What is a Bassist's Role?

adam atherton · Post by **adam atherton** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:26 pm

5 years, and bass players still think they need to solo over everything.

guess we'll revisit this in another 5.

Recordstar · Post by **Recordstar** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:41 pm

And why not ..??.....

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:08 am

adam atherton wrote:5 years, and bass players still think they need to solo over everything.

guess we'll revisit this in another 5.

Because anything beyond root - five patterns is "soloing"...

WBOB · Post by **WBOB** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:43 am

So then,..

is it no to creative bass playing,....

and yes to dull monotonish, sounds like
everyone else's style(s)???

Special note: just stay there in the corner, do
your job, and be thankful????

TIC = 90%

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:46 am

WBOB wrote:So then,..

is it no to creative bass playing,....

and yes to dull monotonish, sounds like
everyone else's style(s)???

Special note: just stay there in the corner, do
your job, and be thankful????

TIC = 90%

For some people, yes.

adam atherton · Post by **adam atherton** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:28 pm

WBOB wrote:So then,..

is it no to creative bass playing,....

and yes to dull monotonish, sounds like
everyone else's style(s)???

Special note: just stay there in the corner, do
your job, and be thankful????

TIC = 90%

"creative" is one thing...... "disruptive and embarassing" is another. with the exception of Primus, and maybe one or two other novelties, bass players should play for the song. not for the bass player's personal glory or agenda. it's a rhythm instrument.

the bass players that sit back and play bass- ....for the MUSIC, not for pushing the lead guitar player backstage so he can play worthless bass solos all night...-guide the band, they lead the band, they support the band. there are good bass players, there are great bass players, and there are complete idiots that don't listen to their band.

some bass players understand this. some don't.

unfortunately, there are a lot that never will.

so you sit back and watch them embarrass themselves, and thank God.

Garr · Post by **Garr** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:32 pm

I know I'm out of my subject matter, but Robert deLeo (STP) is a prime example (to me) of a creative bassist who supports the music instead of upstaging his friggen awesome brother, Dean deLeo. I've always been really impressed by the way he breaks away from the mold to do some pretty impressive things, but still blends in well enough that you have to be listening for the cool sh*t he does in order to catch it.

adam atherton · Post by **adam atherton** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:36 am

Garr wrote:I know I'm out of my subject matter, but Robert deLeo (STP) is a prime example (to me) of a creative bassist who supports the music instead of upstaging his friggen awesome brother, Dean deLeo. I've always been really impressed by the way he breaks away from the mold to do some pretty impressive things, but still blends in well enough that you have to be listening for the cool sh*t he does in order to catch it.

a prime example of a great bass player.

traumaqueen · Post by **traumaqueen** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:12 am

holy sh*t, folks.

WBOB · Post by **WBOB** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:15 am

adam atherton wrote:
"creative" is one thing...... "disruptive and embarassing" is another. with the exception of Primus, and maybe one or two other novelties, bass players should play for the song. not for the bass player's personal glory or agenda. it's a rhythm instrument.

Agreed!

There can however,,... be a very "happy medium".

Depends on the song(s) and ability(ies) of all.

Oliver's Army · Post by **Oliver's Army** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:16 am

traumaqueen wrote:holy sh*t, folks.

hehehehe

let the flame wars begin.

"bygones", indeed.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:22 am

Oliver's Army wrote:
traumaqueen wrote:holy sh*t, folks.

hehehehe

let the flame wars begin.

"bygones", indeed.

Not from me.

=^-..-^= · Post by **=^-..-^=** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:17 am

I always liked Chris Squire (Yes) and Geddy Lee of that other band, because their bass lines play a counterpoint to what the guitar and vox are doing. Well, that, and they were freakin' awesome on their instruments as well.

Garr · Post by **Garr** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:34 am

=^-..-^= wrote: and Geddy Lee

Absolutely. One of my personal faves. Sing, play bass, and play keys. . .ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Amazing.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:41 am

Garr wrote:
=^-..-^= wrote: and Geddy Lee
Absolutely. One of my personal faves. Sing, play bass, and play keys. . .ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Amazing.

He "solos" all the time

So he sucks