Guitarists trying to write your basslines..

[fhm555]

Maybe it's just me, but unless a bass line is the signature riff in a song, who plays it exactly the same way (note for note) every time?

So long as it's not what defines the tune and it captures the essence of said tune, who gives a **** if it's note for note every time?

To be honest, every time I've been in a situation where someone was anal about everything being note for note every time it's played, there always seems to be a decided lack of creativity, and a definite desire to control every aspect of the process. In short, the goal was to control, not create.

I once got dressed down for "wandering" off the reservation by a band leader who had never played anywhere but his own living room. When we took a break, the drummer asked me if I was going to quit.

I told him I'd just get even by not showing up for the album cover shoot.

 

[bluewine]

I don't acept bass lines from guitarist unless the band is famous and $ is involved.

 

[MatticusMania]

Whatever happened to 'Serve the song'? Is that just something we say to eachother in forums when we're trying to appear noble?

Usually, there is more than just one way to serve a song.

 

[LowDown Hal]

If "note-for-note" is required the first thing I do is agree to "try it" and ask for the written notation.

Eventually it can be embellished

 

[DWBass]

Hmmmm.............a lot of guitarists don't really hear bass or know how bass fits in music in relation to chord progressions. I've redone basslines on songs written by guitarists and have done a very good job of it and they made the song even better. But a few times when the guitarists heard it, they didn't like it at all. They don't have a clue especially if they don't have a bassist mentality when it comes to writing basslines.

 

[ForSix]

I will try almost anything(musically )- but at the point it becomes *forced* I tend to lose interest. I quit a pretty fun band over just this issue- gtr guy saw no prob spending 45 minutes hammering me into playing his line NOTE-FOR-EFFING-NOTE, when IMO NO-ONE but another bassplayer w/INCREDIBLY good hearing/listening skills would perceive a diff. My version was very close, but not good enough. They play w/o a bassplayer now.

Why didn't he write it out? You know, on staff paper with a pencil.

 

[Audiophage]

I can't believe that people have hang-ups about this. If someone composes a tune, and it has a bassline that is integral to the tune, then clearly you have to be playing that bassline. Regardless of who wrote you're going to be playing or embellishing it in your own way.

And if you're really egotistical about it, write your own songs.

 

[bigtexashonk]

Similar situation here, but the songs are so good I'll follow instructions with as much humility as possible.

 

[DBCrocky]

My problem is exactly opposite. I recently joined a band and for one of their songs I wrote a cool bass line that was totally different than the guitar lines, and the band loved it. However, now one of the guitarists has taken to trying to play the line in unison with me, which I hate! Now I'm trying to figure out how to tactifully ask the guitarist not to do that...sigh

As for your issue, start I'd start out playing the song the way he showed you. Then I'd take the time to write my own bassline, and then come to practice and say "Hey man, I came up with this new line, what do you think?"

 

[DWBass]

I can't believe that people have hang-ups about this. If someone composes a tune, and it has a bassline that is integral to the tune, then clearly you have to be playing that bassline. Regardless of who wrote you're going to be playing or embellishing it in your own way.

And if you're really egotistical about it, write your own songs.

No hangups here my friend. I've written at least 50-60 songs over the years so I have plenty experience in this area. The problem is not 'me' changing his song. I am asked to add, change and basically do my thing! If I come across something I'm not feeling and they have to have it the same way, I usually let them know they should play the bassline themselves since they already did. Why have a bass player re-record the same bassline?? Now this is not the norm. Does not apply to all guitarists. Most are very open to creative input.

 

[pudgychef]

Usually, there is more than just one way to serve a song.

sure - but, ime, rare is the situation where any of the varied means of serving a song develop out of refusing to hear what the author of said song had in mind or being close minded to suggestions from band mates

My problem is exactly opposite. I recently joined a band and for one of their songs I wrote a cool bass line that was totally different than the guitar lines, and the band loved it. However, now one of the guitarists has taken to trying to play the line in unison with me, which I hate! Now I'm trying to figure out how to tactifully ask the guitarist not to do that...sigh

I have had the exact situation occur - I simply said that I thought that the doubling of the line was taking away from its effectiveness, can we try it once without doubling, once with and listen back to the rehearsal recording? Usually if it is taking away from the song you all hear it in playback...

 

[MatticusMania]

sure - but, ime, rare is the situation where any of the varied means of serving a song develop out of refusing to hear what the author of said song had in mind or being close minded to suggestions from band mates

Maybe its just that Ive not really been in that position where someone has told me "I wrote thsi song, this is the bassline". Ive always been involved in bands where I was the songwriter, and in the few instances I wasnt it has always been up to me to develop a bassline. Ive had people give me suggestions, some which I thought were good and used, and other that I didnt feel suited the song and discarded. I just take my bass playing personally, and if someone is going to dictate what Im to play, I better be getting paid real well. Ive always been asked to join bands because the person asking knows and appreciates the way I write & play.

 

[pudgychef]

Maybe its just that Ive not really been in that position where someone has told me "I wrote thsi song, this is the bassline". Ive always been involved in bands where I was the songwriter, and in the few instances I wasnt it has always been up to me to develop a bassline. Ive had people give me suggestions, some which I thought were good and used, and other that I didnt feel suited the song and discarded. I just take my bass playing personally, and if someone is going to dictate what Im to play, I better be getting paid real well. Ive always been asked to join bands because the person asking knows and appreciates the way I write & play.

I take my playing personally as well...but not other people's songs. I think they have the right to hear it the way they want initially - then we work from there based on how it works/fits/sounds. I find if you at least give it a chance, they are equally open to bass-centric adjustments or totally different approaches - BUT if I do the ole fingers in the ear, screaming the Flintstones theme song reaction to any ideas not 100% my own (as a couple of folks have advocated)...well then I am an ass-hat...

I have no problem asking guitarists or piano players or drummers etc to try things the way I heard them when I wrote the song and like to be equally open to their concepts in regards to songs they bring to the table as well - you know a open, ego is not our amigo working relationship.

 

[Ric5]

Let's say your guitarist writes a song and shows it to the band at practice. No big deal, sounds like fun. But then he turns to you and shows you the bassline he has written for you to play.

It's hard to argue when it's "their" song. But as a bassist, I'd sure like to write my own basslines, even if I didn't come up with the original song idea.

What are you guys' opinions on when guitarists try to write a bassline for you?

Some bands treat the bass player like a 2nd class member of the band ... I always end up quitting those bands.

 

[MatticusMania]

BUT if I do the ole fingers in the ear, screaming the Flintstones theme song reaction to any ideas not 100% my own (as a couple of folks have advocated)...well then I am an ass-hat...

Id certainly not approach the situation that way. I guess Ive been lucky enough not to work egocentric songwriters in that regard. I enjoy a working enviroment where everyone has the mobility to create their own parts. Remember the thread is titled "Guitarists trying to write your basslines..." and not "songwriters making bass suggestions".

 

[Tom Howland]

I would say sure thing, let me write the guitar line.

 

[Dellers]

Most guitarists know just as much about bass as 14 year old girls do. The last 1/10000 can make basslines if they want.

 

[s_mcsleazy]

what annoys me is when they expect you to play that and only that. i understand they wrote the song but it doesnt mean im playing it and you should dismiss anything else.

 

[pudgychef]

Id certainly not approach the situation that way. I guess Ive been lucky enough not to work egocentric songwriters in that regard. I enjoy a working enviroment where everyone has the mobility to create their own parts. Remember the thread is titled "Guitarists trying to write your basslines..." and not "songwriters making bass suggestions".

that is the title...but the original post discusses one song in which the song's author had a specfic idea in mind for the bassline...hence my focusing on that situation over generalities

 

[madbassplaya]

Meh. I'm a big fan of collaboration.

If it's a cool tune, it's a cool tune.

Again, I agree with you.

Is Phalex ever wrong?