What is the definition of a good bassist

azbazz · #1 08-31-2010, 10:32 AM

What is the definition of a good bassist?

Raymeous · #2 08-31-2010, 12:04 PM

To me a good bassist like any other type of musician has the following skills/mindset in no particular order of importance:

1) Professionalism - Shows up on time and doesn't throw a temper tantrum when things don't go his/her way. Don't noodle between songs.
2) Knows how to play - This doesn't mean being a master at it; just have solid timing and a decent amount of music theory etc...
3) Knows their parts - Don't come to rehearsal without practicing your parts at home. Ensure gigs/rehearsals are as productive and smooth as possible.
4) Stage presence - Every genre has its "costume" but what I'm talking about is interacting with the audience. Don't stare at your feet all night.
5) Right gear for the job - Don't bring a 10w starter pack amp to the outdoor gig in front of 10,000 people. Obviously this is an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
6) Has a plan B - Back up instruments, extra strings, etc... Some sort of bag full of goodies for those "Murphy's law" moments
7) Band focus - Looks at the overall picture, not just whatever instrument they play. It's not a "look at me" showcase. It's a band playing songs.
8) Willing to do the work - Not only learning/practicing the material, but I'm also talking about doing the leg work, promoting, lugging gear, setting up gigs, etc...
9) Good attitude - Not a complete A-hole. Treat people well and you will go much farther in life. Leave your ego at the door and move on.
10) Keep it in your pants - Related to the above, leave your band members honeys alone. This is just wrong in any situation. In a band it's fatal (potentially literally)

There's a ton more but I figure 10 is a good start.

Oh yeah #11) Has fun!

pit7 · #3 08-31-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

What is the definition of a good bassist?

A good one does not necessarily sound good.
A good one's whole band sounds good.

azbazz · #4 08-31-2010, 01:07 PM

I hear people make comments at a bar where a band is playing, and they say he is a good bassist or he is not very good.

If the bassist is locked in with the drummer and playing a "little more" than root notes and has good tone, and is not distracting...is that person a good bassist or is that the average bassist?

Kipaste · #5 08-31-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azbazz

I hear people make comments at a bar where a band is playing, and they say he is a good bassist or he is not very good.

If the bassist is locked in with the drummer and playing a "little more" than root notes and has good tone, and is not distracting...is that person a good bassist or is that the average bassist?

I'd say it pretty much depends on the notes he plays and if they sound any good..

One Drop · #6 08-31-2010, 03:07 PM

A bassist who's good.

Next!

RBrownBass · #7 08-31-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azbazz

What is the definition of a good bassist?

Google "good musician" and you'll have your answer. If that doesn't work, use whatever criteria you'd use for, say, a pianist, tenor player or drummer.

Despite what you may eventually read in this thread, the definition doesn't change with the instrument OR the genre. Its just that a lot of famous people don't fit it.

Aaron_D · #8 08-31-2010, 03:19 PM

makes the music better.

zachoff · #9 08-31-2010, 03:28 PM

Someone who can play in the band (s)he's in.

Sartori · #10 08-31-2010, 06:17 PM

A good bassist is reliable, prepared, and above all, contributes to the band sounding good as a whole.

deesako · #11 08-31-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

1) Professionalism - Shows up on time and doesn't throw a temper tantrum when things don't go his/her way. Don't noodle between songs.
2) Knows how to play - This doesn't mean being a master at it; just have solid timing and a decent amount of music theory etc...
3) Knows their parts - Don't come to rehearsal without practicing your parts at home. Ensure gigs/rehearsals are as productive and smooth as possible.
4) Stage presence - Every genre has its "costume" but what I'm talking about is interacting with the audience. Don't stare at your feet all night.
5) Right gear for the job - Don't bring a 10w starter pack amp to the outdoor gig in front of 10,000 people. Obviously this is an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
6) Has a plan B - Back up instruments, extra strings, etc... Some sort of bag full of goodies for those "Murphy's law" moments
7) Band focus - Looks at the overall picture, not just whatever instrument they play. It's not a "look at me" showcase. It's a band playing songs.
8) Willing to do the work - Not only learning/practicing the material, but I'm also talking about doing the leg work, promoting, lugging gear, setting up gigs, etc...
9) Good attitude - Not a complete A-hole. Treat people well and you will go much farther in life. Leave your ego at the door and move on.
10) Keep it in your pants - Related to the above, leave your band members honeys alone. This is just wrong in any situation. In a band it's fatal (potentially literally)

About #4, what about the shoegazers, by definition they must stare at their shoes

AcidFripp · #12 08-31-2010, 07:28 PM

A good bassist must be humble, cool-headed, and always ready to help others. He (or she) must always be ready to help others to avoid violence, negativity, etc in certain situations. Besides that, a good bassist must also know when to get involved in something and when to step away. Generosity and willingness to help are good things, but the good bassist must know the limits. A fair amount of wisdom and knowledge are necessary.

Then, of course, comes timing. Gotta be on time. And rhythm/groove. Gotta keep the beat going. Knowledge of your instrument and of other instruments is also necessary. Wits and cunning are an absolute requirement as well. Technical skill isn't a necessity, although it is often helpful, except when it is abused for wanking purposes.

EatADeadGoat · #13 08-31-2010, 07:58 PM

In my opinion:
Ability to work with others. Oftentimes I'll play something that my guitarist friend can't keep up with. I'll tone down some of the rhythyms I make up, so he can keep up with me. It's great to have technical skill, but it does you no good if you can't compromise with others. Some people I know are amazing - but no one will play with them. Teamwork.

Be an oddball. That's just personal preference.

Like others have said, professionalism. Show up on time, practice. All that good stuff.

Help out with the band. Don't let the drummer book all of the shows. (I've noticed they're the ones stuck with that role) Help the lyricist with the lyrics, proofread, ect. More team player aspects here.

Interact with the crowd in a way that works for them. What works in a heavy metal haven may not work at most weddings, for example.

KNOW YOUR GEAR and TAKE CARE OF IT.

And most importantly.......have fun.

spaz21387 · #14 08-31-2010, 08:02 PM

according to a guitarist a good bassist is inaudible...

SactoBass · #15 08-31-2010, 08:11 PM

IMO, the definition of a good bassist is someone who plays what the song calls for. Paul McCartney is a great example of this. He didn't try to overplay or underplay. He played what was appropriate for the song so that the entire song sounded better.

JimmyKickButt · #16 08-31-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymeous

To me a good bassist like any other type of musician has the following skills/mindset in no particular order of importance:

1) Professionalism - Shows up on time and doesn't throw a temper tantrum when things don't go his/her way. Don't noodle between songs.
2) Knows how to play - This doesn't mean being a master at it; just have solid timing and a decent amount of music theory etc...
3) Knows their parts - Don't come to rehearsal without practicing your parts at home. Ensure gigs/rehearsals are as productive and smooth as possible.
4) Stage presence - Every genre has its "costume" but what I'm talking about is interacting with the audience. Don't stare at your feet all night.
5) Right gear for the job - Don't bring a 10w starter pack amp to the outdoor gig in front of 10,000 people. Obviously this is an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
6) Has a plan B - Back up instruments, extra strings, etc... Some sort of bag full of goodies for those "Murphy's law" moments
7) Band focus - Looks at the overall picture, not just whatever instrument they play. It's not a "look at me" showcase. It's a band playing songs.
8) Willing to do the work - Not only learning/practicing the material, but I'm also talking about doing the leg work, promoting, lugging gear, setting up gigs, etc...
9) Good attitude - Not a complete A-hole. Treat people well and you will go much farther in life. Leave your ego at the door and move on.
10) Keep it in your pants - Related to the above, leave your band members honeys alone. This is just wrong in any situation. In a band it's fatal (potentially literally)

There's a ton more but I figure 10 is a good start.

Oh yeah #11) Has fun!

Note on #6: TOOLS!!! Especially if you're touring, bring everything you'd need to "rebuild" your instrument, which isn't that much. I've been surprised how many touring bands I seen come through our town who didn't have the proper equipment to fix their instruments. Not only will you help yourself in a pinch, you'll be the hero of everyone who didn't think of bringing there own (tools). In addition, I would add a #12 related to #6: be able to fix your stuff! I don't expect you to be able to refret your guitar on the road, but at least know how do things like setting intonation and soldering.

I'm going to so far as to make an "essentials" list:
1. #1 & #2 philips head screw drivers (flat head or jewlers size for some)
2. Wire cutters, needle nosed pliers, and a pair of vise grips
3. whatever you need for truss rod adjusments
4. soldering iron and solder
5. 1/4" socket set (1/4"-9/16") with ratchet
6. small adjustable wrench
7. Multimeter

If I'm missing an essential, list it! There is no more than $75 (guestiment) worth of tools listed here, I'm talking new at sears. you could prob scrounge this up for under $20 at second-hand stores. Lets be prepared guys

Fun Size Nick · #17 08-31-2010, 08:30 PM

Ears like Prince Charles!

JimmyM · #18 08-31-2010, 10:08 PM

reading some of these replies, i don't know if we're talking about bassists or eagle scouts

what defines a good bass player? the people in the audience, and the people you work with. if the people you work with think you're good, and the audience reacts positively to what you do, you're good.

JimmyKickButt · #19 08-31-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

reading some of these replies, i don't know if we're talking about bassists or eagle scouts

what defines a good bass player? the people in the audience, and the people you work with. if the people you work with think you're good, and the audience reacts positively to what you do, you're good.

JimmyM = KISS theory. +1

azbazz · #20 08-31-2010, 10:40 PM

Like a lot of musicians, I am insecure at times. I hear people say I am a good bass player, but I wonder if they are just saying that. Some nights I kill it and other nights I am so so, in my after playing personal evaluation...the other stuff of being prepared, having the right equipment and back up equipment, being on time, staying in my sonic space, team player...I do those things...just insecurity I guess.