Advice for playing bass.

[naviboy]

I'm in a rock/indie band(boring). it is a band that my friends put together about 2 months ago and they asked me to play bass for gig and now I'm kinda in the band. So far we have only done covers of songs by Oasis, ACDC, Jet and stuff. This bores me, the bass in our songs is way too simple and very repetitive.

Do you think i should a) Develop new basslines for each of our songs that test myself? b) Join another band?

 

[ysand]

I think (a)

(b) would be nice if you find a band playing smth else (that u also like), without leaving this one (if everything else besides the boring basslines is fine)

 

[sparkyrock09]

Maybe bass isn't your instrument. I see too many bass players trying to over complicate things. Anything that can be played can be played well and add to the core groove of the piece. Adding stuff to it will most likely detract from this...

 

[boabski2k]

I'd go for C find some songs with great basslines and fit them into your set. Keep everyone happy.

 

[bggeezer]

not a) you have to make the song your own, without changing the line too much, otherwise the song is not the song

deffinately b) but form an originals band as a side project


BTW...this should be in band management

 

[Bluesbreaker5]

I tend to agree with Sparkyrock. I've played "Chain of Fools" many, many times (1 chord) and never get bored with it. The bass groove is just too cool. I've play a lot of 12-bar blues as well and never get bored, not too different from your ACDC stuff. Sometimes you might need to change it up a little, but only because it enhances the song.

I let the music (and the drummer) dictate my groove. Sorta like Michael Jackson saying the music makes him grab his crotch.

Did I say that?

Once I realized it's not the number of notes, but the quality of the notes that counts, I became a much better bass player.

If you're bored with the music you're currently playing, I would start learning the basslines to the music you really enjoy. If you're still bored, try something else.

 

[sirspoogesalot]

A) it is much better to be in a band with your friends, beleive me.

I found that i was in your possition but as my band got bigger, i started playing more complicated riffs and once your band starts writing there own **** , you will have fun.

However if your band wana only do cover songs then i say you leave, the buety of a band is to inavate and creat your on stuff

 

[naviboy]

Me and one of our guitarists(we don't do rythym and lead) like RHCP stuff(of course the ones I can actually play). But our other guitarist doesn't want to do it(dunno why) and our vocalist thinks it would be too hard for him(fair enough)

 

[Blah114]

you have to play music you like.. but there is an art to playing songs like AC DC. I struggle with AC DC compared to Rush.. because I am so used to playing busily.. I wish, if I could go back, I would have started with AC DC instead of Yes, Rush, etc.. but now, I have sat down and learned the "simple" songs and realized they are not simple.. they are merely different.. so your post is much more about taste than skill level.. playing a song that sounds good is what you're after, in my opinion.. and that is subjective. I get as much out of Rock N Roll Ain't Noise Pollution's bass line as Rush's Spirit of Radio.. I love them both..

 

[Oraflora]

This may not be the right band for you, but to make it more interesting for yourself, you can try paying close attention to details that make a big difference in how the song grooves and flows.
So, assume you are playing the right notes at the right time.
1) Is your note length perfect?
2) Are the rests between every note the right length?
3) How are your dynamics? Consistent when needed, and varying to emphasize dramatic points in the song?
4) If the part is "easy" or "boring" - Congratulations, you are a competent player......now play it better than the original bands bassist did. Be honest, even simple lines are hard to replicate or improve on the recorded version.
5) If the bass line is what the label, radio and thousands or millions of fans like.....you really think you can make it better? Takes a pretty big ego to think you can improve on what has been professionally produced.

I guess what I am getting at, is if you can't make it interesting and challenging for yourself, might as well join or form your own band, rather than drag others down who are really enjoying playing that style.

 

[Thunderitter]

Playing 'simple' bass lines in the right band can be far from easy and also very satisfying.

I think you may either be in the wrong band or perhaps you're band hasn't quite clicked yet.

Getting in the pocket with the drummer can make the most plodding bass line come alive.

First off I'd start looking for other songs with bass lines that you like and after that start writing your own lines/songs. That's always the best way to stay interested.

if you're bored with Jet, you can't be playing Are You Gonna Be My Girl. I never get tired of that one, even though it is a very straight forward line. That song is very satisfying to play (IMHO) when the band is razor sharp with all the breaks - crowds love it too. If you are playing that one and it bores you maybe you should take up jazz!J