Requests to play solo

Growler · #1 08-09-2009, 08:23 PM

I know this has probably been asked on the forums, but I haven't located an answer so far...

I'm a fingerstyle bassist and play mostly funk (P-Funk) and motown (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder), I generally don't solo when I play with others as I'm one of those bassists that prefers to just sync up with the drummer and be part of a solid rhythm section.

My gf wants me to play (ie solo) for her folks, and I'm not sure how well it would go over by putting in a cd with a bunch of the songs that I normally play to and play along...

Any suggestions?

RickenBoogie · #2 08-09-2009, 08:27 PM

Politely refuse, explaining that bass is a support instrument, and works much better within the context of a full band,......or, learn some crazy bass solo and make their heads flip. Your choice. Playing along to a CD(to an audience) seems like it might be "dorky", to me.

Biddy · #3 08-09-2009, 08:43 PM

I disagree RickenBoogie. Without Victor Wooten chops the bass may not seem like a "out in front" instrument, but it can still entertain. Look, they want a "show," so play some songs they'll know. If you play Brown Eyed Girl they'll know it. Yeah, I know some are gonna trash me for saying that but it will serve your purposes. I think you'll be suprised how much they'll like what you've got to play. Think about it, people move and groove to what the rhythm section is playing, NOT the solo guitarist. Play some fun recognizable grooves and they'll be happy.

Taylor Livingston · #4 08-09-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Politely refuse, explaining that bass is a support instrument, and works much better within the context of a full band,......or, learn some crazy bass solo and make their heads flip. Your choice. Playing along to a CD(to an audience) seems like it might be "dorky", to me.

While I think it's totally reasonable to not be into the solo bass thing, I wish people wouldn't say this stuff about "bass is a support instrument". I don't think we need to denigrate other people's approach to the instrument. The bass has no inherent handicap that makes it unable to play solo music - it's just a different kind of guitar. If we accept that the guitar can be a solo instrument, and we accept that bass and baritone singers do not need to be support voices, then the bass is able to be a solo instrument.

What would the world be without "Old Man River"?

Growler · #5 08-09-2009, 09:24 PM

Most songs if you played the bass part completely solo, might not always be that interesting. I find it funny that you mentioned Brown Eyed Girl, as quite a bit of that repeats. Which if you played it solo, might get a bit "boring" unless you add fills and other personalization.

Sure I could connect up the envelope filter up to "maximum quack" and do a bunch of noodling, but that's not what I do. I take pride in having timing like a metronome and if people dance, I like to believe that some of that is because of me and not because some guitarist is shredding (hey, nobody has ever danced to Eddie VanHalen or Santana, but everyone dances to Santana's rhythm section).

xzzy · #6 08-10-2009, 09:28 AM

Bring a drum machine, get it playing a nice beat, and groove with it. Rhythm is something we're born with an appreciation for, and I guarantee you'll get a reaction out of anyone as long as you keep it smooth.

Don't get super fancy, throw in some flare every once in a while but hold on to that groove.

El Bajo · #7 08-10-2009, 10:06 AM

I think it can be done if you had some nice backing tracks which inc bass. So you can double the bass or go of your own solo thing. But your chops need to be really up there. How about you get a buddy of your to play rythm guitar? It would look so much better.

I prefer the term ensemble rather than support. It just sounds more...posh

RickenBoogie · #8 08-10-2009, 04:06 PM

I retract the "support" comment, and only used it in the context of "making excuses". But, like I said, if it were me, I'd invite them to see my band play live, or whip out an acoustic guitar and play a few songs. I just wouldn't feel comfortable demonstrating my skills on bass in that sort of environment. I mean, c'mon, this is for his girlfriends parents.