Why you are thankful you play bass?

Dave R · #1 11-22-2007, 12:13 PM

I figured on Thanksgiving day, we ought to give thanks that we have the gift of music, and particularly the bass, in our lives. I'm thankful I play bass because:

1. EVERYTHING sounds better with a good bass. Irish folk tunes, punk & metal, folk, pop, symphonies, jingles, movie music, etc. Everything benefits from a good bass.

2. A good bass player can always get a gig. The world is full of guitarists and bad bass players.

3. The bass controls the dancers. The drummer may think he does, but we know better. Nothing like a rhythmic bass groove to get the dancers moving.

4. The bass is the interface between rhythm and harmony. The foundation of the music.

We're thankful we get to participate in something many people only dream about--making music for people to enjoy.

So, why are you thankful you play the bass?

bassmodder · #2 11-22-2007, 12:18 PM

I am thankful to be able to play bass in my in my church.

A smooth bass line under the piano just helps to move the song so much.

Bass really does have the power to move the song. Emotionally AND physically.

I am also thankful for the fellow TB'ers that gave me enough confidence to go and buy a set of flat wound strings. OOh perfection!

DutchDude · #3 11-22-2007, 12:23 PM

A bass just gets the song going and adds some power to the song,
and there are way more guitards than bassist so you'll be in a band before you can even play it (that's my experience:P)

joeydavidson · #4 11-22-2007, 01:44 PM

Everybody loves the bass player

Craithius · #5 11-22-2007, 01:58 PM

I'm thankful for the reputation in my area of bassists being remarkably "quirky"(nuts) so it's a great excuse for my sense of humor.

I'm also thankful that it's more unique than guitar or drums. So many people want to play drums or guitar that they don't even think about bass, which means bassists have to be dedicated, not just another flash in the pan.

ryco · #6 11-22-2007, 02:14 PM

I agree with the foundation principle. I'm thankful that I get to be the underpinnings of the song = the rhythm, the harmony and, occasionally, the melody. I'm the big, soft nest that everyone gets to lie in with no worries.

I figure some folks like the frosting, but I like the cake.

Really glad I'm not the drummer. Settiing up and tearing down all that gear looks to be a real pain. (I usually help out though!)

jackcregg · #7 11-22-2007, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydavidson

Everybody loves the bass player

+100000

clayton · #8 11-22-2007, 02:55 PM

I'm grateful I play bass because it just takes away any trouble I may have...one fat note and, no matter how bad my day was, my mind and soul relax and just focus on sound.

IMO, that's a pretty neat trick in a world where everything has to be "seen"...

Baryonyx · #9 11-22-2007, 04:37 PM

Because if I didn't play bass I wouldn't have discovered the majority of the music I listen to these days.

Dave R · #10 11-22-2007, 04:37 PM

I should add--I'm grateful to play bass because I love the gear. Great toys we have to play with.

Dave R · #11 11-23-2007, 09:33 PM

[Slaps forehead] I forgot the most important reason I'm thankful I play bass! I get to play in a rock & roll band! How many kids wish they could play in a band? And we all do!

MakiSupaStar · #12 11-23-2007, 10:12 PM

I'm thankful that I have a rig powerful enough to tickle my own balls.

peaveyuser · #13 11-23-2007, 10:24 PM

Because it's the one thing I have and do thats fairly cool and respectable

Because if it weren't for bass view & taste on music would be a lot simpler

Because it's a great thing to talk about

Because I'm gonna be able to jam with some friends

Because once I'm in a band I'll have something that will impress da chicks

Playing it is relaxing

Most of all I love it and it's fun

hey · #14 11-24-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeydavidson

Everybody loves the bass player

If I ever make a shirt, I'm definitely quoting that on there!

choo5 · #15 11-24-2007, 12:17 AM

cos' them tharr short base geetars hav 6 strings and deyr too hard to play!1!!

...

probably the fact that you can pick and choose your bands alot better than guitarists (in most areas iv found anyway)

Phalex · #16 11-24-2007, 10:17 AM

If I didn't play bass, I might have played guitar instead. Halleleujah!

swollen303 · #17 11-24-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

I'm thankful that I have a rig powerful enough to tickle my own balls.

This could be my new sig

Munjibunga · #18 11-24-2007, 10:23 AM

Because it's SO much easier than guitar.

CoffeeBass · #19 11-24-2007, 10:33 AM

Because it gives me another way to express myself.

Because I can help make the world a better place by playing at benefit concert/ awareness rallies.

Because I think that the more I get into that place that the bass sits in the music, the more I find myself in that place in life; quietly helping everyone not get into a trainwreck.

oh..and most importantly, it is the only time my wife loves it when I get all burpy and growly!!

Roger Davis · #20 11-24-2007, 10:55 AM

Because as a double bass player I can stand at the back with the piano and drums and groove away while the front line fluff their intros, fluff their solos and fluff their codas.

No pressure, I can stand back and observe. I'm the Catcher in the Rye!