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Do you feel you need to justify your instrument?

Sir Squier

Sir Squier

Apr 29, 2005
35
7
37
#1
I find the general consensus amongst both musicians, and the general music-listening audience is that bass is an 'easy' or 'simple' instrument. I know that on a forum such as this I don't need to defend the complexity of bass.

Because of this perception of my instrument, I'm very conscious that my playing has become increasingly more complex, perhaps needlessly over the years of playing my instrument. The old 'less is more' adage and 'make every note count' philosophy in no way apply to my technique. I seem to have some kind of moral objection to playing crotchet root notes in 4/4, I'd rather set my bass on fire. I've found myself confined to playing only jazz because it provides the stimulation I need.

Of course, it's probable that this is something unique to me and I'm just pursuing what appeals to my taste. But always in the back of my mind, regardless of the style of music I'm playing, I feel I have an obligation to prove to everyone in the audience that bass is an instrument just as sophisticated as any other. It's as though I'm having to defend the honour of bass players everywhere every time I play.

Does this resonate with anyone else here?
 
#6
I try to strive for a balance. I always hope to do what's best for the song but I do the extra stuff for my own enjoyment. If someone notices my extra effort and compliments me on it it's bonus. My two guitarists are absolutely amazing and I love watching their solo's while I hold the bottom end down. Honestly, if I wanted the Limelight, I would probably Play some Saxiphone.
 
#8
There is a huge difference between playing and instrument and playing it well. People who are educated about music realize that bass is no easier than any other instrument. I know plenty of great guitar players who struggle with bass.
 
#9
Don't let ignorant people dictate your style and make you play like you have something to prove

Sometimes a bassline is easy sometimes not. What is important is if the bass enhances the feel of the song. Not if the bassist played his nut off on it.
 
#10
hxcJORDAN said:
Anybody that says bass is easy does not play bass well. "Well" meaning keeping tempo and in the pocket with the drummer.
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topo morto said:
Have you mastered the dozens of ways you can play crotchet root notes in 4/4?
Click to expand...

WashburnAB95 said:
The bass is very very simple


HOWEVER Simple =\= Easy
Click to expand...

I'm not trying to criticise everyone who does play in that style. I'm more interested to know if anyone feels pressured by musical culture.
 
#11
I relate to how you feel, it's irritating to have someone under mind what you have put thousands of hours of practice and study into. I have dozens of double-thumping/tapping/fretboard-shredding licks that I can pull out if someone challenges my ability(or if I just want to show off), but when I'm actually performing music nothing is more important than communicating musically with my bandmates and making the song/piece sound as good as possible. Having your playing defined by a role such as a "shredder" or a "slapper" or a "pocket bassist" will do nothing but limit you and the music you make.
 
#13
Sir Squier said:
I find the general consensus amongst both musicians, and the general music-listening audience is that bass is an 'easy' or 'simple' instrument. I know that on a forum such as this I don't need to defend the complexity of bass.

Because of this perception of my instrument, I'm very conscious that my playing has become increasingly more complex, perhaps needlessly over the years of playing my instrument. The old 'less is more' adage and 'make every note count' philosophy in no way apply to my technique. I seem to have some kind of moral objection to playing crotchet root notes in 4/4, I'd rather set my bass on fire. I've found myself confined to playing only jazz because it provides the stimulation I need.

Of course, it's probable that this is something unique to me and I'm just pursuing what appeals to my taste. But always in the back of my mind, regardless of the style of music I'm playing, I feel I have an obligation to prove to everyone in the audience that bass is an instrument just as sophisticated as any other. It's as though I'm having to defend the honour of bass players everywhere every time I play.

Does this resonate with anyone else here?
Click to expand...

To be brutally honest, you sound a bit insecure. You don't need to prove yourself to anyone but you. Most of the people in the audience won't recognize your epic chops anyways. What they will recognize is whether the song sounds good to them or not. Sometimes that requires playing simply, and sometimes you need to kick it up a notch. Play for the music.
 
#14
Sir Squier said:
I'm not trying to criticise everyone who does play in that style. I'm more interested to know if anyone feels pressured by musical culture.
Click to expand...

I don't really recognise the musical culture you allude to. I tend to find people value the song sounding good. Which as often as not means cutting out the chaff.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius to move in the opposite direction, as someone said. The people who value complexity are probably the people I would be least likely to consider knowledgeable about music.
 
#15
I don't know, I find jazz more intellectually stimulating and a way to use what I've learned about my instrument. Other times I just want to have fun and enjoy the whole scene. It may be a simple classic rock line, but its still a good time. I don't feel the need to prove anything.
 
#18
I play acoustic guitar and bass. Guitar is a lot more complicated than bass. You can spend a life time learning all the details. However when it comes times to making music, I find it WAY easier to make music on guitar. Mostly becusae it is a poloyharmonic instrument. Almost anything with harmony sounds good.

Yes I believe the bass is simpler. However the simplicity of the bass makes it so very challenging. In most circumstances you only get one note at a time and it has to be very well placed. For me I find these limitations make it much more difficult to be musical. Yea while somebody can show you all the notes and proper techneque and be playing in a very short while, you will spend a lifetime learning how to be musical on the bass.
 
#19
I've always told people, when they've asked that sort of thing, that it's easier to be a bad bass player than a bad guitar player (fewer strings, one note at a time, etc) but as hard or harder to be a really good one. They usually get it.
 
#20
What's sad is when bassists perpetuate the myth that "anyone can play bass competently"; whether by openly telling people how much easier bass is, by complacently remaining the worst musicians in their bands, or by otherwise demonstrating that bassists do not have to reach as high a bar as other musicians.
 

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