so why do YOU play bass?

Dom M · #1 11-23-2008, 01:45 AM

I was having a discussion with a social group i am acquainted with the other day about what instruments everyone played and why, but when i put forward that i play bass the crowd didn't understand.

"Isn't bass for amateur guitarists?" one person asked. Another who played guitar semi-jokingly confirmed that belief by stating that as a bass has less strings it is technically easier. Needless to say i was shocked and appalled, but when i wanted to rebut and explain why i love it so much i couldn't properly think of a reason they'd understand.

Got me thinking of the reasons why i'd never want to give myself to another instrument but i can't really describe them. Judgement from wankers aside; why have YOU decided to devote yourself to this fine instrument?

artistanbul · #2 11-23-2008, 01:52 AM

becauz guitar is hard lol.

Muusers · #3 11-23-2008, 01:54 AM

Did you ever put your crotch against your cab and played an open E to this rhythm (E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE)? That's why I decided to play bass.

Dom M · #4 11-23-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muusers

Did you ever put your crotch against your cab and played an open E to this rhythm (E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE E EEEEEE)? That's why I decided to play bass.

^ QFT

GG threads done =P

blizzard · #5 11-23-2008, 06:22 AM

Because I wanted to be in a band but I can't play an instrument....

René_Julien · #6 11-23-2008, 06:28 AM

I honestly don't know why.

Maybe it's because I have paws like a bear.

Darkstrike · #7 11-23-2008, 06:33 AM

Went to the shop, the bass they had was a prettier colour than the guitars they had.

Dr2Kitties · #8 11-23-2008, 11:23 AM

I was the "no instrument chick singer" in a band.

One night a bandmate said to me with frustration: "You've got nothing in your hands, LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT!"

I tried keyboard...but I couldn't dance stuck behind them.
I tried rhythm guitar....but bar chords hurt my left wrist.
Ya can't sing with a horn in your mouth.

Then I tried bass....and it all fell into place....I can dance to my own beat, and because I'm a good dancer my groove is solid....I can sing and play simultaneously....and all the women in our audiences grin and nod at me because they're proud to see one of their own filling an important band position. I couldn't be more proud. I love being a bass player!

Tisabelle

ryco · #9 11-23-2008, 11:28 AM

Some ppl like frosting (guitars, keys, horns), but I like the cake (bass 'n' drums)

I like being the foundation laying down a nice nest for all to sit in. Power!

Darkstrike · #10 11-23-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr2Kitties

I was the "no instrument chick singer" in a band.

One night a bandmate said to me with frustration: "You've got nothing in your hands, LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT!"

I tried keyboard...but I couldn't dance stuck behind them.
I tried rhythm guitar....but bar chords hurt my left wrist.
Ya can't sing with a horn in your mouth.

Then I tried bass....and it all fell into place....I can dance to my own beat, and because I'm a good dancer my groove is solid....I can sing and play simultaneously....and all the women in our audiences grin and nod at me because they're proud to see one of their own filling an important band position. I couldn't be more proud. I love being a bass player!

Tisabelle

You just won the thread, congratulations.

Fool · #11 11-23-2008, 11:53 AM

the timbre is aaawwwwwwssssoooooommmmmeeeee

Qvist · #12 11-23-2008, 12:09 PM

It's that octave... It just fits with the drums, and the timbre yeah... If they made a banjo that could make my balls rattle I'd switch instrument, this instant!!

eggcrate · #13 11-23-2008, 12:15 PM

I love rhythm, and I love being able to change the emotion of an entire crowd with a few right notes at the right place. Bass controls the tone of the whole song.

Baryonyx · #14 11-23-2008, 12:58 PM

I just felt like it.

neurotictim · #15 11-23-2008, 04:07 PM

'Cause the kazoo doesn't make the lights shake.

scootron · #16 11-23-2008, 04:43 PM

Initially, it was because the band needed a bassist and I was the only one willing to try to make the switch. In the long run, I was glad I did. The bass is so important to the music.

In some ways, it reminds me of the position of catcher in professional baseball...every single play involves the catcher, especially the most important ones, namely the plays at the plate. The catcher sets the defense, calls the pitches, and generally manages the team on the field. More catchers become big league managers than any other position player. They understand the game within the game.

Likewise, bass players understand the music the band is playing on a deeper level. They generally see it more as a whole, not just a vehicle to "get me to my lead ride" or "some guys playing while I sing".

Having a good bassist doesn't necessarily make you a good band, but having a crappy bassist just about ensures you won't be a good band. At least IMO.

**B-string** · #17 11-23-2008, 06:21 PM

Originally no one else wanted to, after a short while I realized I could add more to the music than a guitar ever could from the very basic level. Bass can do more to drive a crowd, the guitarists and the singer than any other instument (unless you are a one note monkey).

LowDown Hal · #18 11-23-2008, 06:26 PM

Because I want to

hesham8 · #19 11-23-2008, 06:34 PM

I play bass because it's a more versatile instrument than guitar.
With six strings and 24 frets, I can easily play it like a guitar. I can do something the guitar can't: give a good funky slap. Then, if I really feel like it, I'll turn up the overdrive, plug it into a guitar amp, and play an awesome (bass) guitar solo from frets 12+.

The bass is a better instrument, it just doesn't shine as often because it's not as easy.

Craig_S · #20 11-23-2008, 06:46 PM

I play bass because the other guitarists dad owned all the gear. Seriously. The dad ended up asking me to join his band on bass after he heard me play. I was 15 years old. I'm 43 now. I stayed with bass, because I love it. I don't have enough ego to go the guitar route, anyway. I like "standing in the shadows".