What kind of bassist are you?

[gumbynotpokey]

Guitarists often break themselves down into "rhythm" or "lead". Some are both and do both well. Some people don't break guitar down this way and are surprised when a player can't/doesn't do both.

So, what kind of bassist are you? I thought it would be interesting to see what people have to say about this as it applies to BASS. (Rhythm bass? Lead bass? I'm somewhat teasing, but you see the point).

Some bassists play the root/fundmental in the pocket and stay right there. Others arpeggiate every time they can. Some play a counter-melody and weave lines accordingly. Of course, some would say they play what the song requires and don't make distinctions - they can and do it all.

So, what kind of bassist are you and why? Where is your playing heading?

[MooseLumps]

It's gotta serve the music... It's not a platform to show off. Call me a support bassist.

[Luke S Mouse]

Originally Posted by MooseLumps

It's gotta serve the music... It's not a platform to show off. Call me a support bassist.

+1

[fjadams]

Rhythm, otherwise I'm reminded of this:

Emperor Joseph II: My dear young man, don't take it too hard. Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect.

From the movie Amadeus.

[Ric5]

I play several different ways ...

I like to drive a song with 8th notes. http://www.3dentourage.com/425/s-4son.mp3

I like to also play off of the vocals. http://www.3dentourage.com/425/away.mp3

Sometimes I like to play behind the beat. http://www.3dentourage.com/425/awhile.mp3

[acedabone]

I'm still discovering this amazing instrument called, Bass. So, I try to do a little of everything. With that... I would call myself a "Wannbe Bass God"! LOL. In other words... I'm a student of the game!

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by gumbynotpokey

Some play a counter-melody and weave lines accordingly.

I reckon you could say "bingo"! The way I see it, bass exists at the lowest common denominator between all three fundamental aspects of music: melody, harmony & rhythm. As a bassist, this grants me fair claim to stretch out somewhat in any of those three directions - as long as I 1) do it tastefully, and 2) continue to serve the core purpose of the bass: providing the bottom end. I like to be able to contribute as much as I'm able - without adhering to arbitrary, traditional limitations and boundaries.

For the kind of music I like to play, this approach does serve the music. And it's not showing off - not any more than any of the other instruments at any rate (not that there's anything wrong with showing off). It's called pushing the envelope. And it's as fair and legitimate an approach to take as any other - and even better than some...

MM

P.S. To the OP: Strictly speaking, this topic isn't an issue of "technique" - which is technical in nature. This topic is concerned with playing style - which is artistic in nature. They're not interchangeable concepts. Just FYI...

[JonahTheAmazing]

I sit alone in my basement and jam.

Solo career!

[behndy]

a bad one?

[NKUSigEp]

A sloppy one. I use a lot of fuzz to cover up mistakes and play more like a bad lead guitar...most bands hate me.

[etoncrow]

Began playing drums first in 1960; therefore, it's all about the groove...

[SactoBass]

Originally Posted by gumbynotpokey

So, what kind of bassist are you?

It changes depending on what the music calls for. For example, I play with a pick and use lots of attack when playing certain songs by Yes. I use fingerstyle with lots of attack when playing Rush. When I play James Taylor, I usually use fingerstyle with a softer attack. When I play songs by Behemoth, I use lots of speed and spin my hair around in circles in sync with the other band members.

[IncX]

i wanted to be a counter melody or lead bassist... but my current musical abiities say that i am better being a support bassist and letting others take the lead.

[I<34080]

depends on the song. I prefer to keep myself busy, but I can play straight eighths like nobodies business.

[AmadeusXeno]

I like doing a lot of fills and I guess you could say lead stuff too. If a songs sounds better just staying in the pocket though then thats what I do. I have done some bass solos durring gigs but that was encouraged by the band I was in. Hadn't done a solo before that band but it was a fun experience and helped push me to learning new things on my bass.

[Duckwater]

I switch between the extremes of both rhythm and lead, I like to be a big part of the music.

[GypsyMan]

Originally Posted by fjadams

Rhythm, otherwise I'm reminded of this:

Emperor Joseph II: My dear young man, don't take it too hard. Your work is ingenious. It's quality work. And there are simply too many notes, that's all. Just cut a few and it will be perfect.

From the movie Amadeus.

LOVED that movie! I had it on my IPOD, will have to reload!

Oh, to answer the OP,

I try to stay in the pocket, I really do, wouldn't a scale fit in here? I'm getting out of tempo I'd better play a chord(Triad)

[lbanks]

I would say I'm an impish bassist, prone to magical trickery.

[skwee]

Ready to serve the tune. That is all.

[makkE]

I don't try to step on anyone's toes. More often than not I will simplify an initial idea.
I always look at it and try to boil it down to it's essence - finding just the right amount neccesary.
When our band got a second guitarrist, I had no problem cutting back some parts to make space.

So I guess I am more of a supportive player. I like to make people dance, rather than playing spectacular.

If someone said "AC/DC tribute band?" I would take it as a challenge to make these simple root lines rock as hard as possible. Wouldn't be boring at all for me.

With my cover band for example, playing "Gloria" is always fun for me, 3 notes to play, but an infinite world of groove/feel and dynamic play to put in, while playing the line as original as possible (as it's what I am asked to do).