Is The Black Bass Player Stereotype True?

[Nate74]

I actually wrote a paper on a similar topic for a sociology class I suffered through back in college. While nothing I read pointed to a direct correlation between race and bass guitar, I did see some interesting stuff about genres specific instruments and their correlation to the race of the musician. If you think about certain instruments that are found in only one or two genres, if those genres are closely related to a specific culture then you see some correlation. I talked about the guitarron, accordion and bazuki in particular.

But bass? Fortuneteller for us all as players, there's not a genre in the universe that doesn't need a good bass line

[zfunkman]

Originally Posted by Deoindra123

Well lots of people say if Black people are going to play an instrument its going to be the bass, I find it funny that I am Black, and the first instrument I chose was the bass! Not trying to say the stereotype is true but what do you think?

Not true. I never knew this "stereotype" existed and I've never heard anyone say it.

[qervo]

Not true at all , I've seen black guys ripping on guitar and white guys who are so damn funky on bass. The stereotype that blacks are better on bass is bogus IMO . Music is color blind and I should know having been in multi-racial bands for a good part of my career.

[Bert Slide]

Definitely true. I find I play much better in the Summer when I have a good tan.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by mjac28

I think this has been discussed before and before.....

I concur.

Jokes about race will get offensive fast. Grab the popcorns and move on.