alfrazier8389]

This woman is awesome

[@jkcymbal]

loved the bass lines, loved the voice. Thanks!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much :-)

[@tonydir5673]

I didnt know what to expect when I downloaded this but I must say that was great

[@chrislopez9804]

Love you Katie!

[@josephtravers777]

Very nice job! I can sing harmony and play halfs but quarters are very tough!

[@ACMGausss]

syncopated and polys, oh boi

[@josephtravers777]

@@ACMGausss don't know if I could handle that much fun ;)

[@juditharmstrong6267]

That was fantastic. I sing with Bass also and at first I though, should I be doing this, but it felt ok so I kept it up. Now watching this wonderfull Lady performer , I have learnt a lot from watching and it has confirmed that what I do is heading in the right direction. Will never reach her standard though. Wonderfull voice.

[@4687878]

Very nice...from one bass player/singer to another,..you are great !!!

[@midnitesongs]

super great !!!!

[@jacolubbe9364]

Great stuff Katie! Am I the only one hearing some brass in your voice? It's like you are singing the sacks and playing the base. Got to Love it!!!!! Will buy your music for sure! Hope you can have it pressed on LP??? Somehow it does not belong on CD I just love the analog sound of LP's. Keep it up Katie, would love to hear more! I started learning the base in school but never got to buy my own base. Maybe now that I hear you play I'm so tempted to finally buy my own. base. Your almost blind fan in South Africa.

[@JesusChrist5000]

wow that is some serious talent. I wonder if Sting could pull that off? I was at a concert of his, and he was playing a bass line (i think it was the song Roxanne) while talking to the audience, which really astounded me.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Sting is incredible! I would love to see him live.

[@serge1336]

Fantastic! Like this performance very much!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching! 😀

[@serge1336]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass 😉

[@grayswood1962]

Beautiful, lovely playing and vocal.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for listening :-)

[@MonsterElectric]

I have always struggled with this, thanks.

[@jamessmith-zk4co]

Thanks so much for the lesson. Great advice from a great musician. You make it look so easy. I'm starting on this late in life, nonetheless, I really want to master this technique.

[@volodyanikolaev]

We all know that It's impossible to sing and play the bass. Just ask Jay Leonhart :)

[@ramonpooser2434]

Thank you. If I’m playing slow or rubato it’s no problem, but once I add a tempo everything flies out the window.

[@veselinobodymoving8099]

Great playing and singing.. And very helpful tips... Thank you

[@faustobrusamolino6345]

Amazing video, thanks for sharing

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@timfroncek7147]

Hi Katie, This and other vids you put out are fantastic! Your bass sound is great and swingin' along with these great vocals! THanks!!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching Tim and it's great to hear you enjoyed the video :-)

[@RussSargeant]

Amazing work. Gorgeous voice!

[@TudorAdrian]

Wow

[@thebminusshow]

holy shit you are killn it!

[@AkouriAmmar]

jack Bruce Of Cream is what you people should be looking for.

[@rohan4373]

sounds great 2x speed

[@TONIKOBLER]

QUEL BEAUTÉ

[@williequinlan4946]

Wow 👍✅

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

Lots of bass players sing... among them are Sting (once of The Police) and Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings).

[@aeneasstrozier8944]

It’s definitely different with double bass because at the same time you are playing two instruments without frets

[@bradshack6579]

That because they r only playing around the 12 bar blues'that not hard to do this lady is playing off beats and yet that on its own is hard to sings she's katin around loads of notes that's so hard to sing, I sing and play double bass I play around the 12 bar blues I'm really playing a rhythm which make it a little easier and I find a nice joint before I go on helps lol 👍☘️😳😲😂🕺💃

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

@@bradshack6579 Then we have a few singing bassists who don't do particularly well when onstage: Randy Meisner (Eagles)... when called on to sing "Take It to the Limit" in concert, since he preferred to stay out of the spotlight Kelly Groucutt (Electric Light Orchestra)

[@jerometaylor4243]

Y'ALL MAY HAVE HEARD OF GRAMMY AWARD WINNING BASSIST/VOCALIST/TEACHER ESPERANZA SPAULDING! SHE'S BEEN DOING THAT FOR YEARS NOW!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Absolutely, Esperanza Spalding is one of the all-time greats! Plus, there are numerous other singers who also play bass at the same time, right back to the early days of blues and jazz.

[@sef4610]

What a beautiful voice! ... made for this style of music, the perfect compliment to the bass. Wonderful performance.

[@vincentm614]

Ive played electric fretless bass and sang at the same time and just sort of fell into it. But it is harder than singing and playing guitar or piano.

[@faustobrusamolino6345]

I guess it depends... If on guitar you are strumming quarter notes chords on the beat, yes I agree with you, that's straightforward. If you are playing more complex chords and melodies, away from the song prominent accents or vocal line, then it could be quite a challenge.

[@PianoWithJonny]

Katie and I played together in our college days at Cal State Long Beach. You sound great girl!

[@Aaron-Qman]

This is very awesome! I know Esperanza Spalding does this very well too. Incredible and unique!

[@jamessandeman7548]

Just when i think Discover Double Bass can 't get any better...

[@leticiaalves1670]

Hi I'm from Brazil. I like to sing and I'm learning bass so I loved your video. Thank you very much!

[@vinnyberbert]

Bons estudos Letícia! :)

[@blairbarbero58]

I've played with musicians who play and sing effortlessly. I can't do it - I can't even utter a syllable without messing up my playing. A guitarist friend who is a good guitarist can play rhythm guitar & sing at the same time, but can not play bass & sing at all. I've been told that some people just can't do it. Frank Zappa & B.B. King never could play & sing together. If I could even just sing backup Ooooooh & Ahhhhhh, that could open up my gig opportunities so much. Otherwise, I love Katie's arrangement of this show tune!

[@cnrbsmth]

Her singing articulates like a trumpet

[@DannyAdair]

Beautiful singing, and such tasty lines with that fantastic tone ... magnificent!

[@annebooker4130]

Very inspiring. I played Double Bass in high school. I finally bought one 4 months ago. I'm 55 now. Love watching you guys.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Anne, we are glad you enjoyed it and wish you all the best with your new bass :-)

[@perstromstedt999]

Amazing video, thanks for sharing

[@MrHestichs]

The most challenging part I can imagine is the two radically different time feels. The swinging, on the beat, almost ahead of the beat that the walking bass requires. And the rubato swing singing, dragging notes etc.

[@kentshelley4739]

Nice video, Katie. Back in 1993 we were asked if we could sing and play bass for a French blues/rock band. I 😳could sing - and I 🤪 could play bass, but we'd never done the two together. Fortunately, most of the stuff was 12 bar so not too mind-bending but, after some time at doing this, it gets easier to do the more complex stuff. It's interesting to see your take on this but, for ourselves, we find that we're developing something of a split personality. […Who said that…?] 😳🤪

[@humblegeorge]

What a totally amazing Person.Wonderful voice and playing too.Thank you for this video you have made my evening.Cheers Katie.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words!

[@christocr]

Beautiful. Beautiful voice and beautiful playing.

[@riffdigger2133]

Fantastic. Two feel, then embellish. Divide and conquer as to really own the vocal part and the fingering of the bass line, and once they are conquered start to blend them. I am working on Jack Bruce’s vocal/bass and I found your video inspiring and informative. Thank you and all the best to you.

[@jimcreek961]

Awesome! Larry Graham and Mark King great examples

[@MichaelFClef]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@cantoratamirespessoa]

Thank you sooooooo much! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@ephjaymusic]

OMG this made me smile! What a fantastic performance and such a lovely voice!

[@gazicj]

so helpful, tyty:)

[@mikegreenguitar]

Great lesson! Awesome playing and singing; you've really got an authentic jazz singing voice.

[@simplygroove]

What beautiful voice ! And what a good sound ! I very like ! You singing and playing well congratulation !!! The both voices are just MAGICAL !!!

[@coulton-davisjazz2872]

Wickedly hip.

[@leonsaieg2959]

!!! you are great

[@giannibiancocircus]

Thanks, you are a wonderful teacher. ♥️👍

[@steveascolese3050]

I took lessons from one of the New York cats many years ago. When I told him the band I was in required I stand he asked "They don't make you sing too, do they?" when I said no he replied "Good!" I think he would change his mind if he saw your video! Great job, I always loved PCs lines on that recording.

[@eimearthebeamer]

yAY kATIE! where've you been all my life?? x

[@AnnaMariaHefele]

This is so amazing. Thanks!

[@davidcripps3011]

I work it differently. I still break it down slowly but do both together right from the outset. Just takes a long time but eventually I get there :-)

[@hookedontube]

Geddy Lee has been doing that for over 45 years.

[@LRS905]

Blossom Dearie is smiling now, very wide and happily!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@SnazzyZee]

So wonderfully talented

[@izzysantiago978]

I admire when a woman is shorter than her instrument and tames the hell out it!!

[@michaelcaldwell7107]

I’ve seen a few of your videos. Fantastic time feel. It’s amazing how many bass players and drummers ‘think’ they have good time but, when you play with them it’s pretty obvious they really should have spent more time with a metronome. I really enhoy your playing, singing and enthusiasm.

[@joepalooka2145]

Here's an interesting phenomenon I've found that helps me: I have problems singing words and playing at the same time, but not if I just hum the melody. ??? Why is this? I can play any bass line and just hum along without words----- I don't even have to think about it! I can do it perfectly. But the moment I introduce lyrics and try to be Frank Sinatra--- I get stuck. ???? So I really work at getting the melody right before I switch to words. Loud and clear and in tune. A lot of if has to do with coming in at the right time. This helps me and I hope it helps others.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

That's really interesting. I've never considered the difference humming the melody without words would make.

[@magerknilch3011]

I am glad having learned about Katie Thiroux today. To me her music sounds familiar and yet unheard at the same time... right now its a pleasure to listen to her willow weep for me on spotify...so much tension...

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, I'm really glad you enjoyed the video. :-)

[@martyg374]

Well done. You have excellent pitch in both voice and bass. You sort of have to divide you brain in half. Also, start slowly is a good tip, simply, then more complex as time goes on.

[@fulfillkhongkiang2513]

Wow... I know it's really tough singing and playing bass at the same time. I'm impressed... you're awesome

[@anthonysilva5312]

Love it.

[@morritotololoche]

I just can’t slap /pizz and sing its get me lost in my piece that I’m playing

[@ArnimSommer]

Same here. And I have some years of bass behind my belt...

[@morritotololoche]

Arnim Sommer i have 7 years but started out in cello for like 6 months

[@michaelxriordan]

Divide and conquer!!! :)

[@jamesha175]

wow the timbre of your bass is command and that alone elevates you to top shelf. and your perfect melody singing voice keeps you at top shelf.

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass! You are amazing!

[@williamking5231]

Jeezaloo that was brilliant !

[@almodo5]

Beautiful playing + beautiful singing + excellent teaching.

[@blamelouis]

Wow world class playing and teaching..👏🏻👏🏻

[@OMartim]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@johnwelshmusic]

What size bass would you recommend for someone who is 5’3” still a 3/4 size or would it be easier for someone that size to learn on a 1/2 size ? My fiancé just picked one up and she is wanting to start lessons the 3/4 seems quite large and awkward or is that the standard for all adults ?

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hi John, 3/4 is the standard size for adults and should be suitable. They do vary in size within the 3/4 bracket, so a moderate size 3/4 or possibly a 5/8s would be great. I wouldn't recommend a 1/2 size for an adult.

[@johnwelshmusic]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass fantastic thank you so much for clarifying this !

[@anthonybowers7571]

Fabulous Katie !!!

[@zifuzmalikoshaylou1052]

Great sound and lovely voice...!

[@peterritchie2990]

Excellent. Many thanks from the Kootenays in BC Canada.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@plindsey3]

Some of her tips are similar to techniques I use to sing and play simultaneously.

[@chelseaplaysdrums]

This is such an amazing lesson from an awesome teacher and player. So much swing and lyricism. So so glad to have a way to work on this myself! Thanks heaps Katie, and Discover Double Bass!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much! We are really glad you enjoyed it and wish you all the best for your double bass playing :-)

[@jpbreeze]

absolutely wonderful~!

[@jholcombe9753]

Fantastic intro to merging these two worlds. I struggle with doing them at the same time (or even just by themselves, har har) and this video shows a different way to tackle the task. Thanks!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching and we are glad it helped :-)

[@jackhargraves9859]

wonderful!

[@alvdigitalsystems-automati6597]

Great video, looking forward to see your performance in Berlins A-TRANE on november 21.

[@esitoris]

So beatiful.... Now this intruement which catched my attention for a long time start reaching my heart. So nice man!! :) Thanks Katie!!

[@BrunoNeureiter]

If I were a bell

[@muddshshshark]

"Tom Sawyer" please or Red Barchetta

[@ClassicTVMan1981X]

How about? "My Generation" by The Who "Roundabout" by Yes "Close to the Edge" by Yes "Starless" by King Crimson

[@hoanghuynh4034]

So cool

[@MaliVinnyB]

NICE...

[@joaoclaudiorocha6858]

Great performance, Miss Katie Thiroux. I Love You 🤘🎸🇧🇷

[@pavlofill]

Amazing.

[@larryholland7192]

Awesome X 10 !!

[@saxore850]

really , amazing performance , since i discovered you Katie Thiroux and your vid i could say that my way of feel the double bass has changed a lot and in the good way, thanks

[@tuber2u]

Excellent, thanks!

[@teliosambientes7878]

wow!! what voice!!! Beautiful! Please, keep singing :-)