How Do You Know WhenYou Are A Good Bass Player?

[Demonator]

Hello, I have been playing for a few years now, I know plenty of songs, played in a few bands, Recorded with a band (just a cover, nothing big) and have overall tried very hard. I am attempting to learn more Theory, I know a little already from Band and Music Theory from High School and plan to pursue further learning with my GI Bill from the Army when i get out, as well as continue playing and learning while in the service. It just seems as of late I am feeling rather "insecure". I'm just wondering how do you know when your good? Being ranked number one in high school out of only about 8 bassists isnt a huge accomplishment. What do you think?

[jmattbassplaya]

When bands start asking you to sub in for their bassist who has to go out of town on a gig date - that`s when you know.

[Demonator]

Does that happen?

Well, that has happened in school, but again only 9 bassists.

[ehque]

When you start thinking you're good, you're not.

It's not a competition. Be the best bassist that you can be.

[Demonator]

I know that.. Thats why Im insecure about it. My family loves it, but thats family, everyone at school loves to listen but their friends, people in stores occasionally compliment me when they recognize a tune I'm playing but its only because I'm playing a song they know. At a time like this I would record myself and post it on U-G but I'm not a big fan of U-G because their all horrendously rude and ignorant (I can take insults and critique, but their flat out rude) any way, would you guys call yourselves "good"?

[TortillaChip520]

I start thinking i'm good when i've got noone i know to compare myself to. It sounds lame, but when I don't know anybody that's better than me, I have no motivation to try to get better. It's not that I'm competitive, it's just that hearing somebody that is better motivates me to step up my game a bit.

[Phalex]

When you're on break and people come up and tell you how awesome you are. It makes me uncomfortable really, but it's still nice to hear.

[JohnMCA72]

I always like it when "civilians" pay me compliments. I always think I could do better, but the show is all about them & if they're happy, who am I to complain much? I try to be as gracious as possible & thank them both for the compliment & for turning out.

I also think it's a huge complement when ordinary non-musician types recognize that it's a bass I'm playing, & still complement me on my playing (as opposed to the generic, "You guys sound awesome!" sort of thing that you hear all the time)!

[Philbiker]

When you figure out the answer, tell me. I don't take compliments well; when people tell me positive things I have a hard time with that.

[leche]

Originally Posted by Philbiker

When you figure out the answer, tell me. I don't take compliments well; when people tell me positive things I have a hard time with that.

me too, and I don't know why

But I have the tendency to always think I'm better (most the times I'm not when i start to think that,) and justify it in any way. Like, that line was too busy, and then in the same breath say, he played that too simple. So I constantly have to keep myself in check.

I'm not sure if that helped

[ThreeBeanSalad]

You know you're a good bass player when the audience stops making all the strange faces when you play and then redirect them to the lead guitar/singer...

[Demonator]

I have moments where I thnk Im good then reality sets in and I remember that I cant do something, or play some line or Slap as fast i want or something. I know I'm not terrible.

[mikeyswood]

You're good when you can hit any of the twelve notes at any time and any place.

[skwee]

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

You're good when you can hit any of the twelve notes at any time and any place.

completely agree. When you can play what your brain and ear are hearing instantaneously, then you are good.

[somegeezer]

I'm always getting compliments how good I am, but generally from people who don't even know what a bass is until they meet me. I politely say thank you, but I know better. If I were that good, I'd be making a ton of money at it. Everyone can always be better.

[Modulator]

In my mind, "good" is a relative term that is for other people to determine. Get confident with your abilities and strive to consistently improve and you'll be fine.

[Philbiker]

Really all I'm concerned with is being musically competent.

[bassslater19876]

When you can manage all aspects of playing the bass well.
Holding the low end in your band, being able to come up with non generic licks, slapping and popping well, tapping and sweeping well, being able to play with a pick, at 250bpm and being up and down the bass like Geddy Lee!

Or they could just turn you up in the mix a little..

[LowWay]

You know you are good when the audience is dancing.

[stratovani]

You know you're good when the rotten vegetables stop coming your way!