So, 95% of being an expressive bassist is...

[pklima]

One of my singers mentioned last week that the guy who replaced me in another band is "about 5% as expressive" as me. Now, this guy users a lot more vibrato, improvised lines, octaves and other stuff that one might foolishly expect to be important to being expressive. Me, I play bass like a civil engineer - I try to make the structure of the song as strong as possible while avoiding solutions that are awkward or ugly. I don't think I sound more expressive. But of course I am 20 times more expressive.

It's obvious that 95% of being an expressive bassist is body language, facial expressions, and good looks. Well, maybe not the full 95%. Stylish clothes and expensive-looking equipment are important factors, too.

This is in bass humor, and tongue in cheek, so don't take it too seriously. It's true on some level, though.

[jedwards]

you forgot about the shoes. Its the shoes...

[Joe Nerve]

Was listening to some pink floyd last night. The bass in there is waaaaaay more expressive than what a lot of jazz dudes and some self proclaimed shredders I see put out.

[BassChuck]

Interesting term 'expressive'. There are lost of expressive experiences.... phone sex, having a switchblade stuck in your nose.... both highly expressive, and quite different. What does it mean in music? Is it different for a lead singer or horn player than a bassist? I think so. The lead player needs to be atuned to the music... a bass player atuned to what the lead palyer is doing and ready and able to help them.

and yes..... shoes are important.

[superbassman2000]

Shoes are almost the apex of expressivity in the bass world.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

Shoes are almost the apex of expressivity in the bass world.

+1. More remarkable, considering that they're worn at floor level.

[jamersonfan1214]

Boy do I hate it when I get a switchblade stuck in my nose.

[Baron Von Vik]

When I want to be expressive, I gets my jazz hands on.

[somegeezer]

I think it's all in the face. Facial expressiveness is the most important thing in music. That is why albums are always terrible and live music is so amazing all the time without fail. Unless of course the bass player doesn't have a face. That gig was terrible.

What are the best shoes for Metal? I think most people would say New Rocks with all the black and chains and buckles and leather, but I think my Karrimor walking boots do me just fine. Comfortable too. Although, i suppose with the New Rocks being so uncomfortable would give you the best facial expressiveness for Metal?

[phmike]

I've seen everything else asked about metal but this (but I may have missed it) -
What's the best shoes for metal?
(dang, beaten to the metal question by 'some geezer' ;-) )

[plangentmusic]

50% of all expression is overrated 95% of the time.

[dougjwray]

Playing a big inversion in exactly the right place, or switching registers (e.g., going down below E, on a 5-string) in exactly the right place CAN be more expressive than skittering around on top, because those things shake the foundation.

On the other hand, we think of something like Jaco's phrasing of the melody of "A Remark You Made" as "expressive" because he's choosing to embody a singer, rather than a "structural" element.

Lots of ways to be "expressive"-- to me, it just means "making an impact."

Shoes work, too, I guess.

[AltGrendel]

...if you're a chick singer.

[pklima]

Originally Posted by dougjwray

Lots of ways to be "expressive"-- to me, it just means "making an impact."

Shoes work, too, I guess.

I think those two sentences sum it up, yes!

[DaZombieWoof]

Foil wrapped cuke in the pants.

[Bloodhammer]

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

Shoes are almost the apex of expressivity in the bass world.

Especially if you're gazing at them...

[jgroh]

Bah...any fool can make up percentages...42% of people know that!

[Richard G]

isnt that what Wah Wahs are for?

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by dougjwray

Playing a big inversion in exactly the right place, or switching registers (e.g., going down below E, on a 5-string) in exactly the right place CAN be more expressive than skittering around on top, because those things shake the foundation.

On the other hand, we think of something like Jaco's phrasing of the melody of "A Remark You Made" as "expressive" because he's choosing to embody a singer, rather than a "structural" element.

Lots of ways to be "expressive"-- to me, it just means "making an impact.".

Who the hell let him in here?!?!?

Originally Posted by dougjwray

Shoes work, too, I guess.

Oh, that's better!


Sad thing is, people do hear with their eyes lots of times.

You could play a solo on a ballad for example.
One night you kill it, lay out some great stuff. Make a few faces etc.....

The next night, just before the gig, you sprain your middle finger on your left hand.
Your solo come up and it hurts so freakin' bad you can't play but a few notes really. Nothing like the night before. But this night with the sprain, you have tears in your eyes it hurts so much.
The place goes nuts because they think you laid out you soul.
But your finger hurts and your eyes water from the pain of using that finger. But they see tears and instantly think you're the greatest, most emotional player there is.
And you let them think that too!

(true story actually)

[Richland123]

Originally Posted by jedwards

you forgot about the shoes. Its the shoes...

Don't forget a flashy, cool shirt.