Do you think that different people play instruments based on their personailties?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 03-05-2007, 10:59 AM

OK simple question. Do you think that different instrumentalists (of any sort) choose certain instruments based on their personalities and characters? Or do you think it is something else which makes a person choose a certain instrument??

Matt Till · #2 03-05-2007, 11:12 AM

Absolutely.

I picked bass because I like hiding in the shadows, but still kicking ass.

Most guitarists I've met desire attention.

Every drummer I've met has had mental problems.

jomahu · #3 03-05-2007, 11:34 AM

hmm. when i played drums, no-one believed me, most said i wasn't crazy/hyper enough to play drums.

i'd like to think that i gravitated towards bass because i'm generally a laid back/in the shadows person, but when i think about it - there's so much responsibility in being part of the rhythm section. and i shy away from responsibility.

so i dunno.

HomeBrewTJ · #4 03-05-2007, 11:41 AM

I think instruments, in their truest form, are an extension of the personality and soul. So, to answer your question, yes.

Mojo-Man · #5 03-05-2007, 12:32 PM

For sure.
I've always been a pain in the bottom end.

keb · #6 03-05-2007, 07:17 PM

What about us multi-instrumentalists? I guess I suffer from a multiple personality disorder.

I guess that's true, from a certain point of view.

lovely · #7 03-05-2007, 10:52 PM

I am a firm believer that bass is an extension of my personality.

Bass is a foundation instrument (IMHO). I like grooving and holding down the bottom, while "standing in the shadows" as it were.

Singers and guitarists can get all of the recognition, it doesn't bother me at all. I know the job I do and that they need me in order to do thiers.

I never want to be in charge, just the guy you know you have to go to to get the job done.

theshadow2001 · #8 03-05-2007, 11:21 PM

I started on bass before I even understood its roll within music and in a band context. So I don't think it was a personality thing for me anyway. I think it was more the sound that drew me to it. Plus I thought slapping was the coolest thing when I started first

Munjibunga · #9 03-05-2007, 11:22 PM

Yeah, I guess so.

shooter_mi · #10 03-06-2007, 06:31 AM

I'd say yes, especially when I consider my experience in symphony-orchestra. It seemed clear there were different personalities attracted to each instrument, the violins were ridiculously type-A, those of us in the low brass were course and foolish, and the saxophones and percussionists were definitely cooler than everybody else.

Dragonlord · #11 03-06-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Till

Absolutely.

I picked bass because I like hiding in the shadows, but still kicking ass.

Most guitarists I've met desire attention.

+1

**MAJOR METAL** · #12 03-06-2007, 11:58 AM

I am sure there is some truth in that.

SteveC · #13 03-06-2007, 12:37 PM

Yes, without a doubt.

spudmaster34 · #14 03-06-2007, 06:49 PM

absolutely

wiGGuLtiMaTum · #15 03-06-2007, 08:24 PM

a few factors will play into it i started to play bass because of my friend who played bass so one influence can be the people around you a also started because i cant play the guitar worth crap and the bass is easy so my personality is lazy so i guess it can if i had a less lazy personality i would play the guitar istead of my bass
wigg

Aaron Saunders · #16 03-07-2007, 12:54 AM

I don't know about you "stand in the shadows" bunch -- I love seeing someone play something like they f'n mean it. A soloist should be thinking, "At this point in time, what I have to say is so important that I am saying it over everyone else so you damn well better listen!" Because if it's not so important, then you shouldn't say it half-assed/at all.

cowsgomoo · #17 03-07-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

OK simple question. Do you think that different instrumentalists (of any sort) choose certain instruments based on their personalities and characters? Or do you think it is something else which makes a person choose a certain instrument??

I think it's a factor, but not a huge one...

maybe shy guys who'd prefer to hide at the back but who still want to be in a band would be less likely to go for lead guitar or vocals than bass... so maybe that skews it a bit... but otherwise I think the whole instrument/personality thing is a topic full of cliches

dave64o · #18 03-07-2007, 12:39 PM

It might be kind of cliche, but in my case I think it kind of fits.

I don't look for lots of solo time and I don't care about being out and front and in the spotlight. It's not that I'm afraid of it because I was comfortable as the lead singer of the band I played in in college, but it's just not something I crave. In fact, one the things I like about the bass is that a lot of times people don't even notice it. They'll generally just notice the singer or the lead instruments. But if you were to suddenly stop playing people would immediately notice and "Hey, what happened?!?!".

Come to think of it I also like the reverse, and probably even more. I really like picking a good place to NOT play. After letting the guitar set the stage it's a lot of fun to suddenly come in and feel that sudden power surge occur. I think that's pretty cool, and to me it's more satisfying than a solo. I guess I like power more than I like recognition.

Sneckumhaw · #19 03-07-2007, 01:29 PM

My personality didn't really influence my choosing to play bass, but it influences how I play it. I.e. I'm a lazy, silly person and that's how I play bass, too.

Frank Louis · #20 03-08-2007, 03:24 PM

I used to play lead guitar back in the 70's . . I found that some tunes I really liked to shine on, but many others I really didn't care for and just went through the motions . . but with bass I enjoy carrying the band "on my back" with every tune ! ! !