What makes a "Good" Bassist?

Someone who can do a bit more than just "locking in" with the drummer and play root notes (that's just really fucking boring). Movement, man.
Also, a non-drooling musician who can actually remember songs. :wink:

And last, but not least, one who can actually tune his own bass. :grin:

A bit on the funny side, but I'm serious on all points. :embarrassed:
 
Shows up?

I have a very limited amount of band experience, but the good bass players I have played with seemed to pick up on the groove/feel of a song and provide a solid addition to the rhythm section/drums in addition to adding the standard bottom end to the music. The shitty ones play root notes, sort of on time, or try to slap in every song.
 
Jbird said:
So, strippers make good bass players?

:tongue:
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since you asked...yeah...

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My brother is a good bassist. I try to watch to see why.
First, I notice he always is tight with the drummer. I'm amazed at how many thing they are guitarists.
He always seems to know when to hold back and stay basic and when to get fancy. He gives what the song calls for and doesn't feel the need to make every three chord rock song into a Chris Squire opus. :embarrassed:
And he practices. I think that helps. :grin:

EG
 
Depends on the music really. In country music locking on with the drummer and be able to play the walking bass parts well. There are spots where you can get creative, but don't over do it. We fired a bass player because he vastly overplayed nearly every song. It doesn't work in dance music.
 
That's a very good point, actually. The best bassists WANT to be playing bass. While I have a little bit of envy for the guys who can do a lot of fancy stuff that I haven't mastered, the reality is, most people listening/watching (except maybe other musicians) really just don't give a shit. If the rhythm section is solid, and the front guys are good, no one withholds applause because the bass player wasn't playing enough notes.

Fitting in, musically, as well as personally, is key...just as it is with any band member. Playing what's appropriate for the song, whether it's a nice run, funky riff, or just solid driving root notes is the right thing to do.

Some guitarists I know do enjoy playing bass. You just have to remember what you're playing. Play guitar when you're playing guitar. Play bass when you're playing bass. Don't try to make one into the other.

Something to keep in mind is that people WATCH singers and lead guitarists. They FEEL bass. The appreciation for the rhythm section is a far more subconscious activity. Look at people when they're dancing, though...they're not moving in time to your shredding. It's those big fat notes and drum beats that make hips shake. :)
 
rjenkins said:
Something to keep in mind is that people WATCH singers and lead guitarists. They FEEL bass. The appreciation for the rhythm section is a far more subconscious activity. Look at people when they're dancing, though...they're not moving in time to your shredding. It's those big fat notes and drum beats that make hips shake. :)
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:thu:
 
Someone with a good sense of Rhythm AND melody. Too many bassists don't have one or the other. Bass is a fusion of the melody of guitar with the rhythm of drums. If you lack either melody or rhythm, you're gonna suck at it.

Also, a small ego is absolutely requisite. Because you are gonna get mixed way, way down.
 
Kellanium said:
Someone with a good sense of Rhythm AND melody. Too many bassists don't have one or the other. Bass is a fusion of the melody of guitar with the rhythm of drums. If you lack either melody or rhythm, you're gonna suck at it.

Also, a small ego is absolutely requisite. Because you are gonna get mixed way, way down.
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Harmony is pretty important for a bassist, too. So, basically, you need to be a complete musician.
 
Flamencology said:
Harmony is pretty important for a bassist, too. So, basically, you need to be a complete musician.
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:facepalm: D'oh! I knew I forgot something. You are totally right.

I played classical bass for four and a half years, and it does require total musicianship. and like i said, an ego that isn't easily bruised, because no one will ever, ever appreciate you fully. It was always fun to speed up slowly and watch the rest of the orchestra follow along. :cheese:
 
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