Oh yes… she’s back. Can your fingers hold out for the whole song?
Song: Billie Jean
Artist: Michael Jean
Tuning: Standard (EADG)
Oh yes… she’s back. Can your fingers hold out for the whole song?
Song: Billie Jean
Artist: Michael Jean
Tuning: Standard (EADG)
Recorded this about a month ago. This will be my last challenge song for a while, embarking on a side project.
Outstanding!
Makes my fingers cramp just remembering my own experience trying to play this!
It was definitely a finger workout.
Nice job! Think your fingers probably need a visit to the spa after that.
I’ve just been playing this from module 4 of B2B which must be a shortened version. Is the opening of this song 16 bars of the same (starting on D string)?
If you have the course, you can go into the Extras section and get the play-along tab for all of the 50 songs in full. If you can’t find it then let me know.
Hey @JT sorry should have mentioned that I was looking at that in the extras and just wanted to clarify I was reading it correctly.
Yes - 16 bars starting on F# (4th fret D string) before moving to B (4th fret G string)
I am procrastinating on both versions B2B and 50 songs. my plucking fingers are having trouble keeping up with the speed yet I can have the tune down pat.
You can find a YouTube video of the tune and set the speed to where you are comfortable.
Then, creep, and I mean creep it up, 2% or so, play it til you are cool, then continue.
Your fingers will start to get the message and you will speed up before you know it.
For some reason, that last 5% always feels like 15% or more to me though!
As @John_E mentioned above, start playing it slow over and over and when you feel comfortable speed it up a bit. Next thing you know you’ll be up to speed without even trying.
Here is my version of the infamous Billie Jean. As you’ll notice, I’ve opted to play it starting on the E string instead of the A, easier on my hand that way. I stumbled on this chorus effect by accident while playing with my Zoom B1Four and liked how it sounded in this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqodX6-sbic
Tech Stuff: Squier CV Jazz Bass (Bridge 100% Neck 100%, Tone 25%) → Zoom B1Four (DynaComp + Clone Chorus) → Behringer BDI → Interface → Reaper (Post EQ)
One more and you are at 40 (if i can count right)!!!
Man o man did you nail this one.
If you flubbed something I missed it
Is this the fretless again?
keep going man, you will be our first 50 song completer and will ever live in infamy here, lol.
Thank you John! You did count right. Having goals helps me a lot, and so has learning these songs, so I really want to finish this thing. I don’t need to be first though, you know, I’d like to still be able to go out and buy a cup of coffee without being recognized
It is. I find myself choosing it a lot lately, it’s more versatile than I first thought it would be.
Great job! Inspiring to see someone play it so well. Keep up the good work!
Thank you @Darryl! Been playing the riff since taking the course in November 21. I remember it sounding pretty sad back then. Keep working on it, it’s a great strength and endurance builder for sure.
Well I certainly didn’t think I’d be posting this in 2023…but here we are!
I took the same approach as @dlamson13 and played higher up on the neck. Originally I was using the JMJ short scale for the closer frets but I still had my hand cramp up on me quite a few times. So I picked up the JINO and it felt easier to fret the notes so I kept going that way.
No sheet music, no chair. Just a man, his jazz bass and a groove.
That sounded perfect, way to go !!
That sounded spot on! Fantastic!