Two Bassists, One Death/Thrash Metal Band

[Smedz]

Hello, so a few days ago i told my band I couldn't make it to the upcoming show so they grabbed a new bassist to sub in for me. So they were jamming yesterday so I decided to stop by and grab my gear and start playing with them. Right off the bat I hated the sub in bassist, he was so self centered and egotistic and was always concerned with everyone always hearing his random improvised tapping solos rather than knowing his roll and by riding the groove train. So anyway this guy has been playing for 7 years and im on par with him after playing 1, so now all of a sudden one of my bandmates shouted that we should have two bassists, now already i was pretty quezzy with working with this guy and then he says "I'll be lead bassist and you'll be back-up" Now the conservative person I am I nodded my head but inside I was furious that my band had nominated this D-Bag lead bassist while I am now pushed to back up or rhythm bassist which is utterly retarted. were all from 15-17 years old so it's a little hard to reason with each other cause of maturity reasons but I need some advice on what I should do, aside from the other bassist i like my bandmates and i'm friends with all of them but i'm on the fence here. thanks for the advice ahead of time

[chokeslam512]

I think that showed a lack of tact on the part of the rest of your band mates to put you on the spot and suggest something like that, but it seems that they have made up their minds.

You will have more opportunities than you can count to quit bands. It sounds like you have a pretty firm grasp on the situation so maybe you should talk it out with them without the other guy present.

[russellmania]

The post-punk band, The Fall sometimes has two bassists, but I don't think a death metal band would work with "Lead and Backup Bass" (Back-up bass is pretty insulting I think)... You should either reclaim your spot as the only bassist or ask this dude to move to baritone guitar or if he wants to play leads, maybe some black metal synthy stuff...Otherwise, if you were a full-time member of the band, your say should be equal to the other members. If their plan was to push you out by getting a fill-in, then maybe you should start up a new project. Then again, who knows...two basses might sound reaallly heeeavy

[Smedz]

Yeah like i like the idea of two bassists but im a little afraid of it sounding very muddy. I know if they had to choose between me and this other guy they would choose me cause ive been in the band longer and im up to skill with this other guy but being rhythm bass is pretty insulting like russel said. it would be pretty hard for me to quit cause i like these guys alot but there all down for it and im not so im still on the fence

[T. B. Player]

Are the band guys your best friends in the world?
Do you go to school with them?
Are you gigging and making $$$ with them.

If all three answers are "No," leave.

Remember that "band" mentality usually makes the worst decisions - Springsteen's band kicked him out of his first band because they said his guitar was too cheap; John Bongiovi (now known as John Bon Jovi) wanted to join a band in high school that was made up of seniors and he was a freshman, and they told him to get lost; and Brad Paisley always hung out backstage with at the Wheeling Jamboree hoping to play with the professionals - now all those those guys that told him to "get lost" are doing manual labor in construction or still playing local bars, and look where Brad is.

Take the advice of Del Paxton from "That Thing You Do:" "Bands come, bands go. The most important thing is to keep playing. And watch your money."

Then again, you could add third bassist and be Spinal Tap reincarnated, and tell the lead guitarist to get lost.

Z

[Beginner Bass]

I say tell him we can trade roles. Explain to the band your opinion on this. Not the sub, the band. Don't tell them what do do, make a suggestion. If you can, ask him to move to bari guitar. Try making a recording, but ratchet the bass up in the mix if possible, so they hear how busy this guy is.

[shadow_FIX]

Two basses in a metal band sounds terrible, I gotta be honest. Lead/backup bass? Come on. They're just excited because there's another bass player that's as good as you. Tell them about how two basses doesn't work in *most* situations.

[Marko5657]

Doesn’t sound to me like they’re very good friends. They have to know what they did to you wasn’t cool.

If you don’t like the guy now, and he’s already pushing you back, there’ll be no having fun in this band, so you have nothing to lose by telling them you’re not cool with it, and they’d need to make a choice.

Jmho.

[Spinal Tapper]

if you don't think it's cool, have a BAND meeting (new bassist not included) and tell them how you feel.

Sounds like a ****** move on their part. Maybe the whole thing will blow over after their gig with him...or maybe you'll get replaced. Either way, you're young, so don't worry too much.

[russellmania]

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Doesn’t sound to me like they’re very good friends. They have to know what they did to you wasn’t cool.

If you don’t like the guy now, and he’s already pushing you back, there’ll be no having fun in this band, so you have nothing to lose by telling them you’re not cool with it, and they’d need to make a choice.

Jmho.

Definitely well put. It may be harsh to hear, but by getting a sub for one show you couldn't make, and then keeping him permanently, most likely means that they want you out. By offering to keep two bassists, means that they don't want to tell it you straight... I could very well be wrong though.

[stflbn]

Originally Posted by russellmania

Definitely well put. It may be harsh to hear, but by getting a sub for one show you couldn't make, and then keeping him permanently, most likely means that they want you out. By offering to keep two bassists, means that they don't want to tell it you straight... I could very well be wrong though.

This sounds about right.

If the band is 15 - 17 they live in a universe where everything evolves around minutes hours and days. A week or month is an eternity. I'm sure not being available for one gig (in their world) means they now have no chance of making it in the music industry.

[omnimutant]

I wouldn't stress it, in a metal band, unless his tone really cut's through just right, nobody is going to hear him. Especially if he's shredding leads on the bass, when you and the guitar/s are playing a rhythm. I think it can be done and well. But it will require a lot of maturity and willingness to create songs around this concept to open up enough necessary space to allow for a lead bassist to actually be heard.

[varunkapahi]

when i was 17 i knew me and all my band mates were stupid, we still are

[calebbarton]

oh boy.....

[JMac4strngr]

I would just tell them how you feel and see how it falls out. If they pick the other guy over you, be a pro and gracefully move on. Friends or not, at the point things aren't working out its time to just take Your toys and go play with someone else.......

[Atticus]

The only time I've heard a record with two basses that I like was unorthodox: on Rocks Joe Perry played a Fender VI on some songs, playing it like a guitar rather than a bass since those are tuned EADGBE. Unless your death metal band wants to cover Combination it probably won't work (Read: It won't work). Also, there's no way I'd ever stand for a substitute player to take a lead role and push me to the back. If you can't get rid of him or move him to a different role, leave. I'd be inclined not to give him any position for that particular slight, but maybe that's an overreaction.

[blockinlay]

Just keep playing and see how it pans out. 17 year olds usually graduate and move on to college or full time jobs. It'll all change soon enough anyhow for each of you and you'll go your own ways. Have fun while you're at it. Bitch about it a little, but just have fun and don't take it personally. Maybe the guy can show you some things you don't know. Be open minded.

[Sartori]

Crappy situation, I agree. Unless you're really good friends with the guys or making money, I'd leave, amicably.

Of course, in some ways you invited the situation. When you're going to miss a gig, the best idea is to find your own sub.

[somegeezer]

Lead bass for Death Metal? That doesn't work. Just tell the band you're not in with the idea. If they are determined to have it that way, just leave.

[Sartori]

I see the problem more as being the fact that he thinks the other bassist is a twit.

A death metal band with a lead bassist might be kinda cool. Though I can see a doom band with two bassists way easier.