Ever come back from the music store feeling like you stink?

SuperSnake2012 · #1 06-01-2007, 06:46 PM

I was at Guitar Center today, and I saw they had a used Rick 4003 for sale! I was ecstatic because I've been GASing for a Rick since before I played bass and I never saw one in person. So I'm playing some pick style stuff because I've heard how great it sounds with a pick. So some guy comes up next to me with a Stingray and starts doing all this crazy slapping and tapping stuff. I put the Rick back and went home

Ever come back and feel like you're really bad at bass?

I wasn't really playing to my full abilities since I was in the shop, but it's discouraging when people show off like that

superbassman2000 · #2 06-01-2007, 07:06 PM

if it makes you feel any better, he is probably just a frustrated bass player who because he can't get in any band and play that, he just sits in guitar stores for hours to screw around trying to be someone...

steve66 · #3 06-01-2007, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperSnake2012

I was at Guitar Center today, and I saw they had a used Rick 4003 for sale! I was ecstatic because I've been GASing for a Rick since before I played bass and I never saw one in person. So I'm playing some pick style stuff because I've heard how great it sounds with a pick. So some guy comes up next to me with a Stingray and starts doing all this crazy slapping and tapping stuff. I put the Rick back and went home

Ever come back and feel like you're really bad at bass?

I wasn't really playing to my full abilities since I was in the shop, but it's discouraging when people show off like that

Dont get discouraged, look at it as an opportunity for a free bass lesson. When ever I hear something someone (wanker) is playing that I like, I boost their ego and say something like,. "awesome", "how long have you been playing" and "is that a pentatonic pattern"? The usual response is "Thanks, 3 yrs, its the 3rd fret to the 2nd open string"..etc. Then I would just bang out an easy muted triplet lick as they talk. Gets them interested in the triplet and I eventually learn their lick and make a new friend.

Very seldom do you meet a trained musician at a music store. Its a treat when you do. They do come in occasionally, they know what they are looking for and never show off. That is the time when I put the bass down and listen. Then, when they are done, I compliment their playing and see if they teach or know any good teachers.

RWP · #4 06-01-2007, 08:19 PM

No question this happens to me. I just say "Thanks, 3 yrs, its the 3rd fret to the 2nd open string"..etc.

Jonny B · #5 06-01-2007, 08:23 PM

I realized a long time ago, I will never be a Vic Wooten or a Billy Sheehan. But I've got rhythm, can count to four (eight if I really concentrate

), and can play pretty much just about any rock or metal tune I want so...

Whenever I see someone shredding up the bass in a music store I do what steve66 does. I pick their brain and try to learn a new technique. I view it as a learning experience. And there is just no need for discouragement when one is learning.

seansbrew · #6 06-02-2007, 12:38 AM

It is hard for me to try out instruments at GC. I dont't want to be the goober wanking away on an instrument. Besides, I always draw a blank anyway. The small mom and pop music stores that I deal with let me borrow new instruments for trial. I am more comfortable trying out an instrument at home. That way, only my Pug has to hear me wanking off.

ThorBassManiac · #7 06-02-2007, 09:48 AM

I agree with using such an instance as inspiration and a chance to get some pointers. Also, know that Guitar Center isn't exactly the most important place to worry about your abilities. I know lots of musicians that unfortunately use GC as a show-off zone, so don't inflate their egos by getting scared off.

manicbassman · #8 06-02-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperSnake2012

I was at Guitar Center today, and I saw they had a used Rick 4003 for sale! I was ecstatic because I've been GASing for a Rick since before I played bass and I never saw one in person. So I'm playing some pick style stuff because I've heard how great it sounds with a pick. So some guy comes up next to me with a Stingray and starts doing all this crazy slapping and tapping stuff. I put the Rick back and went home

Ever come back and feel like you're really bad at bass?

I wasn't really playing to my full abilities since I was in the shop, but it's discouraging when people show off like that

Ignore him... you're there to evaluate the Rick... not admire someone else's "chops"...

if that doesn't work, just politely tell them to go away... you're trying to see if the Bass is worth buying...

If that doesn't work, get the salesman who is looking after you to get rid of him...

I assume there's a salesman looking after you, as I wouldn't let anyone just plug in unsupervised...

syciprider · #9 06-02-2007, 11:11 AM

So learn a simple but complex sounding slap, pop and tap lick.

If you listen closely to your average GC bass wanker, they tend to play variations of the same pattern over and over.

You just bust out yours when the opportunity presents itself.

Zen you unleash zee feuree by finger styling arpeggios all over the fretboard.

**Thor** · #10 06-02-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorBassManiac

I agree with using such an instance as inspiration and a chance to get some pointers. Also, know that Guitar Center isn't exactly the most important place to worry about your abilities. I know lots of musicians that unfortunately use GC as a show-off zone, so don't inflate their egos by getting scared off.

I kind of disagree with my man, the booty kickin bass humpin ThortheGodofThunderII here, (check my mans myspce page, he rocks,!!) I find the wanks annoying and not into really evaluating gear.

(Wonderful to see you here, bro, a belated welcome to TB!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by syciprider

So learn a simple but complex sounding slap, pop and tap lick.

If you listen closely to your average GC bass wanker, they tend to play variations of the same pattern over and over.
You just bust out yours when the opportunity presents itself.

Zen you unleash zee feuree by finger styling arpeggios all over the fretboard.

Re the Bold, yeah, usually in E.

A quick blues progression in Bb is usually enough to confuse their ears, terribly; then a smooth groove in Eb to Dm to F means you can shovel a little dirt into the grave.

Depth_Charge · #11 06-02-2007, 09:50 PM

Yes, all the time!

But I don't care.

Some people are just better than I am at some things.

And I won't get to their level by allowing my feelings of intimidiation to hinder my progress.

So I admire these people for having what I want, and doing the work to get it.

vindy500 · #12 06-02-2007, 09:54 PM

what really annoys me is when that show off next to you is the salesman

dragon5363 · #13 06-02-2007, 09:57 PM

I admit that once in a while I have been guilty of wanking. I wasn't meaning to show off, i just picked up a bass that i really enjoyed playing so i started grooving. It felt right, the neck and the feel of the instrument, so i slapped and stuff. I wasn't very loud but i probably fiddled with a few knobs as I was trying to get a feel for the tone. But after I got into the rhythm, i looked up and some dude was staring at me. He said something to the effect of "you're really good" and it was somewhat awkward. I thanked him and left. It was mostly awkward because I'm not that great- really, I'm quite mediocre and my funk lines are boring and uninspired- If i can even play them right!
But yeah, I know what you mean. Theres guys that will just plug in and blow your mind. Just turn it into positive and become inspired instead of jealous.
On a side note, Has anyone ever been stuck in a rut playing wise, then gone to a store and picked up a new bass, that you've never played before, and it feels like you're a new player? Sometimes when i hit a wall practicing I pick up a bass I don't own at a GC and its magic.

steamthief · #14 06-02-2007, 10:05 PM

Most times I go to a GC there's someone who has a lot more talent than me trying basses out. But one day, I was banging out Green Day's Holiday, a pretty easy line, and four 14-year-olds were grooving on it, nodding their heads in time and smiling. Made my day.

ProfGumby · #15 06-02-2007, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindy500

what really annoys me is when that show off next to you is the salesman

That doesn't bother me anymore. Half the time, the salesman is just some dude that learned one or two really good licks to sound cool as they hand you the bass, or demonstrate one....hang around and watch them with others. Same lick, over and over? You found one of them...

In fact the gear snob wankers don't even bug me anymore....I just play some of what i know, do some simple scales and a blues progression and I can pretty much tell if I like the bass.

I'm just learnin and I'm learinin to play cause I love to play.Most folks can dig that.....some try and tell me how good they are and I just politely excuse myself and walk away.

IconBasser · #16 06-02-2007, 11:38 PM

no.

I'm the shredder who makes all the GC employees stop and listen to me.

what does make me feel inferior is when I see the guitarist from my jazz band start playin bass. He starts doin all these kewl jazz improv guitar licks. Makes me feel like poo...

Matt Till · #17 06-03-2007, 12:24 AM

I think some people go to guitar center or whatever and show off just to have people come up to them and say, "Wow, you're awesome!" It's so sad. I do admit, I play slap stuff at music stores sometimes, but I try to be as quiet as possible. I'm sure people think I'm a wanker half the time, but some people come in and spend a half hour just running through scales as fast as they can, double thumping. That's not "trying a bass out" it's just showing off.

I'm sure they've got amazing bass gear at home and have no intention of buying, they are just trying to throw it out there, "oh, by the way, I'm awesome." If you really want someone to hear your bass playing... make an album fool ass sucka.