im getting mixed responces about this.. is it wrong to play a guitar part on bass if you dont want to be standing there looking like a tool playing open E or something?

Depends on the song. Lots of metal has the bass playing the guitar part. But then again, there are plenty of songs where that would just sound bad. Try to come up with something entirely different.

How about holding down the "E", while playing diatonic countermelodies up higher? ...or harmonics.

If open E is called for...

Just because your part seems boring to you doesn't mean the whole group sounds boring.

Nothing's wrong if it sounds good and doesn't kill anyone ;)

No.

Rule#1:

There are NO rules.

Rule#2:

See above.

I love standing there playing open E and looking like a tool. I try very hard not to step on my guitar player in any way shape or form. If he's doing a guitar thing, I'm doing a bass thing.

But like the man said, it all depends on what's going on at the time.

If you're bored, try throwing a couple octaves and fifths in there. Nobody will notice either way. :D

Seriously, "looking like a tool"? Nobody's looking at the bass player, you're being paranoid.

Try playing that open E as perfectly and evenly as you can, keeping in perfect sync with the drummer, and maybe try some staccato notes, some ghost notes, some harmonics.

If you're bored you'll sound boring.

Seriously, "looking like a tool"? Nobody's looking at the bass player, you're being paranoid.


Except for other bass players. :D But hey, there's nothing wrong with wailing away at an open E; as long as it's right for the song and you're locked in it's smooth sailing.

that thread title gave me a coranary.....

You could do what I do in one of my band's songs during a section where I only play the open E: Walk around and give folks high fives with your left hand! :)

At least until the song livens up again.

My guitar player and myself used to chug a bottle of beer during one of those moments. That was good theater!! I'll have to try and resurrect that bit!!

No.

Rule#1:

There are NO rules.

Rule#2:

See above.


Rule #3

When in doubt, re-read that post.

If the part of the song calls for, of course you can play a guitar part on your bass, especially if there's only one guitar player in your band.

Concerning the open E, it's how you groove it. You can sound great playing only one note if you groove it right. It's about which part of the measure you let the note ring, and which part of the measure you put in the silent note. The drum pattern will dictate as to how you would groove it.

Hmmmm.... no matter what they're playing (even rests), I feel like the only people that really look 'toolesque' are the ones who are worried how they look.

Rule #3

When in doubt, re-read that post.

Rule #4

bassists must have a computer for the Open E moments so that they can go onto Talkbass and tell people about their Open E experience.

Just ask yourself, WWMAD (what would Michael Anthony do)?

Would he play a guitar part? Hell no! He'd take a long, left-handed swig off a bottle of Jack!

im getting mixed responces about this.. is it wrong to play a guitar part on bass if you dont want to be standing there looking like a tool playing open E or something?

My answer: Yes.

You're playing bass, not guitar. If you want to play guitar parts, switch to guitar.

If you want to play bass, learn the role and hold down the groove. When that means playing a line on the open E or any combination of open strings, enjoy it.

One of the biggest insults you could hear is: "You play bass like a guitar player".

I agree. Unless the song really calls for playing with the guitar most of the time, don't do it. Usually I make up a counter melody, even if it takes me a couple of days to create what i want. Listen to rush to see what I mean. Also, what type of music do you play?

You can't make blanket statements. There are some songs you can go off on your own thing, and there are some songs that would sound horrible if you didn't pound the root of the guitar riff. If you can do something better, do it. But if you need to pound the root, man up and do it.

you could buy a 5 string and play the E on the 5th fret if you are worried about how you look.

It's not what you play---it's how you play it.

Did'ja ever meet one of those bassists who can play every Jaco lick, but couldn't hold a groove to save their life. They are pretty much useless in a band situation.

However, if the song calls for a busier line, then go for it---but, don't force it. It's not about whether you look like a tool or not--it's all about providing support, time, groove etc.