1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,350 Translation & Subtitles: thoseguiltyeyes | scandal-heaven.com 2 00:00:05,970 --> 00:00:08,320 Hello, I'm SCANDAL's vocalist HARUNA. 3 00:00:08,376 --> 00:00:09,863 I'm bassist TOMOMI. 4 00:00:10,136 --> 00:00:16,374 "Start Your Journey!" is about conveying the appeal of guitars to those considering taking it up. 5 00:00:16,565 --> 00:00:21,725 MAMI and I talked about guitars, 6 00:00:21,858 --> 00:00:25,659 and this time TOMOMI is here. 7 00:00:25,811 --> 00:00:29,194 -Thanks for having us! -Nice to meet you! 8 00:00:29,313 --> 00:00:36,593 So, in this video we'll be talking about the electric bass. 9 00:00:36,788 --> 00:00:42,724 Let's begin with what the bass is in the first place. 10 00:00:42,829 --> 00:00:46,199 How would you answer if you were asked what the bass is? 11 00:00:46,269 --> 00:00:52,601 The bass looks pretty similar to a guitar, 12 00:00:52,601 --> 00:00:56,601 but if you look closely, you'll see that the number of strings are different. 13 00:00:56,917 --> 00:01:01,197 The guitar has six strings while the bass only has four. 14 00:01:01,272 --> 00:01:02,898 Also, its thickness is different. 15 00:01:03,308 --> 00:01:04,878 The guitar is on the thin side. 16 00:01:04,878 --> 00:01:09,483 The bass is thicker, so it produces a low sound. 17 00:01:09,827 --> 00:01:14,288 Also, it plays a different role in bands. 18 00:01:14,467 --> 00:01:19,065 The guitar essentially plays the melody, 19 00:01:19,342 --> 00:01:22,372 and the bass plays chords 20 00:01:22,372 --> 00:01:30,202 while playing the rhythm together with the drums as part of the rhythm section. 21 00:01:30,425 --> 00:01:34,351 Those are the differences between the guitar and bass. 22 00:01:34,620 --> 00:01:40,320 It says, "Which would you recommend for beginners, the guitar or the bass?" 23 00:01:40,586 --> 00:01:42,676 Eh, which one? 24 00:01:42,901 --> 00:01:45,291 But there are those who have done both. 25 00:01:45,291 --> 00:01:52,431 In the very beginning when I was told by our dance school staff to try playing an instrument, 26 00:01:52,431 --> 00:01:54,551 the guitar was the instrument I thought of, 27 00:01:54,571 --> 00:01:56,934 so I first started playing the guitar. 28 00:01:57,326 --> 00:02:03,223 Memorizing chords is the first huge step, right? 29 00:02:03,423 --> 00:02:09,697 Compared to the guitar, you play more single notes on the bass rather than chords. 30 00:02:10,092 --> 00:02:15,146 That's why the bass is better for those who might give up on the first day. 31 00:02:16,032 --> 00:02:17,372 The first day, that is. 32 00:02:17,372 --> 00:02:19,592 Meaning that they're able to produce sounds. 33 00:02:19,857 --> 00:02:21,873 After a week, 34 00:02:22,054 --> 00:02:26,824 you're like, "What should I do when practicing bass?" 35 00:02:26,935 --> 00:02:30,015 You're primarily playing single notes when you practice solo, 36 00:02:30,015 --> 00:02:33,054 and at first when you're playing, it's going to be like, "Du du du du du du," 37 00:02:33,266 --> 00:02:35,526 which is going to seem so boring. 38 00:02:35,613 --> 00:02:38,156 When you're practicing alone, that is. 39 00:02:38,278 --> 00:02:45,718 But on guitar, you're able to play a song after only memorizing three chords or so. 40 00:02:45,912 --> 00:02:48,653 You can sing and play from the start. 41 00:02:48,794 --> 00:02:50,104 That is a lot of fun. 42 00:02:50,222 --> 00:02:54,222 That's why it's hard to recommend one over the other, 43 00:02:54,266 --> 00:02:57,861 but there is a difference between the first day and the first week. 44 00:02:58,707 --> 00:02:59,665 That's true. 45 00:02:59,850 --> 00:03:03,230 What do you think is cool about each instrument? 46 00:03:03,699 --> 00:03:08,639 Everything is cool about the guitar. 47 00:03:09,053 --> 00:03:11,591 To put it simply, guitar solos. 48 00:03:11,806 --> 00:03:14,706 It's like they're the star in the band. 49 00:03:14,786 --> 00:03:17,269 That's something you admire. 50 00:03:17,838 --> 00:03:21,288 It really stands out during concerts, 51 00:03:22,023 --> 00:03:25,163 and it definitely feels great to play a solo while on top of a platform. 52 00:03:25,213 --> 00:03:27,628 It does. You think it's really cool. 53 00:03:28,183 --> 00:03:33,703 But respectively, the bass provides powerful support. 54 00:03:33,862 --> 00:03:38,111 At first glance it seems a little inconspicuous, 55 00:03:38,230 --> 00:03:45,324 but it's the bassist who supports the band's foundation. 56 00:03:45,697 --> 00:03:48,968 That's what I think is cool. 57 00:03:49,182 --> 00:03:50,145 That's true. 58 00:03:50,145 --> 00:03:55,242 I never heard the sound of the bass before I was in the band. 59 00:03:55,337 --> 00:03:57,582 -You never consciously heard it, you mean? -Right. 60 00:03:58,115 --> 00:04:00,725 I would focus on the vocals. 61 00:04:00,766 --> 00:04:04,866 But after I took up the bass, I started hearing the sound of bass, 62 00:04:05,202 --> 00:04:09,942 and when I realized how it sounds when there is and isn't a bass, 63 00:04:09,942 --> 00:04:13,065 I was like, "Ah, the bass is wonderful." 64 00:04:13,967 --> 00:04:19,588 I think the job of the bass is to carry the song's groove. 65 00:04:19,885 --> 00:04:23,795 I think that's really cool. 66 00:04:24,187 --> 00:04:26,637 Like the guitar, 67 00:04:26,715 --> 00:04:31,207 there's also an acoustic version of the bass that produces sound without needing an amp, 68 00:04:31,492 --> 00:04:35,492 and an electric version that can plug into an amp to make loud sounds. 69 00:04:35,492 --> 00:04:37,722 Those are the two types. 70 00:04:37,911 --> 00:04:41,610 -The one you brought today is an electric bass. -Right. 71 00:04:41,813 --> 00:04:44,466 It's my signature model. 72 00:04:44,884 --> 00:04:48,048 It's a Precision Bass. 73 00:04:48,390 --> 00:04:51,559 It's a bit complicated to explain, 74 00:04:51,641 --> 00:04:54,371 but although it's a Precision Bass, 75 00:04:54,371 --> 00:04:59,597 I customized the neck to have one meant for a Jazz Bass. 76 00:04:59,707 --> 00:05:03,985 The one for the Jazz Bass is 4mm thinner than the Precision Bass one. 77 00:05:04,246 --> 00:05:08,197 My hands aren't very big so it's easier for me to grip. 78 00:05:08,435 --> 00:05:14,683 Also, the edges were cut to make it easier to hold. 79 00:05:14,830 --> 00:05:19,338 That's what I most particular about. 80 00:05:19,593 --> 00:05:20,313 I see. 81 00:05:20,399 --> 00:05:27,419 So this customization might be highly recommended for people who are watching this video. 82 00:05:27,446 --> 00:05:29,436 I totally recommend it. 83 00:05:29,789 --> 00:05:32,223 Isn't it adorable? 84 00:05:33,776 --> 00:05:34,728 It is. 85 00:05:36,069 --> 00:05:44,105 My Precision Bass has two knobs here. 86 00:05:44,902 --> 00:05:49,122 It's very simple and only has the volume and tone knobs. 87 00:05:49,466 --> 00:05:53,931 You can make it louder, make it softer, and change the tone. 88 00:05:54,362 --> 00:05:57,892 It's a very simple build with only those two knobs. 89 00:05:58,104 --> 00:06:05,992 Something special about my signature model is the neck and how it's a little thicker here. 90 00:06:06,119 --> 00:06:09,029 -That's why it makes a powerful sound. -I see. 91 00:06:09,075 --> 00:06:14,085 It produces a solid, low-pitched sound. 92 00:06:14,144 --> 00:06:20,624 That's why it's easy to convey the playing habits of the person playing it. 93 00:06:21,463 --> 00:06:24,975 If someone talented plays it, they'll be like, "Wow, what is this sound!?" 94 00:06:26,769 --> 00:06:30,408 That's also one of its merits. 95 00:06:30,668 --> 00:06:33,208 [The Precision Bass] came out [before the Jazz Bass]. 96 00:06:33,657 --> 00:06:37,034 That's right; it came out in 1951. 97 00:06:37,712 --> 00:06:45,238 Fender made the world's first electric bass, which is this model here. 98 00:06:45,422 --> 00:06:49,082 1951 is the same year the Telecaster [guitar] came out. 99 00:06:49,178 --> 00:06:51,662 It's a legendary year! 100 00:06:52,935 --> 00:06:58,008 How exactly is it different from the Jazz Bass? 101 00:06:58,466 --> 00:07:02,296 The Precision Bass looks a little like a Telecaster. 102 00:07:02,296 --> 00:07:03,966 Ah, I see. Maybe so. 103 00:07:04,277 --> 00:07:08,057 The Jazz Bass is asymmetrical in shape, 104 00:07:08,181 --> 00:07:11,144 and is also said to be easy to play. 105 00:07:11,262 --> 00:07:15,482 The Jazz Bass is easy to play. 106 00:07:15,521 --> 00:07:21,691 As explained earlier, the neck is 4mm thinner, 107 00:07:21,971 --> 00:07:25,311 which makes it easy for women with small hands to play. 108 00:07:25,446 --> 00:07:31,778 Also, the pickups, which act as a microphone, are long and slender. 109 00:07:31,912 --> 00:07:37,536 The pickups on the Jazz Bass are long and slender and are positioned differently than on my bass here. 110 00:07:37,682 --> 00:07:41,172 That's why it's easy to make delicate sounds. 111 00:07:41,276 --> 00:07:43,966 The widths here are a little different, 112 00:07:43,966 --> 00:07:48,330 and there are more knobs too. 113 00:07:48,492 --> 00:07:55,051 That's why you can make slightly more refined sounds with the bass itself. 114 00:07:55,354 --> 00:07:59,354 Although it's a "Jazz Bass," it's not used for jazz lines. 115 00:07:59,354 --> 00:08:02,374 That's right. It's an all-rounder. 116 00:08:02,374 --> 00:08:06,464 It's a bass that can be used in many different settings. 117 00:08:06,991 --> 00:08:09,621 Shall we get to playing it now? 118 00:08:10,682 --> 00:08:14,502 -You can also play the bass with a pick... -You can. 119 00:08:14,589 --> 00:08:16,859 -And you can also play with your fingers. -You can do that too. 120 00:08:16,956 --> 00:08:19,514 I often use my fingers. 121 00:08:19,799 --> 00:08:23,165 I use my pointer and middle finger to do so. 122 00:08:23,387 --> 00:08:26,602 I put my thumb on this pickup and... 123 00:08:29,413 --> 00:08:32,663 It's called two-finger playing. 124 00:08:32,699 --> 00:08:37,320 This is the style I usually use. 125 00:08:37,525 --> 00:08:39,569 There are times I use a pick, 126 00:08:39,716 --> 00:08:42,536 and those are when we play punkish songs. 127 00:08:42,686 --> 00:08:49,287 Playing with a pick gives it a more crisper sound and it sounds cool. 128 00:08:49,328 --> 00:08:52,910 I think it's easier to convey nuances with your fingers 129 00:08:52,910 --> 00:08:58,973 because the sound changes a bit depending on how you touch the strings. 130 00:08:59,980 --> 00:09:03,240 Are there other playing styles aside from the two-finger one? 131 00:09:03,268 --> 00:09:04,948 Aside from that, there's one like... 132 00:09:07,128 --> 00:09:12,622 There's also a slap style where you pull on the strings. 133 00:09:12,861 --> 00:09:15,936 There are many ways to play the bass. 134 00:09:16,724 --> 00:09:20,214 -Slapping is cool. -It is. 135 00:09:20,214 --> 00:09:24,624 You can also do a bass solo. which is similar to a guitar solo, 136 00:09:24,624 --> 00:09:29,514 and I think there are a lot of people who slap the bass when they do so. 137 00:09:29,514 --> 00:09:30,437 I see. 138 00:09:30,691 --> 00:09:34,287 Now we'll be playing together. 139 00:09:34,648 --> 00:09:39,744 We'll be playing our song "Mabataki." 140 00:09:40,001 --> 00:09:46,235 First, you'll play a little bit of the phrase you play on bass. 141 00:10:05,214 --> 00:10:10,163 And on top of that phrase I play this-- 142 00:10:10,163 --> 00:10:12,077 This is kind of awkward! 143 00:10:13,616 --> 00:10:23,581 On top of that, I'll be using my Tele to play in the "palm mute" style. 144 00:10:31,645 --> 00:10:37,773 That's the tone I'll be matching her playing with. 145 00:10:38,383 --> 00:10:40,587 -I'm nervous. -You are? 146 00:10:41,809 --> 00:10:43,106 -It feels awkward. -It does. 147 00:10:43,957 --> 00:10:45,735 Okay, let's go. 148 00:11:51,601 --> 00:11:52,837 And there you have it. 149 00:11:54,154 --> 00:12:00,971 TOMO, what did you consider when buying your first bass? 150 00:12:01,149 --> 00:12:05,529 I didn't know anything about musical instruments at first, 151 00:12:05,592 --> 00:12:08,381 so I went to an instrument shop and asked the staff, 152 00:12:08,586 --> 00:12:13,362 "I'm starting bass as of today. What should I get?" 153 00:12:13,550 --> 00:12:17,550 They recommended a beginner's set that included everything. 154 00:12:17,598 --> 00:12:21,438 It came with things like a bass and a tuner. 155 00:12:21,489 --> 00:12:26,479 The set cost around 10,000 yen (~$100 USD). 156 00:12:26,598 --> 00:12:31,465 But the bass was really small and the neck was thin. 157 00:12:32,174 --> 00:12:36,073 I think it was easy to play when we first started out. 158 00:12:36,350 --> 00:12:37,570 Did you consider the color? 159 00:12:37,570 --> 00:12:43,691 I wasn't that concerned about it then. 160 00:12:43,907 --> 00:12:47,907 The one I got had a sunburst finish on it. 161 00:12:48,058 --> 00:12:51,343 I chose one that looked cool. 162 00:12:51,458 --> 00:13:00,328 Earlier, you talked about the difference between day one of playing the bass and one week later. 163 00:13:00,471 --> 00:13:05,320 You realize more and more how difficult it is. 164 00:13:05,645 --> 00:13:08,960 Ways to keep going, 165 00:13:09,146 --> 00:13:12,187 or tips to improve... 166 00:13:12,553 --> 00:13:14,557 How do you put those into use? 167 00:13:14,634 --> 00:13:16,964 I wonder. 168 00:13:16,964 --> 00:13:24,797 Compared to when I first started out, I think there are now many things that can help one improve. 169 00:13:24,828 --> 00:13:31,095 Like, there are lots of videos of people playing on YouTube. 170 00:13:32,276 --> 00:13:37,255 Conversely, you could try matching with those videos. 171 00:13:37,506 --> 00:13:39,868 There are so many things that you can do, 172 00:13:40,844 --> 00:13:46,914 so I wonder if being interested in something is the biggest way you can improve. 173 00:13:47,014 --> 00:13:49,544 You can like the way people play, 174 00:13:49,572 --> 00:13:52,915 or maybe you want to try playing a phrase in a song. 175 00:13:53,065 --> 00:14:00,675 Find various things you like and incorporate them, 176 00:14:00,844 --> 00:14:02,597 or challenge yourself to doing them. 177 00:14:02,597 --> 00:14:05,587 I think that's important. 178 00:14:05,701 --> 00:14:09,610 It's easier to do these things now than it used to be. 179 00:14:10,276 --> 00:14:12,613 -I think this is a great era we're in. I agree. 180 00:14:12,784 --> 00:14:20,719 -Right now, I think there are better environments in which to practice alone. -I think so. 181 00:14:20,990 --> 00:14:29,155 In the beginning for us, we divided each part. 182 00:14:29,482 --> 00:14:32,046 Like, the guitar plays this phrase, 183 00:14:32,046 --> 00:14:33,552 the drums are like this, etc. 184 00:14:33,552 --> 00:14:35,972 We did it together, so it was a lot of fun. 185 00:14:36,025 --> 00:14:40,529 -MAMI had said that it probably would have been hard if we each had to go at it alone. -I think so too. 186 00:14:40,768 --> 00:14:43,531 It's really boring playing bass by yourself. 187 00:14:44,658 --> 00:14:46,562 Depending on how you think of it, 188 00:14:46,662 --> 00:14:48,327 and depending on the song you're playing. 189 00:14:48,452 --> 00:14:50,672 you might be playing the same sounds over and over again. 190 00:14:50,672 --> 00:14:52,760 Since it's a rhythm instrument, 191 00:14:53,298 --> 00:15:00,171 you're just matching it with a metronome and practicing the same notes. 192 00:15:00,291 --> 00:15:03,420 It doesn't stack up like that. 193 00:15:03,693 --> 00:15:06,124 -It's all about patience. -That's true. 194 00:15:06,260 --> 00:15:11,800 -That's why a strength is having other band members. -It definitely seems like it. 195 00:15:11,877 --> 00:15:14,737 Doing it yourself is one thing, 196 00:15:14,737 --> 00:15:19,060 but it's so cool when you do it with a band. 197 00:15:19,443 --> 00:15:22,321 -Being in a band is fun! -It is! 198 00:15:23,062 --> 00:15:27,602 There are many different ways to enjoy playing instruments. 199 00:15:27,694 --> 00:15:30,224 You can do things like play with a friend, 200 00:15:30,224 --> 00:15:34,525 or practice hard while watching videos online. 201 00:15:34,791 --> 00:15:38,689 We recommend both of them. 202 00:15:39,758 --> 00:15:43,048 I'm sure there are still a lot of things we want to talk about, 203 00:15:43,134 --> 00:15:45,916 so is it okay to invite you back next time? 204 00:15:45,916 --> 00:15:47,544 Thank you very much. 205 00:15:47,786 --> 00:15:49,811 Actually, in the next video, 206 00:15:49,924 --> 00:15:56,061 MAMI will also be appearing as well as our drummer RINA, 207 00:15:56,132 --> 00:15:59,522 which means that all of the members of SCANDAL will be appearing. 208 00:15:59,623 --> 00:16:06,323 So far we've talked about guitars and basses in detail. 209 00:16:06,539 --> 00:16:17,816 In the next video we'll be telling you what kind of ensemble a band becomes after getting together. 210 00:16:17,973 --> 00:16:23,833 This has been "Start Your Journey!" with SCANDAL's vocalist HARUNA and bassist TOMOMI. 211 00:16:24,378 --> 00:16:25,545 Bye bye!