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Are you really happy being "The Bass Player"

thunder-pick

thunder-pick

Jun 9, 2005
61
1
#1
I started out taking guitar lessons (for about a month) before I switched to bass. Paul McCartney was my idol so I've always wanted to play bass. I still play guitar for fun but I have never wanted to play guitar in a band setting. I honestly feel the bass is my instrument and I don't feel as comfortable with a guitar in my hands (at least in a band anyway). What say you? :hmm::eyebrow:
 
#2
I have been playing electric bass for 33+ years. Did approximately 3 of the last last 5 years also leading worship on acoustic guitar and occasional keys. I definitely love the bass and recently began playing upright. I network with as many musicians in my area as possible just so I can pursue opportunities to be "the bass player." Yeah, as far as I'm concerned there's no better role in music!
 
#10
I've been on every part of the stage at one time or another, and I must say that being "the bass player" is by far my favorite. The low end sound, the harmonic and melodic possibilties, being able to drive the song, the groove, the dynamic and harmonic depth you can contribute to a song...it's such a great role.
 
#14
I think I've always been a bass player, even though I played guitar for almost 20 years, and bass for only a couple months. Listening to "And Justice for All" over and over again at such a young age really made a lasting impact on what the role of the bass was, to the point where I often questioned why it was even a necessary instrument. And yet, as a rhythm guitarist, I was always playing to the drums and keeping up the low end - I even used a bass amp! Fortunately, picking up the bass and listening closely for it on records has "cured" me. Before I was a bass player who played guitar. Now I'm a bass player who plays bass.
 
#15
BlackLake said:
Without Bass, music would suck.
Click to expand...

This is the simplest, truest thing I've ever seen.

I play guitar in my roomate's band after he begged me to for a year. He'd see me noodling on a bass and would ask "why dont you just play guitar? You're good enough" and I had to explain that I LIKE playing bass and that I prefer it, it has just as much sonic versatility as a guitar and without it any music would be bland and lifeless.

We reached a compromise. I'd play lead guitar for him, but I'm staying in my other bands as the bassist and that's my main gig. On a side note, picks and small fretboards are really difficult to get used to.
 
#17
If I wasn't happy being the bass player, I'd play guitar as my main instrument instead of something I double on. I sing, so that helps add a little more focus to my role in my bands. But I do have to admit I miss the "rock star" aspect of playing lead. The singing helps me deal with the lack of attention playing bass gets me. I think if all I did was play bass, I'd get a little fed up with the lack of attention. Call it what you want, but I'm being honest here.
 
#19
though i started out on acoustic, i only did so b/c leading worship came most naturally with acoustic. however, acoustic doesn't appeal to me as much as bass does. i love the groove, i love the wall of sound! there are times when i wish i was just a singer or the electric, but they're different feelings. If only I were able to do more solo's i'd be ecstatic. as it is now, i'm still learning a lot so i don't expect to go nuts. but my pace is nice.

All in all, i freakin love bass. i love being the groove that people bob their heads to!
 
#20
Personally, I think true bass players are born. I never wanted to play anything else. I am a bass player first and foremost over anything else. I learned to play guitar, drums, and keys later but I have always felt best being the bass player.

Peace,

T
 

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