like the rest of the players, i vote "all of the above." or "it depends."
i like the "fat" though, so i might lay it out just behind the beat center --- when i can!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Ahead, on or behind the beat?
- Thread starter MichelD
- Start date
i like the "fat" though, so i might lay it out just behind the beat center --- when i can!
I play a little in front on some rockers, although I may be wrong. Little back on the ballads. The exact center of the beat—in my world ,anyway— is reserved for George Clinton. On the One, y’all.
Lost the (E) drums in my IEM, for a bit - so was only hearing from his wedge… and was (oddly) ahead a bit 
Same song - IEM working… seems better!
So I guess I’m usually ‘on-beat’
Same song - IEM working… seems better!
So I guess I’m usually ‘on-beat’
I do all three of those for different reasons. Sometimes just for feel but other times to correct the drummer. Like if the BL wants us to slow the beat and the drummer doesn't I can play behind the beat a but to make things sound slower...etc.
I play it however the tune demands it. But left to my own style I tend towards playing behind the beat, I just like how it feels.
Freekmagnet
Commercial User
Dead center on the beat every time, every instrument. In my opinion, ahead is rushing with the rest of the band holding you back, and behind is dragging with the rest of the band pushing you on. The beat is the beat. If you aren't hitting the mark, you're out of time. If the drummer plants the one out of time, they're out of time. Same with all the other instruments.
Anybody who has a sweeping, across the board answer to this question is playing based on self-imposed rules, rather than on thoughtful musical judgment of the task at hand. Does that sound like a musician YOU would like to play with? Not me.
I do all three. It depends on what sounds and feels best.
I do all three. It depends on what sounds and feels best.
Generally I’m right on top of the beat, but the drummer and I work it as a team. One of us will be on top of the beat while the other slightly pushes or pulls based on the feel and groove we want.
If I’m playing with horns I play right on top of the beat otherwise they will start dragging the tempo down (not all horn players, but I feel this is a fairly accurate approximation of my experience with horns in several different bands).
If I’m playing with horns I play right on top of the beat otherwise they will start dragging the tempo down (not all horn players, but I feel this is a fairly accurate approximation of my experience with horns in several different bands).
Please correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't the style of music dictate the timing?
Listen to Family Man. You'll hear a masterclass in how to play around the beat for maximum grooviness.
??
The 'feel' of the beat depends entirely if you play behind, on or ahead. That's what 'human feel' is. That is what 'pocket' is. Perfectly quantized, which has it's place in some songs, would be exhausting to the listener and player.
With great drummers, playing bass slightly behind the beat can add depth and punch to the groove. It's an art and it's important. And for drummer, listen to Bonham. He had a huge pocket behind the beat. It's a fantastic quality in any player.
I play bass and sing backup just a tiny bit behind the beat. I play guitar and sing lead on the beat. just my .02
