”I don’t know what else to do to improve as a bassist, H”
“Listen to Bach. Lots of Bach. Listen to the Goldberg Variations, the Harpsichord Concerti, the Preludes and Fugues. Dig that counterpoint and study the left hand”
“Mmm…not really relevant to Metal, though, is it?”
And faintly, but unmistakably, from a long way away, could be heard the sound of Cliff Burton spinning furiously in his grave…
Cliffo Continuo
Posted: 26th February 2011 in BlogTags: Bach, Cliff Burton, Goldberg Varions, Harpsichord Concerti, Metal, Prelude and Fugues
Harry-
This is awesome. So many people generalize metal by saying it’s “dumb” and “noisy,” but your bit here is a great reminder that some of the most influential metal bands have deep roots in classical music. The music of Maiden, Metallica, etc., is far closer to classical than to the delta blues.
Good stuff, man!
Btw- just noticed you’ve got this blog here. Keep ‘em coming!
Joe!
How nice to hear from you, man, and many thanks indeed for your kind words.
Yes, you’re spot-on. Too many ignorant, ill-informed, musical snobs dismiss metal as music for neanderthals when, as you correctly identify, lots of it is classically influenced. As we both know, the degree of technical proficiency required to play it well is considerable.
Still, I guess that’s why we’re sophisticated gentlemen of discerning taste and flawless aesthetics and ‘they’ aren’t