Why do bass players choose to copy rather than create their own voice?

[JAUQO III-X]

?

[*smb]

I don't think it's really limited to bass players - it's a lot easier to copy your hero when you start out than to suss out what you want for yourself without much knowledge.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by *smb

I don't think it's really limited to bass players

No, I agree but I was gearing the question here because this is TB.

[SteveC]

Because initially, that is how we learn. Imitation.

[*smb]

Okay sorry! I guess people start out wanting to play a certain song or album so get similar gear to the bassist on the recording, and if they're happy then rather than look around for a new sound it's easier to upgrade from a Squier to a Fender, for example

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Because initially, that is how we learn. Imitation.

Well if that is the case, why are there so many clones and unoriginal voices in the bass community?

[ogrossman]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Because initially, that is how we learn. Imitation.

+1

How will you know how to drive toward the sound you hear in your mind if you haven't tried to reproduce someone else's sound?

[yankeesman714]

Are you sure it's a choice?

I can only speak for myself but I don't think I'm creative enough to find a truly unique voice or style. So I do the best I can by copying those that are creative.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by ogrossman

+1

How will you know how to drive toward the sound you hear in your mind if you haven't tried to reproduce someone else's sound?

But that's not true in all cases/formative stages of development.

[Spencer!]

It's unfortunate, but I think many people are afraid to try something new when they can rely on someone else's sound.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Because initially, that is how we learn. Imitation.

Agreed, but many begin with the sole intent of imitation. It seems to me not many play for the sake of becoming themselves.

[CapnSev]

I think the best and most appealing bass techniques and styles are built off of tried-and-true methods. It's difficult to get someone to truly appreciate a completely new style that isn't based off of something that came before it. That's always been my philosophy on the music industry in genral too. I think we're missing true "ledgends" in the music biz anymore, because everyone is too busy trying to re-invent the wheel rather than build their own unique style off of a proven method. In order to be great yourself, you have to stand on the shoulders of giants.

[*smb]

Originally Posted by James Hart

Agreed, but many begin with the sole intent of imitation. It seems to me not many play for the sake of becoming themselves.

Well I think a lot of people don't plan to go out and break new artistic ground when they first pick up the bass...certainly for me I just wanted to play along with my favourite songs and for a lot of people it pretty much ends there too

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by James Hart

It seems to me not many play for the sake of becoming themselves.

I agree James.

[Mark Latimour]

Perhaps for the same reason you go out and purchase a Ferrari rather than trying to build one yourself.

[WJGreer]

I think it's natural for all artists to emulate their influences for a certain duration. As we progress through years, many of us develop our own voice that is often still referential to that of our heroes. Some of us never succeed in making that transition fully, and we go on sounding derivative at best.

[namraj]

Yeah earlier there was a question about how flea plays fast notes on a stingray why can't I etc, cos your not flea and shudn't want 2 be him (partic him as opposed to other players people copy ) however I see that looking at talented players techniques such as victor wootens double thumbing and adapting them to suit u is a good way to develop your own original style.

[subdude99]

I can only speak for me. I wasn't original in the beginning because I didn't know how. For me it was like learning to swing a golf club; the ole' keep your left arm straight, head still, bend at the waist...then when you swing it goes two feet behind you. Same for me when I started on bass; what bass to play, what strings, pick/finger, do I like when I play a 3rd or a 9th...when it came time to put a chord chart in front of me I played a root note or line I heard in another song...panic. I think because my brain couldn't incorporate all I learned. Now that alot of it is second nature, I find myself experimenting more and creating lines and sounds that are more original. My hope is that it continues.

[Marcury]

There are many different kinds of people and many different approaches. There are many people who have no interest or the dedication and talent to find an original voice. This is true in all artistic pursuits and life in general.

You could easily ask why don't most people think for themselves? The easy answer is it's too hard.

[Rickett Customs]

I believe no matter how original you are, your influences (surroundings and famous, semi-famous players) will shine through and reflect through your playing unconsciously or unintended.
Others that copy (not all) may not be able to express themselves the same as their non copying counterparts.But before I can get further into the subject:

JAUQO, define Copy. Do you mean as Covering songs/artists or plaguerism?

/Jason