traits of a mature musician

[thunderbolt]

I was thinking last night about how long it will take me to get where I want to be in terms of playing bass, and that opened up a whole new can of worms. I know that no one ever "masters" an instrument, no one is ever done learning, but what are characteristics of a seasoned "good" bass player in your eyes? When you think of a pro, just what is it that makes him or her a pro?

I'll start. The most noticeable thing is technique, so a real pro (hopefully me in a few years) would have flawless technique, no clank or fretbuzz, every note would be jamerson pure. A real musician would also be comfortable enough with music theory that they could jam by ear to a song they have never heard before. Just by listening to the song they could "pick up" on whats going on theory wise and add the appropriate notes. Lastly, I think a good bass player must have appropriate taste. No overplaying, but no underplaying either. A pro would know the perfect amount of groove to give to a song to make tasteful and memorable.

okay, so those are my hypothetical traits for the ideal bass player. What about yours?

[Burlington]

Only throwing up once before the gig.

[RexNFX79]

The lighter the amp, the longer I assume the dude's been playing.

[RTL]

Waits until the second set to get plastered.
Wouldn't DARE bring anything other than a Fender to a gig.
Makes sure both bass and amp are out of pawn before the gig.
Before the audition, will meet you at a predetermined location, buy you a burrito, then fight you ("Hey man... Ever heard of the Crinkles?").

[thunderbolt]

I'm not talking about maturity in terms of personality. I guess I should have picked a clearer adjective, but something tells me that the comedians are going to do their thing no matter what.

[RTL]

Originally Posted by thunderbolt

I'm not talking about maturity in terms of personality. I guess I should have picked a clearer adjective, but something tells me that the comedians are going to do their thing no matter what.

I don't see any comedians here.. Just bass players.

Seriously, though... You seem to have a pretty good grasp on what it means to be a professional - I doubt that anyone with half a brain would argue any of those points with you.

So, since you've pretty much taken all the good answers already , we might as well have fun while we learn!

[singlemalt]

male pattern hairloss, pot belly, birkenstocks with socks, stash of V.

[RTL]

Originally Posted by singlemalt

male pattern hairloss, pot belly, birkenstocks with socks, stash of V.

The same could be said for "mature" recording engineers.. Except every single one of them seems to be bald/balding with a pony tail.

(I apologize profusely for the derail... Seriously.)

[Yerf Dog]

Preparedness.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by Yerf Dog

Preparedness.

They bring the 40s in a backback, not a paper bag.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Yerf Dog

Preparedness.

The joints are pre-rolled.

[fearceol]

Not minding letting the guitarist(s) strut their stuff up front on the stage, while he and the drummer remain in the background....holding the whole shabang together.

[becker4567]

Starting the second set sober is the sign of a true professional! I have yet to achieve that level of professionalism, but I will never stop trying!

[jgroh]

Originally Posted by singlemalt

male pattern hairloss, pot belly, birkenstocks with socks, stash of V.

Whats "V"? Viagra? Vagina? Vicodin?

[bigfatbass]

Focus, taste, and chops, are supreme (in that order), but just as important to keeping a gig is never having a 'tude on a show or session, especially as a hired gun. Be happy for the work, be nice/cheerful to EVERYBODY, all the time. You are making music for a living, never forget the incredible gift that is.

Perfect case in point: local band here in Syracuse kicking ass at a nice venue. Drawing well, bar is happy, band is happy. Band starts acting like they are WAY more of a draw than the venue. Total BS because this place has ladders to get to top shelf, and draws a crowd on a monday simply by unlocking the doors. Sure the band was doing well for the house, as I said everybody WAS happy, at least until a few of the band guys started talking down to staff and whining about raises every other show. The long story short is, the owner retired and sold the biz to his 2 managers, and guess what? The same people the band was being crappy to, now owned the place. So long gig.

I guess to say it all in one sentence, to be a pro: know what the hell you are doing, and don't be a douchbag.

[smallbutmighty]

IMO, the differences between amateurs and a great bass players are akin to those between baseball players or golfers. There isn't a huge gap between them, but that gap is filled with a million subtle things that separate that people who make the big bucks from those who don't.

A good bass player:

1. Is professional in every way: punctuality, preparedness, attitude, etc.
2. Understands his role in the band, as a bridge between the rhythmic instruments and the harmonic instruments, and relishes that role.
3. Knows how to build a groove via a "give-and-take" with the drums.
4. Plays with his ears.
5. Knows how to leave little holes for the snare to pop through.
6. Knows how to use space.
7. Doesn't want to be the star.
8. Knows theory. Picks the right notes.
9. Thinks of the song as a whole.
10. Plays only Fender P Basses. Ever.

[T-MOST]

1. Playing fast does not mean you can play well.
2. Unless you are the featured artist your role is to "support" the song not your ego.

[bassbombs84]

IMO, the differences between amateurs and a great bass players are akin to those between baseball players or golfers. There isn't a huge gap between them, but that gap is filled with a million subtle things that separate that people who make the big bucks from those who don't.

A good bass player:

1. Is professional in every way: punctuality, preparedness, attitude, etc.
2. Understands his role in the band, as a bridge between the rhythmic instruments and the harmonic instruments, and relishes that role.
3. Knows how to build a groove via a "give-and-take" with the drums.
4. Plays with his ears.
5. Knows how to leave little holes for the snare to pop through.
6. Knows how to use space.
7. Doesn't want to be the star.
8. Knows theory. Picks the right notes.
9. Thinks of the song as a whole.
10. Plays only Fender P Basses. Ever.

+1

[bassandbeyond]

Not mentioned often enough: in-demand professionals have a large repertoire of songs memorized and can play them in any key at any time.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by RTL

I don't see any comedians here.. Just bass players.

I don't know 'bout that....my bass playing is pretty comical.

Riis