Developing a Style... HOW!!!

mixmastermike · #1 05-09-2011, 02:13 PM

Been playing pretty steady for a year now. I'm looking to devolpe a style of my own (or not) and i'm seeking information on developing a style (or not) Is this something i even need to worry about? I also need some listening tips (artist/bands).

tww001 · #2 05-09-2011, 02:19 PM

In order to become creative (develop your own style), you have to "imitate, assimilate, and then innovate." Imitation might seem like a frustrating concept (or even the wrong concept) for someone trying to be creative, it is an essential part of learning.

Developing your own style is a very personal thing that takes years and years, and it's based on a number of things: what you listen to (what inspires you) and what you practice are two of the most important. There's been a whole lot written on the creative process.

I wouldn't necessarily worry about developing a specific style, as your tastes will change as you are exposed to new things (and learn new things). Get started by learning bass lines off of records you like, and go from there...

Best,
Tim

tangentmusic · #3 05-09-2011, 02:35 PM

I agree with tww001 above. The need to "imitate, assimilate then innovate" is how every player develops his or her own style.
Do you plan on playing covers? Try to copy them as close as possible at first, then "take liberties" with them to make them more "your own"
Do you plan on joining an originals band or project? Here's where the possibility of developing your own style can really come into play. Since you will not be copying anyone's bass part, but developing your very own. This can be a fun challenge.
Learn the song's basic structure. Incorporate a scale, riff or cool phrasing to support the tune. Try not to mirror the guitarist's part too much, but go off on your own a bit.
Learning some theory helps here. Continue to learn the fretboard. The sky's the limit!

MikeBass · #4 05-09-2011, 02:40 PM

A "style" isn't something that you for te most part are aware of.
Your "style" will just happen. One day you'll be like, yeah, that's "me".
It could be next year, or 10 from now.
Don't sweat have your own "style". You will.
Whether you like it or not!! LOL!!!

Stingray89 · #5 05-09-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tww001

In order to become creative (develop your own style), you have to "imitate, assimilate, and then innovate." Imitation might seem like a frustrating concept (or even the wrong concept) for someone trying to be creative, it is an essential part of learning.

Developing your own style is a very personal thing that takes years and years, and it's based on a number of things: what you listen to (what inspires you) and what you practice are two of the most important. There's been a whole lot written on the creative process.

I wouldn't necessarily worry about developing a specific style, as your tastes will change as you are exposed to new things (and learn new things). Get started by learning bass lines off of records you like, and go from there...

Best,
Tim

+1 I'm still trying to find my "style". I've played for 4 years now and I've only began to develop it. Just have patience, good things come to those that wait.

TheVoiceless · #6 05-09-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tww001

In order to become creative (develop your own style), you have to "imitate, assimilate, and then innovate." Imitation might seem like a frustrating concept (or even the wrong concept) for someone trying to be creative, it is an essential part of learning.

Developing your own style is a very personal thing that takes years and years, and it's based on a number of things: what you listen to (what inspires you) and what you practice are two of the most important. There's been a whole lot written on the creative process.

I wouldn't necessarily worry about developing a specific style, as your tastes will change as you are exposed to new things (and learn new things). Get started by learning bass lines off of records you like, and go from there...

Best,
Tim

^^^^ This!

Once you can replicate 2-3 styles you may be ready to create your own thing. So many parameters you can adjust from the bass you play, type of strings, heavy or soft touch, that its either by great design or something someone is born with.
And some people live and die by their own thing. Ever hear the story about Les Claypool auditioning for Metallica? For better or worse he did not get the gig. Not because he couldn't play the material, but his style is so distinct that he would have stuck out like a sore thumb.
And on the other hand names like Pino Pallidino and Chris Chaney come to mind when thinking of the swiss army knife players. I'm not an expert on either of them, so please correct me, but I think they became successful by being able to jump into any situation and fitting in sonically.
So keep in mind what your goals are when trying to mold your playing.

BigOldHarry · #7 05-09-2011, 03:02 PM

You have not been playing long enough to develop a style. The fact is, you don't know how to play yet. You may think you do, but after a year you do not.

Patience. It will come.

hennessybass · #8 05-09-2011, 03:05 PM

Ya. Not really something you even have to think about. Just work on playing bass, learning from the music and other bass players you love,,, and at some point all of your practice, playing, influences, and everything else will all meld together and you will have your style.

You probably wont even be aware of it... You'll just be playing your bass, and after the show some dude will come up to you and be like "dude,,, I love your style. You totally remind me of ____ !"

Don't think about it. It will come and you won't even know it.

atheos · #9 05-09-2011, 03:18 PM

Don't imitate anybody. Steal a few licks from your favorites and figure out how to combine them in a unique way. And never ask how something is done. Instead, try to figure it out by yourself.

Then again, I've played almost 12 years and I still don't think I have an "own style". And I don't mind. It doesn't matter to me. I just play for the sake of playing and I'm having a good time while doing so.

makanudo · #10 05-09-2011, 03:23 PM

Listen to everything, all styles, all shapes all colors, take it out through your filter and you will get it..

mixmastermike · #11 05-09-2011, 03:38 PM

Why am i not suprised that the answer to my delima is practice and patience. Seems to be the MO for this bass (and music in general) thing. Probably why it didn't work out for me as a teenager, had to grow up a little.

mat gregory · #12 05-10-2011, 06:31 AM

My advice is just to play what ever your into and enjoy yourself, learn songs you like and eventually the bits you like will filter through into your own playing.

Everybody starts with thier own style and they dont even know it and two bassists will never play something the same. Its takes years to develop a style and for me it's something which will never end as no musician should be standing still.

fearceol · #13 05-10-2011, 07:04 AM

I doubt if anyone knows exactly how their style developed. On the other hand, everyone can list their influences. IMO, your style comes from "borrowing" a little from the musicians that you like, and that influence you, then putting your own personal mark on this. It just evolves, without you realising it.

Phalex · #14 05-10-2011, 07:10 AM

I really don't think you can find your style. IME your style finds you.

HeadyVan Halen · #15 05-10-2011, 07:11 AM

"If you have to ask, you'll never know"
-RHCP

miltslackford · #16 05-10-2011, 07:15 AM

imho I think that to develop a style you need to really have a strong desire to create something new. it's good to learn other people's things, these can act as building blocks for your new creations.

I think the key is you break things down and reassemble them. In the reassembly you're acting your own creative spirit onto those units. If you learn to play just like James Jamerson this isn't creative. If you learn some James Jamerson and you decide what specifically you like about it and apply this to your own situation, this is creative. You are giving yourself a role in assembling the thing and by giving yourself that role you can't help but be unique.

Here is a good article about being an artist, which essentially what being a bass player with a unique style is

How to Steal Like an Artist (And 9 Things Nobody Ever Told Me) - Baltimore Museum | Examiner.com

Billnc · #17 05-10-2011, 07:40 AM

The guitarist David Gilmour apparently is an expert imitator yet has a distinct style. Unless you are completely enthralled by one player (i.e. Jaco clone, or in the guitar world Stevie Ray clone etc) I think developing your own style is inevitable.

NoiseNinja · #18 05-10-2011, 08:18 AM

Start playing in a band that writes it's own original music.

Phalex · #19 05-10-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoiseNinja

Start playing in a band that writes it's own original music.

I don't see how that relates to having a unique style of playing. A unique style of music perhaps, but a different player with a unique style would bring that style to the unique style of music I believe you are espousing...

Nevermind.

NoiseNinja · #20 05-10-2011, 08:37 AM

I'm simply saying being forced to make up your own original bass lines, might help you developing your own style of playing, as apposed to playing in a cover band or playing at home by your self.