Is there a traditional style for bass we should all play?

BassOverdrive · #1 08-12-2008, 12:37 PM

Ive read alot about people bassists bashing other bassists for their style of play. In alot of alternative theres the running rhythms where it kinda just repeats. Metal, runs with the the bass drum or with the rhythm guitar. All kinds with us always in the low end. However Stuff like Tools Schism he kind of played on the higher parts. Im just wondering, is it so wrong for bassists to go out of character and play lead and more than the low end. When I began playing bass, everything was on the E and A. I play a 6 string now because I love running all over on my bass an open B to the 24th fret of my C. In Cliff Burtons Anesthesia he played all kinds of things on distortion. BIlly Sheehans lead like bass is looked down on by some people to, is it that bad to play something a little non traditional? Whats your opinions ( I play both Traditional and non traditional personally)

kebbs · #2 08-12-2008, 12:53 PM

I play whatever the particular song calls for. If I am playing country (I did that for few months), it would be highly inappropriate/out of place to play chords on my 22nd fret, no matter how cool it sounds. If I am playing prog/jazzy stuff, I might go for it. But overall, I want to make sure that whatever I do is approved by the band members, especially the main songwriter if there's one.

Finally, I don't think that bassist should not play lead. Says who? As long as it is appropriate and tasteful. But remember that playing the low notes is still the main responsibility of the bassist, in a traditional sense at least.

My two (insert currency).

BassOverdrive · #3 08-12-2008, 01:15 PM

like wise, i just find it odd how other people bash em for their style sometimes. Just gathering lots of opinions around haha,

wazzel · #4 08-12-2008, 01:26 PM

Play what is appropriate for the style you are playing.

Coeball · #5 08-12-2008, 01:31 PM

Play what you want to play, unless someone tells you they want something different.

Gregah · #6 08-12-2008, 03:14 PM

Just play what fits into the music you're playing, remember you're probably in a band and therefore, you all should complement eachother and become one.

The Who had their lead instrument in the bass of John Entwistle, so I dont really see it as a problem not to play lead (but like I mentioned earlier, a band is a band and everyone needs everyone to make it sound good.)

BillyRay · #7 08-13-2008, 10:55 PM

Playing in the pocket is very important. If you can manage to find the pocket while playing a counter to the guitar or vox, all the better. A good example of this style of playing is not Entwistle, it's actually McCartney (or Jamerson). Entwistle basically filled the guitar spot since there was only one guitar and it was usually playing chords, meaning that the melodic work was either done by the bass or the drums (Moon played a lot of ditties that are hummable or singable).

I used to noodle a lot thinking I was doing "melody" work in a funk/groovy setting (where a guitar was already playing riffs). This usually doesn't work because you have to think in terms of space available before letting it go. Some tunes have an openess to them that makes the bass runs a necessity for a busy driving sound (The Seeker for example). Others are more structured or guitar/vox should be the focal point so less is more (Help from the Beatles). This doesn't mean you can't be inventive. The most satisfying lines, IMHO, are not those on wich you go crazy. It's when you drive it steadily and add on passing tones to make it smooth and fat.

PilbaraBass · #8 08-14-2008, 08:48 PM

follow these 4 basic steps:

1) Find what you can do…do it well…
2) Try something new…learn it well…
3) Incorporate new technique into old technique(s)
4) Repeat at step 2…

GreenFunkGuy · #9 08-17-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coeball

Play what you want to play, unless someone tells you they want something different.

+1

You're playing to make music and have a good time. So play what makes you feel good, if you're playing someone elses song play what makes it sound good or better.
To answer differently, theres no right or standard way to play, only different techniques.

E2daGGurl · #10 08-18-2008, 12:34 AM

No, there's no one style we should all play.

And I think there's enough of us to play any style. Personally, I want to play well and I want to like what I play.

Being on this board has stretched my imagination about style and I believe, more than ever, that everyone should explore and do what they love.