I may well be the only one

[Mayers]

In the last 3 years that I actively participate here, I become closer and closer to think that I'm not a bass player.

Like I never think in thermes like : I'm the glue with the drummer, I lock on what he plays and groove and let the guitars do whatever they wants.

No I'm not like that. I don't think I groove or that I just play something to support other or the drummer have all the rythm on his shoulders. I think everyone should be resposible of the rythm, responsible of everything. It may be that way because many people play pop/rock/punk/RnB etc kind of music.

I think the bass and every other instruments talk to each other. They are all equal, not some stereotypes. The more I type the more I think I just see the instruments like it is in classical and jazz fusion music.

Oh well sorry for all that, moderator can remove that.

[Joospocks]

Not all bass players seek that "lock in and groove" role. It works very well in many genres, but it's not wrong if you play differently.

[truckin88]

dude just have fun with it. I have loved bass since I was 14...but honestly I would rather listen to Mark Hoppus than Victor Wooten....to me Geddy and Cliff are gods, but that is not for everyone, some play with fingers, some slap, some pick....different styles and sounds is why there is such a gear market.

[IronMaiden]

I agree that everyone is responsible for everything and we are all equal too but I think bass just grooves better than the rest.

If I had my "druthers." I'd be playing rhythm guitar and singing leads and back-ups... That job went out the window years ago... So, bass it is! However, it's VERY difficult for me to play bass and sing... But as far as bass goes, I'm the "foundation" player... No lead-guitar-on-bass for me.

However, I do believe time is everyone's responsibility!!

[iri5hpunk21]

In my mind the idea of "grooving" to rythm or to another instrument doesn't really come out of conscious thought, but rather...well, grooving to the other instruments. You don't have to completely lock in with the drummer all the time. It's just an option that many like to do to really emphasize the low end on certain parts (or in some band just the whole song =p)

[Pilgrim]

If you're not just playing a simple bass line, it's called "creativity". More power to you.

[Fretless1!]

Originally Posted by Mayers

I think everyone should be resposible of the rythm, responsible of everything. kind of music.

I think the bass and every other instruments talk to each other. They are all equal, not some stereotypes. The more I type the more I think I just see the instruments like it is in classical and jazz fusion music.

.

So you hear everything and are aware of how it all fits together instead of just your little piece?

You might be a bass player...

Many producers, who have to hear things in their entirety, are bass players.

[Mayers]

Thanks all for all your replies. I played today and what I'm after now is playing melodies and throwing some chords or double stop here and there like many jazz guitarist do or in some videos of Ed Friedland.

This is why I feel sometimes that I'm not a bass player, but more of a guitar player who like a lot the sound of a fretless bass.

[hrodbert696]

Originally Posted by Mayers

In the last 3 years that I actively participate here, I become closer and closer to think that I'm not a bass player.

Nonsense. Repeat after me:

"Mix"

"Low action"

"GAS"

"Thump"

"Growl"

"Mix"

"Guitard"

"Mix"

"Scoop the mids"

"Floppy B string"

"GAS"

"Chicks at Shows"

"Mix"

There, see? You ARE a bass player!

[Big chicken]

you forgot "soundman"

[Nev375]

You are right. You probably aren't what they call a "proper" bass player. John Entwistle was not a "proper" bassist either. (his own words)

Oh and that Michael Manring guy... I'm not sure what the hell it is that he does. It's really cool, but it's miles away from what other bassists do. I don't think he's a proper bass player either.

Thank god guys like that are playing the bass all wrong.

[pnut166]

Originally Posted by Nev375

You are right. You probably aren't what they call a "proper" bass player. John Entwistle was not a "proper" bassist either. (his own words)

Oh and that Michael Manring guy... I'm not sure what the hell it is that he does. It's really cool, but it's miles away from what other bassists do. I don't think he's a proper bass player either.

Thank god guys like that are playing the bass all wrong.

+1. Claypool is the worst bassist ever.

[hrodbert696]

Originally Posted by Big chicken

you forgot "soundman"

Good point... I always miss something. Guess I'm not a real bass player.

[NOAH_FX]

Originally Posted by pnut166

+1. Claypool is the worst bassist ever.

He's stated it himself, he's always got by on his look's, the music was all so he could create music videos to help his movie career take off.

[jgroh]

Ive never thought of myself as a "foundation" or "groove" player, although I can do that when I need to. Ive always thought of myself as a melodic player and that every instrument should be playing their own melodies, even the drums. Even when I have to play a simple part, I still try to make it melodic. And although Im in a cover band and playing other peoples parts, I still try to make the bassline move even if the original didnt.

[Gort]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

If you're not just playing a simple bass line, it's called "creativity". More power to you.

Are you saying simple bass lines can't be/aren't creative?

[Mayers]

Originally Posted by Nev375

You are right. You probably aren't what they call a "proper" bass player. John Entwistle was not a "proper" bassist either. (his own words)

Oh and that Michael Manring guy... I'm not sure what the hell it is that he does. It's really cool, but it's miles away from what other bassists do. I don't think he's a proper bass player either.

Thank god guys like that are playing the bass all wrong.

I should check out Jeff Schmidt and Zander Zon. They play in a way that you don't need any other instrument.


Here Zander :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YGTfE97hbM

Here Jeff :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qho18VTWhr8

[Mayers]

Originally Posted by jgroh

Ive never thought of myself as a "foundation" or "groove" player, although I can do that when I need to. Ive always thought of myself as a melodic player and that every instrument should be playing their own melodies, even the drums. Even when I have to play a simple part, I still try to make it melodic. And although Im in a cover band and playing other peoples parts, I still try to make the bassline move even if the original didnt.

Yeah I can do the fundation or groove. I enjoy it but in the right place. Like during a solo otherwise I prefer to be melodic and be the second or third voice in the melody.

[Mayers]

Originally Posted by pnut166

+1. Claypool is the worst bassist ever.

Really ??? When I listen to Les solo stuff or in Primus, he is upfront but he grooves nonetheless especially during a guitar solo.