David Ellefson of Megadeth - Advice on Playing YOUR Music

Many people often ask how I developed my style, my answer is usually “this is just how I play, not necessarily how YOU should play!” By that, I mean that we can all listen to, be fans of, and learn from most anyone if our minds are open. However, we are all gifted in unique ways and if we let our personalities and tastes be the driving force for our music (not the other way around!) then our music will be honest, and the listener will feel a genuine connection when they hear or see us play. That is why our music usually changes as we grow and mature because as a person we are changing, too.

I say this because I meet many people who are great fans of certain types of music, which can be a great indicator of a musical path they will follow, but sometimes their talents lie in a different genre. Then, they get frustrated if they can’t execute the music they like to listen to. This is not something to be ashamed of but rather something to embrace. I meet professionals all the time who love Metal music but play professionally in Pop, Country, Christian and other styles 180 degrees away from most things heavy and rocking. To me, they are going with the flow and letting the music guide them (and the people calling them to play!) rather than sitting on the sidelines insisting they must have it “their way or the highway”. In other words, they are in the game and enjoying the craft of making music.

So, keep those ears, eyes and minds open especially if you have opportunities to play with a multitude of different musicians in varied applications. Those opportunities can be vital to our growth and give us the nudge to get out of our comfort zone and play in any setting with true confidence.

To learn how to play Bass Guitar from a true Rock Bassist check out David's instructional DVD from Rock House "Metal Bass - Speed, Thrash and Old School"