Driving bass

[Leftybass12]

Not too long ago I was told by a fellow guitar player, while jamming, to "Drive that bass!" (Said in a friendly way though). My drummer and I were talking about this and she told me that I could in essence, "drive that bass." She had also told me that it's been something that she's been working on with the drums too. From a drummers point of view, she told me, to keep this short, was to play more confidently among a few other things, that I cannot remember. I do feel that it has to deal with playing more confidently and being able to listen to the other musicians while playing, but that's really all I have right now. So, to fellow bassists out there, what is your take on have a more driving bass?

[renobassman]

I think of driving bass as playing a straight rhythm (like straight quarters or eighths) and playing on top of the beat or even pushing the beat ahead a little bit. That's just me, it could easily mean different things to different people.

[Russell L]

Like Sharp Dressed Man.

[MalcolmAmos]

Root on 1 five on 3.

Play Chord tones and lead into the next chord with chromatic or diatonic runs. I prefer chromatic runs.

Keep it simple and you and the drummer stay together.

Of course IMHO.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by renobassman

I think of driving bass as playing a straight rhythm (like straight quarters or eighths) and playing on top of the beat or even pushing the beat ahead a little bit.

I agree with you...with confidence, too.

[LouisV]

Maintaining a sense of "forward motion;" yes, pushing the beat, being just a little ahead of the beat, as Renobassman wrote.

[LowDownSirius]

Originally Posted by JimK

I agree with you...with confidence, too.

And without changing the tempo. Listen to Radar Love by Golden Earing, White Wedding by Billy Idle and the previously mentioned ZZ Top

[Mesa]

Confidence is key! Really commit to the notes. Attack them. Own them. You can also try holding your notes a bit longer to fill out the sound.

[mambo4]

"driving" is not a musically specific term and definitions will vary.
I would ask the people who request more "driving" bass to clarify what they mean or sing me an example.

[IPA]

Originally Posted by renobassman

I think of driving bass as playing a straight rhythm (like straight quarters or eighths) and playing on top of the beat or even pushing the beat ahead a little bit. That's just me, it could easily mean different things to different people.

Yes, this. Play it fast and hard. Play it like you mean it!