Bandmate angry about my choice in playing style

SMILEYSIXX · #1 03-21-2011, 01:05 PM

The lead guitarist and I (really the only two who make the major band decisions) have decided that me playing slap bass sounds great and that is the style I'm writing most of my music with. The rhythm guitarist, after finding this out, basically threw a hissy fit, saying "playing only slap would be like me only playing triplets". What would be the appropriate way to handle this because the lead and I both really like slap bass and I, as the bassist (who should be the one making decisions about my own instrument) would prefer slapping because our band sounds good with it. How to handle this?

BobaFret · #2 03-21-2011, 01:11 PM

His analogy is awful ( unless you only play slap bass in triplets ). Ultimately it only matters what you guys come up with as a solution.

I would have him try and voice his concerns a little more constructively and go from there.

fjbass78 · #3 03-21-2011, 01:12 PM

Why limit yourself to only slap bass, but that's your choice, i guess.

kesslari · #4 03-21-2011, 01:13 PM

It's actually more like him playing only with a pick...

Phalex · #5 03-21-2011, 01:13 PM

Serve the song.

twbassman · #6 03-21-2011, 01:14 PM

You're the bassist, right? Play how you like it. Tell the guitarist to stick to the guitar.

Good luck.

SMILEYSIXX · #7 03-21-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

It's actually more like him playing only with a pick...

Exactly what I said

I told him when he writes a song using only his fingers like a classical guitar, he can talk down to me

And about limiting myself to only slap, it's not ONLY slap but that is my main focus. I use my fingers quite a bit also.

AlexKralles · #8 03-21-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjbass78

Why limit yourself to only slap bass, but that's your choice, i guess.

+1

Play slap when appropriate. Tap when appropriate. And pick when appropriate (never haha)

SMILEYSIXX · #9 03-21-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

Serve the song.

Very often, slap bass matches our music and sits very well. When it doesn't I'll go to fingers.

cableguy · #10 03-21-2011, 01:36 PM

Sounds like the phrase "musical differences" will be rearing it's head soon. A band can compromise on certain things and still be together. If two people are not seeing eye to eye on playing style usually it leads to one of them leaving. Did you always play slap or did it evolve over time? Is it common in your style of music? Not that is has to be, but there's a reason you don't hear a lot of country bassist slap. Not that they couldn't, but that syle of music doesn't call for it. This may be something you can work out as a band, or not.

BigOldHarry · #11 03-21-2011, 01:37 PM

Playing *only* slap *would* be silly. Slap is not for everything.

Marley's Ghost · #12 03-21-2011, 01:38 PM

Tell him to go learn some new chords.

A rhythm guitarist calling out a bass player. That's a new one on me.

SMILEYSIXX · #13 03-21-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy

Sounds like the phrase "musical differences" will be rearing it's head soon. A band can compromise on certain things and still be together. If two people are not seeing eye to eye on playing style usually it leads to one of them leaving. Did you always play slap or did it evolve over time? Is it common in your style of music? Not that is has to be, but there's a reason you don't hear a lot of country bassist slap. Not that they couldn't, but that syle of music doesn't call for it. This may be something you can work out as a band, or not.

I finger a lot, and often I break into slapping. He's the newest member, by the way. We play metal, so it's admittedly not common, but seeing as how it sounds good with us (everyone who has heard us likes it) and I do it a lot, his disdain seems a bit unwarranted.

Side note: talked to the drummer and he loves the idea of more slapping too.

MysterMunky · #14 03-21-2011, 01:42 PM

Since you can play with your fingers (and maybe with a pick) you have options. Next time this comes up, play the song/section that the guitarist is griping about with slap, fingers and pick. Then put it up for vote in your band. If you and the lead like it, you already have a 2-1 advantage. Screw him with democracy!

MysterMunky · #15 03-21-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

Side note: talked to the drummer and he loves the idea of more slapping too.

Sweet! 3 to 1!

Rockmusician · #16 03-21-2011, 01:42 PM

Personally, I hate slapping. It has become cliche. Everybody tries to do it because they think it sounds impressive. The truth is, the best way to sound impressive is to play what is right for the song. It's obvious that the rhythm player thinks you slap too much. It's possible that everyone else feels the same way but is afraid to speak up. If you are having issues with band members not liking your style, maybe you should find a band that wants slapping every song.

Need2KnowBasses · #17 03-21-2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cableguy

Not that is has to be, but there's a reason you don't hear a lot of country bassist slap. Not that they couldn't, but that syle of music doesn't call for it.

As a primarily country slap player I take offense at this comment.

Just kidding.

leonche64 · #18 03-21-2011, 01:45 PM

I finger a lot, and often I break into slapping. He's the newest member, by the way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX

We play metal, so it's admittedly not common, but seeing as how it sounds good with us (everyone who has heard us likes it) and I do it a lot, his disdain seems a bit unwarranted.

Side note: talked to the drummer and he loves the idea of more slapping too.

You guys are DEFINITELY heading into uncharted waters...should be very interesting.

DERECOLA · #19 03-21-2011, 01:46 PM

I,m with Harry...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Playing *only* slap *would* be silly. Slap is not for everything.

SMILEYSIXX · #20 03-21-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

Personally, I hate slapping. It has become cliche. Everybody tries to do it because they think it sounds impressive. The truth is, the best way to sound impressive is to play what is right for the song. It's obvious that the rhythm player thinks you slap too much. It's possible that everyone else feels the same way but is afraid to speak up. If you are having issues with band members not liking your style, maybe you should find a band that wants slapping every song.

I would change if it was necessary, but the other members like it, as does most other people who have heard our music. I'm not looking for this to become a debate as to whether or not slap is "cliche".