Is "soloing" an essential learning tool?

[jasontan10]

I am guessing there is a lot of definitions for "soloing," so I am going to define it, for the purpose of this thread, as a melodic lead in a musical piece (for example, lead guitars in rock songs). Also, when I say playing bass, I am referring to the bassist's role as the foundation (rhythm and groove) of the band.

So used in this context, is learning how to "solo" an essential in learning bass?

I do not really have a personal stand on this yet, but this is what I am thinking right now. The bassists main role is to play bass, meaning, to play the rhythm and set the groove as a foundation for every other instrument to work on. However, I only really appreciated the groove, working with the drummer, and the choices of chords and notes to play in a given chord when I started experimenting with playing "solo" bass. I can't decide whether this is just a coincidence, or it is not a general method of instruction, or it is just a good way to really get a good grasp of what it means to play bass. Also, I just really like bass guitar as a "solo" instrument.

What do you guys think?

[Epitaph04]

Bassists never play solos ever. One must limit him/herself to playing root notes only.

[lunarpollen]

There are different types of soloing. Learning basic old-school solo technique can help you in writing more interesting parts, coming up with fills and embellishments, etc.

[bluesdogblues]

it depends on the (genre or type) of music you play. In improvisation music like 'Jazz' or maybe 'Progressive Rock' or whatever, sometimes soloing on bass is needed.

IME that's less than 10% of what I do on bass, but still never hurts to learn some solos (in context of song structure; chord, melody, beat etc.), not just from bass, but also from other instruments like sax, trumpet etc. It's fun too.

[Dusty89]

The most important part is being able to support the groove. Your on the right tract. If someone wants to bask in the solo spotlight then the bass is probably not for them. Many bassist have made successful careers without having to solo at all. In that sense, soloing is not a necessity, but is still a useful tool that can elevate other aspects of your playing.

The only person, that comes to mind, that could solo and keep a tight foundation at the same time was Jaco. Listen to the last minute and a half of opus pocus and you'll see what i mean. However, there have been many others besides him.

Hitting the beat is the most important thing. Soloing is born from one's ability to understand the basic rhythmic context of music.

[Slax]

I think learning to solo will help you be a better overall musician, regardless of instrument chosen.

[bassybill]

I used to be guilty of letting the groove/feel of a tune disappear when I took a solo to show what I could do, and then wondered why my solos sounded like ass. Now, when I get a solo I make it my number one priority to keep the groove going at all costs, mainly by continuing to pay attention to and really emphaisise the accents and rhythmic pulse of the tune, and then I build my solo around that.

But to answer the question...

In many genres, a bassist rarely gets to solo and for those gigs it's not really "essential" to be able to do so, but it can be fun. I used to hate having to do it, but now I quite enjoy taking the occasional solo for the reasons outlined above.

[Jools4001]

I prefer to take the techniques that you might need to create a decent solo and use them to create interesting bass fills and sub hooks. Not too much, otherwise it's easy to over play. The only 'name' bassist that I can think of, on the spur of the moment as an example is the sort of thing that Pino Palladino does. Of course I try to use my own ideas rather than anybody elses, but basslines that would stand up as solo ideas yet still support the groove and the song are what I enjoy most.

[JimmyM]

knowing how to solo makes you a better all around bass player, even if you never solo on a gig.

[MalcolmAmos]

I'm not given lead breaks, the electric guitar handles this. Nothing keeping me from playing a tune at home. Helps with sight reading.

To answer your question - Not going to hurt anything, however I do not solo on gigs.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Solo's aren't a necessity to learning bass. But, a well placed and tasteful solo can set you out as a good bassist as opposed to just a bass player. Yes, the bass must hold the rythm and glue the rest of the band together to form the song.

As with anything, solo's can be abused. Too much can ruin a good groove. A weak attempt can also ruin the groove. I look at a solo the same way samples are viewed in music. They must be used in moderation and within the tempo of the song.

Even when soloing, I feel the bassist should still hit root notes and keep the rythm and groove. I personally feel you have to be a good bassist in respects to holding the rythm and groove before you start attempting solos. You have to be rock solid in the fundementals of basic bass roles in music before practicing solos or you will set yourself up for failure by throwing the groove off and trainwrecking the song.

[Russell L]

I guess it can be a learning tool. About 70 years ago, though, a bass solo was unheard of for the most part. I get one now and then and enjoy doing it, although I'm not that good at it.

[Robotsatemygma]

I think you're limiting yourself if you approach the instrument as only a rhythmic device. Others may bash my head in for that but, whatever. It's my opinion.

The bass can do things other instruments can and can't do. Wanna do some pretty chording, go beyond the 12th fret. Wanna lay down some hot grinding funk lines? Whip it out whitey! OR be lame by playing root 5th lines. You, as a bassist, can do whatever you like. Rhythm, melody, simplicity or complexity, all these are at your disposal. Most guitards approach solos like Van Halen, and wank away till it becomes retarded. These guys won't go anywhere.

It may only have 4-6 strings, but it is still a very unique and diverse instrument. It's our main instrument of choice, find your voice and go with it.

[anonymous122511]

If you can play melodically you can solo.
You need to be able to play melodically to play good bass lines.

[dannylectro]

Originally Posted by jasontan10

So used in this context, is learning how to "solo" an essential in learning bass?

No.

[hearnow]

I say, it is important, in that it's about purposefully manifesting an impulse.
A solo isn't a bunch of senseless noodling, it's you making a sound that you are feeling in that moment. So i mean, if you have a loop behind you and you just start going at it, you'll be connecting your intent and your output.
I'm in a Greatful Dead Tribute, and a contemporary prog/jam/alt/fusion project (yeesh right? lol) and I never take a "solo" but I'm doing what a solo is within the confines of the groove and key. Also soloing is how i learned alot of theory, you learn which patterns sound good, and how to move around the fingerboard faster
just my .02

best of luck!

[EricssonB]

Venturing from what's comfortable is what enables you to learn. Learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to fail - just learn from it.

Originally Posted by bluesdogblues

it depends on the (genre or type) of music you play. In improvisation music like 'Jazz' or maybe 'Progressive Rock' or whatever, sometimes soloing on bass is needed.

...soloing can be appropriate when done in context. In my album writing, bass solos will usually show up as part of a breakdown, or as a counter-melody when the guitar tracks carry on the main rhythm/progression. I haven't provided an appropriate (IMO) section for a classic "solo" on the bass.

*next on the list of writing ideas: bass solo!*

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Robotsatemygma

I think you're limiting yourself if you approach the instrument as only a rhythmic device. Others may bash my head in for that but, whatever. It's my opinion.

i hate bass players who think the bass should only play simple stuff and never ever be noticed. they always give themselves away by mentioning jamerson as an influence, though. jamerson was all over the bass and often overplayed, yet these guys all hold him up as a bastion of simplicity. the trick was, though, when jamerson overplayed it sounded good. that doesn't always happen with us mere mortals. so when you're as smart as jamerson was about bass, you back down on the songs where it's not appropriate to rip.

but when you can rip and it sounds good, hey, rip. and that's why it's important to know how to solo imho. not so you can solo all night, but just because it really helps you understand what makes (and what doesn't make) a good bassline, and it gives you the skills to be more creative.

[jallenbass]

The more I work on soloing the better my bass lines get. I'm mostly a 1/4 note jazz player. It gets me so that I'm not so rootbound. Just be careful with the application of such knowledge.

[trevcda]

Never been a lead bassist. I'm all about the groove, which I don't limit to the first five frets of the first two strings, but never been one to kick the band out of pocket so I can solo. Ask me and I'll tell you that nine times out of ten. About one of ten times I'll be honest and tell that more than any other reason it's simpy because I don't know how. It's way out of my confort zone. Sure, I've got a string of licks I can play in any key, purely as a defense mechanism when I happen to be playing with unknown people who, think they're doing me a huge favor, point at me and break down to a bass solo. Rather than standing there like a deer in headlights, I decided it was time to learn something that would work. Is it soloing? I dunno.. Maybe if you've never seen it before it might be okay. Maybe even impressive! Three times, however, and you'll be asking yourself, "doesn't that guy know any other licks?!!". The point is, yes, learn to solo. And while your at it learn to do it in several different musical styles. It's a great skill to have in your arsenal, just like being able to sing harmonies. I've gotten many a gig over much better players because I could also sing.