Am I too Sensitive ?

Most people don't understand what we do and don't appreciate us until we're gone.

If your drummer truly doesn't understand what you do as a bass player then you need to find another drummer.

And, I hate to be a jerk but it's "too sensitive" not "to sensitive". Sorry to be a grammar nazi. I'm a teacher, it's in my blood to make corrections.

 

If you’re embarrassed when I point out the typo in your title, you may be too sensitive.

 

I do not think that you are being unreasonable or too sensitive at all. Its not too much to ask what youre asking. At all. Every instrument plays a part in the band. My bands have the guitarist or even drummer not make it at times and we still get together to go over things. It sounds like you have some snobs in your band. Not tryin to be the "a**hole" but come on, bands are suppose to work together and communicate. If they dont they are just working against each other and the music. Im not sure if you have a lot of other options as far as joining another band or if you really like this band, but I would probably consider dropping them for some more open minded players. Thats just me though. Its unfortunate that theres is a lot of people out there still just dont get our role and what us fellow low enders do for and in a band. The people that do rock though. Good luck to you.

 

You should stick up for yourself more and explain the bass player's role to them. I believe the word is "leeway", not "lead way", by the way.

 

Yes, maybe you're being sensitive. If they wanna blow off rehearsal because the gui**** can't make it then blow it off. If you feel it happens too frequently and is holding the band back then start looking for another band. Otherwise, don't sweat it. Use the time to practice on your own.

 

OP is to Sensitive as HeavyJazz is to Grammar Police.

 

Recently, I was playing in a Top-40/Oldies band with 2 horns-guitar-bass-drums. Our best rehearsals occurred when the guitar player couldn't make it.
Sad, but true.

In the '80s, I played in a Top-40/R&B band...both the guitarist & the keyboardist were marginal rhythm players. Solos = "10"; Rhythm = "3".

The vocalists told me they took their cues from the bass.

 

No you're not too sensitive. It's times likes this when the chips are down and the breaks are beating the boys that I think back on the inspirational words my old football coach used to say: "CRY, BABY, CRY! Does baby want his mama? Go on, cry like the baby you are. Hey guys, come check out the big crybaby! AWWWWWW! I think he needs his blankie!..........."

 

I agree; I am in a four piece- drummer, guitar, bass, vocalist. We have had 3 person practices when "life" gets in the way. Some productive but all were fun.

We each have learned what we cue off of, how we rely on each other but, more importantly, we have really used these 'incomplete' group practices to identify what we need to work individually.

 

Try this tune-up out for size.

Assuming your drummer counts in the song, come in on time.

As soon as your singer starts singing, drop out. See how long it takes her to figure out what part of the pointless dum dum dum dum is missing and how well she will work without it there.

Repeat this exercise whenever you are feeling marginalized.

 

+ 1. This works well during guitar solos, too. Especially in smaller groups with one guitar, no keys.

 

Yes. It's what makes you a musician.

 

Brilliant. Fastest way to the point.

FWIW, unless it's just to go over vocal harmonies, I think practices with any individual missing isn't productive. Sometimes it makes things worse. I also think wasting time with band people who don't know what a bass does is counterproductive.

 

As long as I have a drummer at practive I can make it productive.

Right now Im putting am original band together.
We're currently a trio and will likely expand to a 4 piece if/when we find a good keys player.
Jamming, just me and our drummer, has been uber productive.