Bandmate angry about my choice in playing style

[SMILEYSIXX]

Was the rythm guitarist subbing for you ON BASS and if so, is there still an expectation he will continue subbing for you ON BASS in future, if required?

The original intention was for him to sub for me on bass while I had to take care of some other matters that prevented me from being there. Our singer thought it may be a good idea to have a rhythm guitarist so we're kinda just trying him out right now to see if he can do okay. He isn't subbing for me in the future, I see what you were thinking. If I need a sub in the future I'll get an actual bassist.

 

[marijn van gils]

Just some ideas; they might not fit your situation:

Maybe your slap parts do sound great with the song, but they limit his possibilities?

Slap can get quite busy, and is well in the range of the rythm guitar, also rythmically. Maybe he has a hard time finding something interesting to play that interlocks with you, since your part maybe already contains the rythm parts, and this annoys him?

Do you listen to his lines while you write your own and take them into account, or do you write your lines and expect him to play "whatever" on top of them?

A good rythm section doesn't constist of just 2 (bass and drums), but of 3 players (bass, drums and rythm guitar), and they all need to interlock properly. Ideally, the three lines are written simultanuously, or at least adapted to work together both melodically and rythmically. If I would be left out of this process, and left to come up with "wathever" on fixed and very busy rythm guitar parts, I would certainly get annoyed.

 

[Galaxie5OO]

As a primarily country slap player I take offense at this comment.

Just kidding.

THAT is funny.

You should provide a link to some of your bands music - with and without the slap - so people giving opinions can give constructive criticism based something concrete, albeit still incredibly subjective. That would leave judging of the complex interpersonal relationships of your band completely out of the mix. No one knows you or your band. You could all be great people or complete jackholes, or a blend of both (like every band I've ever been in... mostly jackholes).

The bottom line IMO is that good chemistry comes naturally and is, I think, impossible to force.

Now to get back to my dueling banjos slap solo...

*YouTube Stu Hamm country music for inspirado

 

[Rocker949]

Usually, I am not a big fan of slapping, but some bassists can pull it off and it sounds great; Flea probably being the best example.

 

[SteveC]

I see a new band in your future. Do what you want, but deciding that slap is going to be your thing is ridiculous. I know I don't want to listen to the same thing song after song after song. But like everyone says, do what you want.

 

[dukeorock]

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?

How old are you guys?

 

[dukeorock]

The only thing funnier than the OP is the seriousness of some of the responses...I feel like I accidentally switched on an episode of The View

 

[Marley's Ghost]

There are plenty of times that I find it helpful to slap the drummer.

Post of the day.

This might also help the guy whose drummer can't stay on beat.

 

[RBrownBass]

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?

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.

Playing *only* slap *would* be silly. Slap is not for everything.

I,m with Harry...

You get what you get here at TB. Anyway, the way you're going on and on about it says to me that you're looking for support for your position, and it's bugging you that not everyone is jumping on the wagon.

I can see why. His wagon isn't "Validate my decision to write and play slap-style songs". His wagon is a simple "Help me figure out how to deal with this guy". And it's not like he's asking TBers to give him money or something.

He wasn't initially looking for advice on whether to make the move to slap only --you can see by the bolded in his first post that he's already made that decision-- but repeated posts dealing with whether slap only is a good idea derailed the focus of his thread and now he literally has to respond to at least some of the trolls because there are so many. He's asked repeatedly for it to stop but it hasn't.

 

[Mulebagger]

I've got zero issue with the slapping. As I mentioned earlier, I like to incorporate it into my playing when and where appropriate. I really think you need to take a step back and think about your concept of a band.

I've been in two types of bands:
Ones where we all collaborate and have imput.
and
Ones where there is a leader or two that dictates everything.

In the bands where the leader or two leaders dictate, I've noticed I'm on a long list of bassists that have played for them and left them.

Soon you will find that your talent is just as important as your collaborative skills. Slap is not the issue, it's the people/ management skills you are developing as a result of the slap debate.

If you can resolve the problem and remain a band, then "musically" you've grown far more than you may realize.

I wish you guys the best of luck. Again, slapping tapping poppin whatever isn't really the issue. The world of music is large enough to hold all our creations.

 

[john_g]

Had a similar episode recently in my cover band....we are working on a new tune with a simple bass line thats kinda funky, so I decided to slap it instead of playing it with my fingers (like the original). The keys guy starts playing the bass line on his keyboard as well. Im like...***? He says, when you are slapping that line, it doesnt sound as full so I have to double it. I asked him not to play the line while I am, and just to prove him wrong I played it both ways...slapped one verse, fingered the next.

He was right.

 

[SteveC]

I can see why. His wagon isn't "Validate my decision to write and play slap-style songs". His wagon is a simple "Help me figure out how to deal with this guy". And it's not like he's asking TBers to give him money or something.

He wasn't initially looking for advice on whether to make the move to slap only --you can see by the bolded in his first post that he's already made that decision-- but repeated posts dealing with whether slap only is a good idea derailed the focus of his thread and now he literally has to respond to at least some of the trolls because there are so many. He's asked repeatedly for it to stop but it hasn't.

OK, I'll deal with it. Get rid of the guy(s) who doesn't(don't) agree with you. That's what I said in my first post. I see a new band in your future.

After that, I gave my opinion on locking yourself into one style.

 

[Scobac]

Regardless what everyone else thinks, a hissy fit to try to make a point is unprofessional!
Experimentation with playing style builds vocabulary! A broader vocabulary allows you more choices in determining what is right for any given song! At some point you may decide the thumb not right for certain things but the bass is in your hands not anyone else! YOU DECIDE!

 

[bobbystopholes]

I like slapping and fingering. Brown chicken brown cow.

I think you've done what you can do. He's either going to accept the style you've chosen or quit the band. The only way to change his mind is write killer lines that will make him like the style. That's about it.

Bobby

 

[Galaxie5OO]

His wagon isn't "Validate my decision to write and play slap-style songs". His wagon is a simple "Help me figure out how to deal with this guy". And it's not like he's asking TBers to give him money or something.

He wasn't initially looking for advice on whether to make the move to slap only --you can see by the bolded in his first post that he's already made that decision-- but repeated posts dealing with whether slap only is a good idea derailed the focus of his thread and now he literally has to respond to at least some of the trolls because there are so many. He's asked repeatedly for it to stop but it hasn't.

The main premise that needs to be taken as a given in order to form any kind of a qualified opinion is that the slap bass stuff is in fact, awesome; and that his drummer is off base with his remarks. It might be terrible, might be great, but more likely it would depend on who's listening (no one here to my knowledge).

I could just say "F the stupid 'guitard'. What do they know, anyway?"

or:

"Slapping all the time won't sound good - your drummer has a point."

Either one would be pretty narrow minded and presumptuous.

By the way, I love slap, metal, Mudvayne, funk, and plenty of other things. I might like your music, too. It's hard to tell with being able to hear it.

Sorry to go off -- to much coffee and time on my hands this morning.

 

[Turock]

The main premise that needs to be taken as a given in order to form any kind of a qualified opinion is that the slap bass stuff is in fact, awesome; and that his drummer is off base with his remarks. It might be terrible, might be great, but more likely it would depend on who's listening (no one here to my knowledge).

I could just say "F the stupid 'guitard'. What do they know, anyway?"

or:

"Slapping all the time won't sound good - your drummer has a point."

Either one would be pretty narrow minded and presumptuous.

By the way, I love slap, metal, Mudvayne, funk, and plenty of other things. I might like your music, too. It's hard to tell with being able to hear it.

Sorry to go off -- to much coffee and time on my hands this morning.

Yeah, lets drag the drummer into it.

 

[Turock]

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?

You sound really young. I suspect that you'll look back at your post one day and get a good chuckle out of it.

 

[aborgman]

i suppose you've never ever had a problem with other people you work with. it hardly means he needs to see a shrink. it just means two people disagree.

I've had lots of problems with people I've worked.

Due to having normal, developed, adult socialization and communication skills - I've also never had any problem dealing with those problems like effective adults.

Disagreeing is normal.

Being unable to come to a solution in an adult, professional manner is something that requires a shrink/counselor, that is if you're actually an adult.

 

[busmandan]

There are plenty of times that I find it helpful to slap the drummer.

And there are plenty of times that I have found that slapping the drummer is not enough. Sometimes only a full-blown ass-kicking will do.

 

[BassBrass]

Had a similar episode recently in my cover band....we are working on a new tune with a simple bass line thats kinda funky, so I decided to slap it instead of playing it with my fingers (like the original). The keys guy starts playing the bass line on his keyboard as well. Im like...***? He says, when you are slapping that line, it doesnt sound as full so I have to double it. I asked him not to play the line while I am, and just to prove him wrong I played it both ways...slapped one verse, fingered the next.

He was right.

This. I slapped a lot in the 80s. (Even before seeing the Flee & Chili Peppers at The Rat in 1987, their first Boston show of their best album, the 1st, Real Men Don't Kill....)
I never slap in the set now. I like low end and the tone of wood. Recently, I've actually written using slap for rhythm inspiration, then picked it fingers because it sounded better, louder, more solid low end as the song developed. (I keep long fingernails like a classical guitarist, so it's aggressive like a pick)
Slapping is like a disappearing act against guitars through Marshals. For funk, where there's built in space, it's fine.
And since slapping comes off as such an attention needing gimmick, rock bands around here will shun you if you are addicted to it.