What makes a good bass player??

fink_91 · #1 03-20-2008, 08:26 PM

What do you think or what qualities do you think make a good bass player?

I think being able to make up good and catchy bass lines and runs is one thing that makes a good bass player.

TFunkadelic · #2 03-20-2008, 08:30 PM

I don't think it's either of those things.

Rickett Customs · #3 03-20-2008, 08:41 PM

The ability to read, (sheet music, that is) whether your rusty or not.

Working knowledge of music theory.

The ability to not have a huge-ass ego.

Know not just what to play, but also know when not to play (Not styles or genres, think tastefulness for this one).

Don't be an A-hole to other musicians, or others as well, people. (well this may be related outside of just bass players).

Knowing that the volume knob also turns to the left, not just the right.(Though someone needs to tell this to many guitarists I know).

But you get the idea, but If you don't, you have alot to learn

/Jason

Steve Keele · #4 03-20-2008, 08:43 PM

I've always thought about the 3 P's

PITCH - hitting the right note
POCKET - at the right time with ...
PASSION

But those are also what makes a good musician, no matter what their instrument.

CharlesHartman · #5 03-20-2008, 08:45 PM

Solid time.

"Good and catchy bass lines" can't be made without it.

Flashy runs or fills sound like *** if your meter is off.

MadMark5 · #6 03-20-2008, 08:45 PM

the ability to form a bond with a drummer, and the whole band.
knowing your place, when to step out and when to step back and hold it down.
the ability to find the kick drum and ride it out when someone train wrecks a song.
understanding and applying the statement "less is more"

in my opinion it's rare to see a great bass player, you feel and hear them.
you'll know in the first 5 seconds you hear them whether they can play or not.

StanFan · #7 03-20-2008, 09:48 PM

The same thing that makes most good musicians: taste.

MikeBass · #8 03-20-2008, 09:56 PM

Will Lee.............
Equal doses of chops, groove, musicianship (non-bass related), passion, taste.
Or Chuck Rainey!!!

Araillac · #9 03-20-2008, 10:00 PM

Bass face = good bassist. It signifies passion

LightGroove · #10 03-20-2008, 10:23 PM

A great question that can be read and comprehended a 1000 different ways.

From the analytical I would agree without a doubt that knowing theory and/or sheet music can do you wonders.

From the artsy fartsy side I say what good is theory and sheet music if you can't sense and feel your way around.

Without getting to "out there" I truly feel with playing bass or any instrument you have to tap into that "spectrum" of sound that most great musicians find there way to. It can't be quite described or even explained how to reach it..you just simply know when your there. From that point I think the creativity will start to flow and from there talent or what others may describe as being good. For me being good is just simply being a backdrop and jamming with some friends. For others being good may mean being the front man playing a bazillion notes and slapping til your fingers fall off.

driver800 · #11 03-20-2008, 10:30 PM

3 main things regardless of proficiency on the instrument:

1. Having good time.
2. Listening ...to what the other musicians are playing and to the music as a whole.
3. Playing what makes the song work.

Tslicebass · #12 03-20-2008, 10:30 PM

A good musician makes a good bass player

Captain_Arrrg · #13 03-20-2008, 10:40 PM

1) A complete knowledge of music theory and the ability to sight read. It doesn't matter if you can play complex songs with changing time signatures if you can't recognize said changes when written or even know what a fugue is.

2) Achieve non-"A-hole" self concept, while maintaining that those who can't read music can't possibly be a good bassist.

(Yeah I can read music, just can't stand pretension.)

santucci218 · #14 03-20-2008, 10:43 PM

i think being open to new ideas...

Bobbo 77" · #15 03-21-2008, 07:46 AM

Órale,
It's ALL about the GROOOOOVE! It's Groove!
Bobbo77'

Mr. Tree · #16 03-21-2008, 07:51 AM

I don't read music, or have much knowledge of theory... I certainly wish that I did.
However, I think practice is the key. Practice playing, listening, playing...I think
reaching a certain level of comfort with your instrument and the music you are playing
makes a good bass player.

steve66 · #17 03-21-2008, 07:52 AM

The ability to be open minded, play only enough to support the piece, and make the band sound like one unit.

gustavosal · #18 03-21-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMark5

the ability to form a bond with a drummer, and the whole band.
knowing your place, when to step out and when to step back and hold it down.
the ability to find the kick drum and ride it out when someone train wrecks a song.
understanding and applying the statement "less is more"

I couldn't agree more. I'd add the ability to listen to what's going on--I think great bassists and great drummers have the same ability to listen that is so important to great producers.

I work on my sight reading, but I don't see sight reading as key to being a great bass players--I'd guess that plenty of great players, bass and otherwise, don't sight read, or even work with a score.

tyggis · #19 03-21-2008, 10:48 AM

The ability to listen to the melody. To many bass players listen only to the drummer or them self.

BassBus · #20 03-21-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driver800

3 main things regardless of proficiency on the instrument:

1. Having good time.
2. Listening ...to what the other musicians are playing and to the music as a whole.
3. Playing what makes the song work.

You can be a master of theory, be able to play all the great chops or own all the best instruments but if you don't have these three things you have no hope of being a good musician of any sort.