Why all the Duff bashing?

[Shaun_Bass0]

Seriously, I see so much bad stuff on here about him, I just wanted to know why so many of you have something against the man?

[jsingles]

i have nothing against him, i merely have nothing in his favor either... I wouldn't "bash" him but I also would never say I am impressed or inspired by his mediocrity (completely my opinion, I couldn't care less if other people love him, power to those who do...) we all know a pro famous player we dont care much about. Duff would be a good example of such a person for me.

[superfunk47]

He isn't flashy or fast. A lot of people seem to think that somehow makes him a less impressive player. Personally, I think he does exactly what the music he's playing calls for, which, to me, is the definition of a good bassist.

[AlembicPlayer]

Originally Posted by jsingles

i have nothing against him, i merely have nothing in his favor either... I wouldn't "bash" him but I also would never say I am impressed or inspired by his mediocrity (completely my opinion, I couldn't care less if other people love him, power to those who do...) we all know a pro famous player we dont care much about. Duff would be a good example of such a person for me.

+1

[jsingles]

Originally Posted by superfunk47

He isn't flashy or fast. A lot of people seem to think that somehow makes him a less impressive player. Personally, I think he does exactly what the music he's playing calls for, which, to me, is the definition of a good bassist.

i agree 100%

he gets the job done. which is why I would never bash him or say hes a lousy player. He just isn't a player I try to aspire to in my musicianship.

[Buskman]

Originally Posted by superfunk47

He isn't flashy or fast. A lot of people seem to think that somehow makes him a less impressive player. Personally, I think he does exactly what the music he's playing calls for, which, to me, is the definition of a good bassist.

Well put. Also, if you take Duff's lines out the tunes would change dramatically - it's not like he's constantly mirroring the guitar riffs or anything. I always thought of him as a pretty melodic player... especially in the context of the style of music he plays.

[hey]

Duff is an ideal hard rock bassist. Basslines that fit and breaking away from the guitar only when necessary.

[low-endz]

In terms of the 80's LA sleaze rock, Duff is much more than mediocre he is really great, & remember this is greasy rock and Duff is a great bassist for this genre.

Its funny when someone mentions a cool "basic" rock bassist ,there are Tbrs that start bashing saying that such in such cant play like ( jaco,victa,Marcus, John of DT, add another fusion/progressive bassist here) when the music calls for a simple bass rock lines.

I never had a problem with the bassist that uses a pick and plays roots n fiths ( not me & duff lines are more complex than 1&5) and grooves well enough with the "basic" pop/rock music that bassist is providing support for.

[madbassplaya]

I like Duff. I really like the Sweet Child O Mine Intro.

[smogg]

He gets the job done for his band and the style of music they play. Why would you want to lay down Jaco or Wooten style bass lines in a good ol' fashion rock band? He lays down lines that fit the music and believe it or not, not all bassists aspire to be funk master solo artists. Whats wrong with that? "Its only rock n roll, but I like it."

[optikhog]

Solid player making a living as a professional player = no need for badmouthing of any kind. I was always impressed that he could continue to play that steadily while on his "meds". heh.

Seriously, his playing serves the songs he plays.

[Toshiro]

Duff a great player? Not to me.

Duff is a good player and was exactly the right style and sound for GnR. I haven't heard any of his post-GnR playing to comment on that.

I can't bash the guy though. He's a fairly well known and successful bass player. He's in a place where a lot of people aspire to be, even if it's in a different genre of music.

The reality is that we ALL have players we don't like or think aren't very good. Maybe Duff is on some people's hit list, dunno. I'm sure people don't like some of the players I really like. In the end, ya like what ya like.

[Shaun_Bass0]

Kool,

Good to see you guys come out in support of this, i'm glad to see the notion of "serve the song" DOES still exist somewhere!

[ryco]

Duff's a fine rock player. Does what the song calls for and even a little more.

The guy is no dummy*! Not a bad drummer either.


*Axl on the other hand

[lowb1970]

Originally Posted by superfunk47

He isn't flashy or fast. A lot of people seem to think that somehow makes him a less impressive player. Personally, I think he does exactly what the music he's playing calls for, which, to me, is the definition of a good bassist.

+1 I agree with you. Chops/technique are not the only definition of a good bass player. He is a great supporter and his bass lines (in all their simplicity) speak highly for why he has managed to survive so long in the industry.

[Qvist]

I'm currently studying Duff and his lines a lot, his fills are really tasty and have definately made me stand out a bit more in a band setting. LAMF!!! Greatest rock bassist ever!

[Baryonyx]

Originally Posted by jsingles

i have nothing against him, i merely have nothing in his favor either... I wouldn't "bash" him but I also would never say I am impressed or inspired by his mediocrity (completely my opinion, I couldn't care less if other people love him, power to those who do...) we all know a pro famous player we dont care much about. Duff would be a good example of such a person for me.

+1

I think you really hit the nail on the head there.

[Disappear]

[Infernal Affair]

I never thought Duff was "bashed" very much. In fact, I usually see lots of praise for him. Face it dude. EVERY artist from Flea to Victor Wooten to even Jaco Pastorius has been "bashed" at one point. It comes with the territory of being famous.

There's always a "Why all the ____ bashing?" thread where some poster needs justification for liking a particular artist. But you know what? It shouldn't matter. People are entitled to like or dislike a person whether they have little reason to or not. Just don't let it bother you.

[Surly]

Probably because a lot of people on here are more into progressive music and don't like straight rock or punkrock which are Duff's influences. They think you have to be severly technical to make music that sounds good. To each his own, I cover my ears when someone plays Dream Theatre.