The lead guitarist and I (really the only two who make the major band decisions) have decided that me playing slap bass sounds great and that is the style I'm writing most of my music with. The rhythm guitarist, after finding this out, basically threw a hissy fit, saying "playing only slap would be like me only playing triplets". What would be the appropriate way to handle this because the lead and I both really like slap bass and I, as the bassist (who should be the one making decisions about my own instrument) would prefer slapping because our band sounds good with it. How to handle this?
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.
Bandmate angry about my choice in playing style
- Thread starter SMILEYSIXX
- Start date
- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,235
- 45,141
- Disclosures
- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
You're the bassist, right? Play how you like it. Tell the guitarist to stick to the guitar.
Good luck.
Good luck.
It's actually more like him playing only with a pick...
Exactly what I said
I told him when he writes a song using only his fingers like a classical guitar, he can talk down to me 
And about limiting myself to only slap, it's not ONLY slap but that is my main focus. I use my fingers quite a bit also.
+1
Play slap when appropriate. Tap when appropriate. And pick when appropriate (never haha)
Very often, slap bass matches our music and sits very well. When it doesn't I'll go to fingers.
Sounds like the phrase "musical differences" will be rearing it's head soon. A band can compromise on certain things and still be together. If two people are not seeing eye to eye on playing style usually it leads to one of them leaving. Did you always play slap or did it evolve over time? Is it common in your style of music? Not that is has to be, but there's a reason you don't hear a lot of country bassist slap. Not that they couldn't, but that syle of music doesn't call for it. This may be something you can work out as a band, or not.
Tell him to go learn some new chords.
A rhythm guitarist calling out a bass player. That's a new one on me.
A rhythm guitarist calling out a bass player. That's a new one on me.
I finger a lot, and often I break into slapping. He's the newest member, by the way. We play metal, so it's admittedly not common, but seeing as how it sounds good with us (everyone who has heard us likes it) and I do it a lot, his disdain seems a bit unwarranted.
Side note: talked to the drummer and he loves the idea of more slapping too.
Since you can play with your fingers (and maybe with a pick) you have options. Next time this comes up, play the song/section that the guitarist is griping about with slap, fingers and pick. Then put it up for vote in your band. If you and the lead like it, you already have a 2-1 advantage. Screw him with democracy!
Personally, I hate slapping. It has become cliche. Everybody tries to do it because they think it sounds impressive. The truth is, the best way to sound impressive is to play what is right for the song. It's obvious that the rhythm player thinks you slap too much. It's possible that everyone else feels the same way but is afraid to speak up. If you are having issues with band members not liking your style, maybe you should find a band that wants slapping every song.
I finger a lot, and often I break into slapping. He's the newest member, by the way.
You guys are DEFINITELY heading into uncharted waters...should be very interesting.
You guys are DEFINITELY heading into uncharted waters...should be very interesting.
I would change if it was necessary, but the other members like it, as does most other people who have heard our music. I'm not looking for this to become a debate as to whether or not slap is "cliche".
