I don't DESERVE to call myself a bassist

Fassa Albrecht · #1 06-28-2008, 01:59 PM

I'm really considering whether I deserve to call myself a musician, least of all a bassist.

Recently a supposed friend heaped a lot of insults on my bassplaying. Now I can deal with the argument and also the insults but I have a feeling I've been far too unrealistic and far too lenient in my attitude towards bass.

I really don't deserve to call myself a bass player!

PS I apologise if there are spelling mistakes but my head hurts after playing the 'Epilepsy Game'...there are no prizes for guessing what that is.

Stumbo · #2 06-28-2008, 02:08 PM

Hey, if you want to play bass (or any other instrument) play it for yourself.

As far as what to call yourself as far as music/bass playing/life is concerned, whatever you spend a lot of time doing each week is what you'll get good/great at. If you're good at playing a 4 string instrument (usually known as a bass) the term musician/bassist will follow. So if you're not happy with your skill level, spend more time practicing until you are.

Unfortunately, practicing is not a social event so prepare to spend a lot of time by yourself.

Fassa Albrecht · #3 06-28-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Hey, if you want to play bass (or any other instrument) play it for yourself.

As far as what to call yourself as far as music/bass playing/life is concerned, whatever you spend a lot of time doing each week is what you'll get good/great at. If you're good at playing a 4 string instrument (usually known as a bass) the term musician/bassist will follow. So if you're not happy with your skill level, spend more time practicing until you are.

Unfortunately, practicing is not a social event so prepare to spend a lot of time by yourself.

maybe I should just quit...? That would be easier.

SpaceYourBass · #4 06-28-2008, 02:48 PM

Yes, do yourself a favor and quit now. We do not have time for your emo shenanigans.

Fassa Albrecht · #5 06-28-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceYourBass

Yes, do yourself a favor and quit now. We do not have time for your emo shenanigans.

That's mean!

I'm a rockstar, not an emo!

SpaceYourBass · #6 06-28-2008, 03:00 PM

Rockstars don't cry.

Fassa Albrecht · #7 06-28-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceYourBass

Rockstars don't cry.

They do now!

Seriously, I'm the next Rick Savage.

SpaceYourBass · #8 06-28-2008, 03:06 PM

more like Rick Babbage

Fassa Albrecht · #9 06-28-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceYourBass

more like Rick Babbage

Screw this, I'm off to join the drummers!

dlloyd · #10 06-28-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I'm really considering whether I deserve to call myself a musician, least of all a bassist.

Recently a supposed friend heaped a lot of insults on my bassplaying. Now I can deal with the argument and also the insults but I have a feeling I've been far too unrealistic and far too lenient in my attitude towards bass.

Honestly, chill out.

Don't get hung up on labels. They're meaningless. At some point you might find out that you suck less at playing an instrument than you do at everything else... When you get there you will have way more people than your ex-friend saying you suck, and their opinions will be just as valuable.

Fassa Albrecht · #11 06-28-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlloyd

Honestly, chill out.

Don't get hung up on labels. They're meaningless. At some point you might find out that you suck less at playing an instrument than you do at everything else... When you get there you will have way more people than your ex-friend saying you suck, and their opinions will be just as valuable.

Maybe I let him get to me far too much....

dlloyd · #12 06-28-2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Maybe I let him get to me far too much....

Maybe.

But if you're playing an instrument for the sake of getting praise, you might as well stop now. Do it because you enjoy it or don't do it at all.

JohnLovesRush · #13 06-28-2008, 03:13 PM

this is the funniest thread I have ever read.. seriously get a grip!..who really gives a ding dongs about wheter your crap, I don't.,,, I like the idea of you quiting..lets see that.. mr rockstar emo boy

Matt Till · #14 06-28-2008, 03:19 PM

I don't know any back story of this, but these insults are essentially harsh criticisms, and criticism shouldn't be taken as personal attacks, no matter how harsh they are. They should be catalysts to bettering yourself, or you can accept defeat. Also, if the bass doesn't feel natural to you, maybe it's the wrong instrument for you. Or get lessons, I don't know... I'm just stabbing in the dark because I don't really know what you're talking about.

Fassa Albrecht · #15 06-28-2008, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlloyd

Maybe.

But if you're playing an instrument for the sake of getting praise, you might as well stop now. Do it because you enjoy it or don't do it at all.

I'm not...I'm playing bass cause I want to play bass, not for praise. If I wanted to be praised I'd have chosen guitar or keyboards.

Croox · #16 06-28-2008, 03:24 PM

If i were you I wouldnt care what they said. I've had friend who have said the same to me and guess what? not my friends anymore. when I get told "I suck" or "You'll never make it" it pushes me more and more, to play more, I'll prove all these mouth breathing idiots wrong one day.

Fassa Albrecht · #17 06-28-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croox

If i were you I wouldnt care what they said. I've had friend who have said the same to me and guess what? not my friends anymore. when I get told "I suck" or "You'll never make it" it pushes me more and more, to play more, I'll prove all these mouth breathing idiots wrong one day.

What I should have added is that this wasn't just some throwaway comment from a friend who doesn't have a clue about music but this was a massive argument which had been brewing and popping up for a good 6 months with a guy who is a musician himself, with the result that we're worst enemies now.

Croox · #18 06-28-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

What I should have added is that this wasn't just some throwaway comment from a friend who doesn't have a clue about music but this was a massive argument which had been brewing and popping up for a good 6 months with a guy who is a musician himself, with the result that we're worst enemies now.

F'em People who dont support your decisions and passions, are not your friends, regardless. some musicians are drama queens. I had a guitar player get pissed at me because I was noodling around with his guitar during a break and was playing better than he does and I got compliments from the drummer vocalist, other guitarist. he went up in a smoke of rage and kicked me out on the spot, saying I suck and I shouldnt be playing guitar, let alone be in his band

opinions are like A**holes, everone has 'em and they all stink. Keep playing, let nothing stop you from playing.

jenderfazz · #19 06-28-2008, 03:59 PM

I think he's insulting you because he's got something personal against you, not for your musicianship. Could be jealousy or a sexism issue.

kesslari · #20 06-28-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

I think he's insulting you because he's got something personal against you, not for your musicianship.

Do you know the fellow in question?
Or are you simply guessing?

To the OP - I've seen you post some odd things here ("I'm going to slap everything whenever I play" sort of stuff).
It could very well be that at this stage of your development, you're a lousy bass player.
I have no idea whether that's so or not.
But it certainly could be so.

That said, every good bass player was a lousy bass player once.

If you enjoy playing, and want to play bass, suck it up buttercup, and learn to play better.

If you want to do something you're awesome at right now, then find something simpler.