Can I call myself a "bassist"?

[Demonator]

Ok. I have been playing guitar for about three years (since the end of Freshman year) and I still play, I have been playing bass since my Sophmore year. Im now a Senior but its only really been about a year and a half almost two years. Anyway can I call myself a bassist? This really bugs me. Because people may say Im not because I play both.
What do you guys think?
Thank you for your input.

[Stereo Joe]

There is an international standard set by the Musician's Union Conglomerate to help regulate usage of terms like 'bassist'. In order to legitimately call yourself a 'bassist', you must bass the three-tier certification process as outlined in the 'Charter for Musician Nomenclature' (Revision 7). I suggest you book your initial audition as soon as possible because the certification process is taking exponentially longer due to a backlog of requests generated by the 'Guitar Hero' industry.

Good luck!

[Kuchar]

That sounds insanely legitimate.

[Kevinmach]

If you're committed to learning the instrument, both now and in the future, you're a bassist, IMO. Just because you started on something else or play various instruments-which actually makes you more well rounded musician- does not take away from your passion for the bass.

Lots of TBers play other instruments and the bass was not always the first thing they learned to play. Worry less about labels and focus more on what you enjoy.

[Demonator]

I do not normaly worry about labels but when people say "oh hes a guitarist that can play bass" I dont know what to say to that. I say I play both but they say but your a guitarist.

[lowend219]

Originally Posted by Kevinmach

. Worry less about labels and focus more on what you enjoy.

+1, but if you're in a labeling mood:

IMHO the main difference between true bassists and "guitarists who play bass" has everything to do with how you view the instrument. Most important in my mind is the idea of "the pocket" if you create a good pocket with your drummer I'd call you a bassist. If you just sort of follow along with the guitars, put your head down and play root notes, then you're more of a guitarist playing bass. Again, IMO.

[WyrdoBass]

If you play bass, then you are a bassist.

[MonkeyBass]

Originally Posted by Stereo Joe

There is an international standard set by the Musician's Union Conglomerate to help regulate usage of terms like 'bassist'. In order to legitimately call yourself a 'bassist', you must bass the three-tier certification process as outlined in the 'Charter for Musician Nomenclature' (Revision 7). I suggest you book your initial audition as soon as possible because the certification process is taking exponentially longer due to a backlog of requests generated by the 'Guitar Hero' industry.

Good luck!

HAHAHAHA... I wish that were true sometimes!

[Armbruster]

I started standup jazz when I was nine, then moved to electric when I was eleven. I'll bassist until I die. I also think that if you love your bass and the music she can make, you're purebred bassist.

[Gougedeye]

lol that was funny...nice one.

[Demonator]

I love my bass. I love what she sings when I play her. I honestly play more bass than guitar nowadays being that its more fun and relaxed.

[Tropic]

Originally Posted by Stereo Joe

There is an international standard set by the Musician's Union Conglomerate to help regulate usage of terms like 'bassist'. In order to legitimately call yourself a 'bassist', you must bass the three-tier certification process as outlined in the 'Charter for Musician Nomenclature' (Revision 7). I suggest you book your initial audition as soon as possible because the certification process is taking exponentially longer due to a backlog of requests generated by the 'Guitar Hero' industry.

Good luck!

There go my hopes and dreams

[Mikio]

It's up to you.

[Mike Shevlin]

Even if you decide not to call yourself a bassist, other people will~ you might as well go along with it.

[vindy500]

no, if you have to ask youre not.

[AuMello]

Originally Posted by Demonator

I love my bass. I love what she sings when I play her. I honestly play more bass than guitar nowadays being that its more fun and relaxed.

I think that pretty much seals the deal.

[Sartori]

Is it the instrument you play primarily now? Then yes, you are.

I play guitar as well as bass, but because I started on bass and only picked up the guitar a little later and have never viewed it as my primary instrument, I've never called myself a guitarist.

[bassclef216]

I would say that you are a "musician." a lot of musicians play multiple instruments. Drumnmers play piano, violinists play flute, pianists play guitar. Lots of musicians have a primary instrument that they focus on and augment their knowledge of music by learning and playing other instruments. Doing this usually makes them better at whatever they do because they learn that each instrument is important and contributes its own voice to the song. I meet lots of musicians who play guitar in one band, bass in another, and drums in a third. then again some musicians learn and play only one instrument. In my opinion these types tend to believe that their instrument is the most important in the band and don't respect the other members and their talents causing a lot of stress and turmoil within the band. As was said above, don't get caugfht up with labels. We are multidimensional beings. We can be a son, brother, husband, father, sinner, and saint all at the ame time. Play what you want, and enjoy every minute of it.

[Demonator]

Thank you guys. This helps a great deal. Bass is the instrument for me. Its so relaxing. and fun.

[J. Crawford]

When you sell your last guitar to fund a bass, come back and ask.