Rock Bass Players

cubinicano · #1 01-23-2010, 03:21 PM

I sometimes hear alot of ppl bad mouth rock bass players. Why is that? I don't understand why.

Russell foulkes · #2 01-23-2010, 03:51 PM

because we're failed guitarists!

Greevus · #3 01-23-2010, 03:57 PM

ROCK is street man. I'm a metalhead for sure, and grew up on classic rock, punk rock, and then the NWOBHM, Thrash, etc. I would take rock styles over anything anyday. The only music that even comes close to the emotion and power is classical. And they don't use amps for god's sake. I'd like to see all these ego-trippers knocking rock grab their basses and play us some Billy Sheehan, Jack Bruce, Mel Schacher, Tim Bogert, Steve Harris, Geezer Butler, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, etc. I'm not a failed guitar player either. I can play. I prefer the bass. Something about the deep, booming slides and bends that I don't get from guitars.

jpfbass · #4 01-23-2010, 03:57 PM

Actually because it's really easy to play most rock bass lines. BTW, I'm not talking about any kind of metal, cause I know those basslines can get a little technical.
Anyway, so their are maybe three reasons why playing rock bass is relatively easy. First, they're usually not that fast and they can be played on one part of the fingerboard. Second, you don't have to understand any theory or anything like that in order to play rock. And third, it's the main reason why people think bass is easy, because usually this type of bass playing is easy. Why do think so many people can pick up bass and then a week later be playing their favorite rock songs?
And I've never heard anyone bad mouth rock bassists. Who are you talking about?

waleross · #5 01-23-2010, 04:50 PM

With rock bass its all about joining and being in a group. Part of the problem is there is little training needed to get a sound out of an electric bass. . but being able to play super loud (with a drummer) and control the sound isn't easy. I remember first time I was thrown to the "wolves" in a battle of the bands it was sink or swim. Now I'm just coming back to the elec. bass and for some reason I'm taking guitar lessons. Figure that, I'll most likely never play guitar live but for me as a bass player its important.