Playing Ska Bass

[Scott Irvine]

I'm joining a ska band, as a bassist, and I'm supposed to know how to play "ska bass". I already know that its incredibley fast and very loud. Anything else I should know? I hear ska bassists more often than not play in arpegios.

[Brandon Allin]

I'm joining a ska band, as a bassist, and I'm supposed to know how to play "ska bass". I already know that its incredibley fast and very loud. Anything else I should know? I hear ska bassists more often than not play in arpegios.
Ska songs almost always contain a walking bassline. Basically, just listen to early Catch 22 and The Forces of Evil and you'll get a good idea of what it's supposed to sound like. By the way, which band are you joining?

[Hilikus]

yeah, play arpegios.

[EriatarkaHRD]

yeah, as said, most ska songs have walking basslines

[Carlo Marx]

know your keys. don't be afraid to run up to the higher frets on the d and g strings. be aggressive and jump out in front of the drums and guitars. shadow the horns when a song calls for it. overall, be loud.

[Scott Irvine]

Alright. Cool. Thanks guys.