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Bass is 'easy'

Patrick Spence-Lewis

Patrick Spence-Lewis

Guest
Oct 1, 2014
47
5
London
#1
Hello,

I contacted a few people asking if they needed bass parts for their projects and this is one of the replies I got...

"Thanks for contacting me, Patrick!

Since I work 100% ITB, I collaborate only with vocalists. But I know this market for many years, and would sincerely advise you to venture into additional musical instruments, to further increase your chances for a gig - guitars, mandolin, whatever. Just make sure it is an instrument which is problematic to emulate otherwise (unfortunately bass falls in a "easy to mockup" category, unless "starlike" quality and gear, or either complex funky genre is concerned).

Wish you a Happy New Year, and lots of success!
Vlad."

This was my reply...

"Thanks for replying, Vlad

I see what you mean about bass being in the 'easy to mockup' category, but for me, someone that just plays the root notes of the chords (e.g. playing G for a G major chord) is not really a 'proper bass player'. It's like in a boy band where one of the guitarists gets put on bass as they need a bass player. He just then plays the root notes on every song. A 'real bass player' would create bass lines which improve the song (this rarely involves just playing root notes throughout the song). Personally, when I write a bass line I make sure it is interesting and adds something unique to the song.

I do also play the Ukulele if that is something you would be interested in :)
Thanks, Patrick"

How do you feel about the bass being "easy to mockup"?

Thanks, Patrick
 
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#7
If it's a simple song and only requires root notes, (ie Folsom Prison Blues) I don't try to change the sound of the song by playing more bass than is needed.I leave that to the lead guitar player. Keep it simple, unless you're going to solo.. Some people tend to think that since your playing just root notes you can't play the bass. They tend to try to squeeze more bass riffs between each chord change. Experience teaches me that my job is to hold down the bottom end and not try to be the front man.. My band appreciates the fact that I keep the beat along with the drummer. (stepping down off of stool) ;)
 
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#9
Truth be told it is ridiculously easy to play 90% of popular music on bass be it rock, pop, blues etc. The reason I play bass and have actually studied it (got lessons and jammed with anyone and everyone I could) for most of my life is because it's my favourite instrument not because I care what other people think, they can say what they want I'll be over here practicing the other 10% because I want to better myself and push myself musically with the instrument I love.
 
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#10
I would say that was completely ridiculous, but it pales in comparison to the response I once got. From your picture though, I'd say it's because I've been around a lot longer than you :). Not looking to outdo you, but rather put things in perspective.

Getta Load of this!

Can't wait to hear your guys response, to your response.
 
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#12
Joe Nerve said:
I would say that was completely ridiculous, but it pales in comparison to the response I once got. From your picture though, I'd say it's because I've been around a lot longer than you :). Not looking to outdo you, but rather put things in perspective.

Getta Load of this!

Can't wait to hear your guys response, to your response.
Click to expand...
Everyone who post pictures of themselves as avatars is using one that is at least 20 years younger than actual age.
I went for -47years with my first av... image.jpeg
Or they use a picture of someone better looking...image.jpeg
Wait! What? Oh! You mean response to the nimrod post about bass being easy. Boorish clod.
 
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#13
Joe Nerve said:
I would say that was completely ridiculous, but it pales in comparison to the response I once got. From your picture though, I'd say it's because I've been around a lot longer than you :). Not looking to outdo you, but rather put things in perspective.

Getta Load of this!

Can't wait to hear your guys response, to your response.
Click to expand...
Lol!
I skimmed through most of that thread, googled sin 6 and tell, out of curiosity, got nothing. I'm assuming nothing ever materialized that you know of right?
 
#15
Until you hear a person play, you have no idea what level they're at regardless of what they say about themselves.

The world is full of people with cheap guitars,basses and other musical instruments...people who think that they're the next big thing musically but can't play much of anything.

They're not musicians...they're people who are in love with the idea of being a rockstar. It's more about being being a rockstar than it is about anything musical.

A lot of good bands probably get tired real quick of all the posers that show up for interviews/tryouts.

And these days when you tell someone authentically that they suck on an instrument they can get pretty upset.

So if you just advertise yourself as a bassist for hire....well..there's a million of those around and a good percentage of them aren't very good. Ditto for guitar players and drummers.

Maybe a good way is to have your own website etc etc et or blog with actual sound clips of your work that you can refer employers to....if you are not in a position to actually demonstrate your
skills in person based on their general pre-conceived notions about prospective players....
 
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#18
Too many wor
Patrick Spence-Lewis said:
Hello,

I contacted a few people asking if they needed bass parts for their projects and this is one of the replies I got...

"Thanks for contacting me, Patrick!

Since I work 100% ITB, I collaborate only with vocalists. But I know this market for many years, and would sincerely advise you to venture into additional musical instruments, to further increase your chances for a gig - guitars, mandolin, whatever. Just make sure it is an instrument which is problematic to emulate otherwise (unfortunately bass falls in a "easy to mockup" category, unless "starlike" quality and gear, or either complex funky genre is concerned).

Wish you a Happy New Year, and lots of success!
Vlad."

This was my reply...

"Thanks for replying, Vlad

I see what you mean about bass being in the 'easy to mockup' category, but for me, someone that just plays the root notes of the chords (e.g. playing G for a G major chord) is not really a 'proper bass player'. It's like in a boy band where one of the guitarists gets put on bass as they need a bass player. He just then plays the root notes on every song. A 'real bass player' would create bass lines which improve the song (this rarely involves just playing root notes throughout the song). Personally, when I write a bass line I make sure it is interesting and adds something unique to the song.

I do also play the Ukulele if that is something you would be interested in :)
Thanks, Patrick"

How do you feel about the bass being "easy to mockup"?

Thanks, Patrick
Click to expand...
Too many words in your reply to Vlad's message.
Far too many words.
 

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