Beat.

Quarter note.

Feel. 

Enclosed in these three concepts are the nuances of the music we play; everyone is born with a different beat, a different quarter note and a different feel. 

Most importantly, each of us have individual ideas on how these three concepts influence the music through the instrument we play. 

Here are some of mine:

• THE BLUES, THE CHURCH BEAT. I have always resonated with rhythm sections that can fabricate a deep groove, making the music swing hard and truly reach the heart of every listener. This way of playing stems from the Blues and the Baptist Church Experience.

• Support the music and direction in each and every moment.

• Teamwork.

  We all play time, however fighting to establish it in different parts of the beat may prevent the music from settling comfortably.
  

• CONTRAST.
  What I mentioned before doesn't mean we always have to listen and therefore follow. To listen also means to bring contrast to the music being played.

• All tempos are difficult. It's crucial to play, feel comfortable (and practice) at all speeds.

• Correct bass technique gives one the power to guess or approximate less when improvising or playing bass lines. This in turn makes it possible to exude more confidence when shifting, practicing intonation, and note positions, ultimately improving ones time feel.

• When playing, be sure not to second guess whether or not the time was right, or if you sped up or slowed down- just stay in the moment and focus on making the music feel GOOD.

Thanks for reading,

Giuseppe Cucchiara.

Special thanks to Danae Greenfield for proofreading this post.