Honestly, Flea Is not overrated at all

[Admiral Akbar]

Hello fellow bass players,
I saw some posts on this website that often label our funky monk as an overrated player, so i just thought It would be nice to tell you my opinion, and i hope you'll also let me know yours without any trouble

What i found Is that people tell he Is overrated because of three main factors for the most part:

1)His technique

2)His tone

3)His lack of technicality

1) Starting off with the technique, i see the point people try to make: he uses a really heavy finger style Attack and also he slaps with his thumb pointing downwards (while also beating that bass pretty damn hard).

Both of these techniques are not exactly "correct" because they give the player a series of disadvantages, in fact, by attacking hard the bass you might get tired quickly and you might also limit your Speed and accuracy, while with downthumb slapping you are likely to be less accurate and you can't do any Francy double thumb.

However, flea's use of these "wrong" Styles of playing does't come out of ignorance, but personal choice, because of comfort, of what music he plays and mostly because of tone choices, which i'll talk about now.

2) Flea's tone, because of his playing, Is notoriously very growly, raspy and aggressive (as i'd like to define It) and the examples of this in RHCP are countless


Surely not the classic bass tone we all have in mind

But (to my ears atleast) if you take flea's tone in a live situation It sounds perfectly fine in the context. here's the same song but live, with the entire band



That's because his aggressive tone Is functional for a high energy band such as RHCP, which Is the reason why One might love or hate the chili peppers! It's ultimately a matter of tastes, but what Is undeniable Is that his tone works.

However Flea Is no one-trick pony, he Is capable of adapting Is tone to the context creating very melodic and emotionally driving lines



And can also adapt to match another artist's work





And finally i'll cover what i think Is the main point of the criticism.

3) What Is interesting about this point Is that i agree with It.
Flea can't be considered a very technical player. Sure, he Is fast and knows how to play his instrument well but his Lines are mainly based on pentatonic scales and do not get as intricate as let's Say Jaco's or Wooten's, you name It.

However, Flea simply doesn't need to be technical, the music that he plays Is vastly popular, and popular music doesn't have to be technical in order to be good and nice to listen (and music in general also to my tastes, but that Is another story).
I mean, non-musicians do not understand what lies behind the creation of music and usually do not enjoy overly-complicated stuff, they Just want something easily dancable and singable for the most part.

And to add one more thing, he surely knows how to be technical, in fact, few people say the whole truth : Flea Is not an ignorant with only raw talent and great intuition , he, has in fact attended music lessons at the University of Southern California!

Q&A: Flea on New Chili Peppers Album - SPIN

I think that Is enough, i'll be waiting for your opinions, just remember to share politely and with respect if you wish to.

Honestly, thanks for this analysis of Flea’s playing. I think he is a monster of a musician, who has influenced countless bassists, and has showed non-bassists and even non-musicians what can be done with the bass in a hard rock/pop context.

If anyone has problems with Flea’s right hand technique or sound, maybe they should also complain of James Jamerson only playing with one finger on dead cruddy strings, as just one example. I love Flea, and Jamerson.

 

[chazolson]

To me, everything he plays is interchangeable song to song, as everything sounds the same. That heavy slap thing, for me, gets old real quick. I can’t listen to RHCP’s version of Higher Ground.

 

[kmon]

Technique, tone, and lack of technicality? Can we drop the idea that there’s a right and a wrong in regard to those things?

Things either work or they don’t. Flea makes it work, sometimes brilliantly IMO

 

[Benko]

he plays some really nice wandering melodic lines on the Mars Volta album, very different to his RHCP style.

and yes, overall he is a hugely talented musician. his book is worth a read too.

Really liked his work on the ANTEMASQUE album...which lead to a big disappointment seeing them live where the bass player could not play with his energy and actually even playing the lines...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

My wife wonders why she can never find a match for a pair of socks when she does laundry.

 

[jeff62]

Well, well, well! Welcome to TB, Flea! I mean, “ @SoulofaBean “

 

[micguy]

There are a lot of people that will tell you that a certain technique is "wrong". Larry Grahams technique was certainly, at one point "wrong" - before he came on the scene, "proper" technique meant you didn't bounce the strings off the frets - you avoided that. Now, somehow, slapping is OK, but you have to do it a certain way - we're criticizing someone who doesn't slap the same way?

I do a lot of clink and clank, but I find a thumb to be a poor digit to use for that, so I do it with my index finger. It's a different technique. It sounds different. And that's OK

We have an instrument - it's a bunch of wood with wire strings on it. However you get sounds from it, if they're musical, and you don't injure yourself doing it, it's good. The instrument is still young (decades old, not centuries).

We don't need rules, we need innovators. Flea is one of those.

 

[Mike Sorr]

Hello fellow bass players,
I saw some posts on this website that often label our funky monk as an overrated player, so i just thought It would be nice to tell you my opinion, and i hope you'll also let me know yours without any trouble

What i found Is that people tell he Is overrated because of three main factors for the most part:

1)His technique

2)His tone

3)His lack of technicality

1) Starting off with the technique, i see the point people try to make: he uses a really heavy finger style Attack and also he slaps with his thumb pointing downwards (while also beating that bass pretty damn hard).

Both of these techniques are not exactly "correct" because they give the player a series of disadvantages, in fact, by attacking hard the bass you might get tired quickly and you might also limit your Speed and accuracy, while with downthumb slapping you are likely to be less accurate and you can't do any Francy double thumb.

However, flea's use of these "wrong" Styles of playing does't come out of ignorance, but personal choice, because of comfort, of what music he plays and mostly because of tone choices, which i'll talk about now.

2) Flea's tone, because of his playing, Is notoriously very growly, raspy and aggressive (as i'd like to define It) and the examples of this in RHCP are countless


Surely not the classic bass tone we all have in mind

But (to my ears atleast) if you take flea's tone in a live situation It sounds perfectly fine in the context. here's the same song but live, with the entire band



That's because his aggressive tone Is functional for a high energy band such as RHCP, which Is the reason why One might love or hate the chili peppers! It's ultimately a matter of tastes, but what Is undeniable Is that his tone works.

However Flea Is no one-trick pony, he Is capable of adapting Is tone to the context creating very melodic and emotionally driving lines



And can also adapt to match another artist's work





And finally i'll cover what i think Is the main point of the criticism.

3) What Is interesting about this point Is that i agree with It.
Flea can't be considered a very technical player. Sure, he Is fast and knows how to play his instrument well but his Lines are mainly based on pentatonic scales and do not get as intricate as let's Say Jaco's or Wooten's, you name It.

However, Flea simply doesn't need to be technical, the music that he plays Is vastly popular, and popular music doesn't have to be technical in order to be good and nice to listen (and music in general also to my tastes, but that Is another story).
I mean, non-musicians do not understand what lies behind the creation of music and usually do not enjoy overly-complicated stuff, they Just want something easily dancable and singable for the most part.

And to add one more thing, he surely knows how to be technical, in fact, few people say the whole truth : Flea Is not an ignorant with only raw talent and great intuition , he, has in fact attended music lessons at the University of Southern California!

Q&A: Flea on New Chili Peppers Album - SPIN

I think that Is enough, i'll be waiting for your opinions, just remember to share politely and with respect if you wish to.

I'm not much of a Chili Peppers fan, but I give Flea a lot of credit for his humility. He IS a very accomplished player and an excellent musician, and he became that way through hard work even after "making it" with his band. I admire players who continue to develop and improve as musicians even after they have achieved the kind of success most of us can only dream of.

 

[Ostie]

I don’t subscribe to any kind of criticism such as “Paul is not a good bassist” or “Ringo is not a good drummer”. It’s trolling and it’s worthless, and it never ends well. While I’m not a huge RHCP fan, I respect their musicianship, hard work, and creativity. All music (except hate lyrics) has merit.

 

[nnnnnn]

I know Keidis can be polarizing

Isn't that because he sings out of tune? A lot.

I like some of Flea's work, sure, and Chad is great, but I would only listen to their work with other artists because I can't deal with the out of tune vocals on RHCP songs.

 

[BassDaddy77]

I doubt if Flea himself cares whether or not other people think he's overrated/underrated. He's been more successful at what he set out to accomplish than any of us could ever dream of being. Having said that, he seems to be very controversial amongst some musicians. Since when is music a "contest"? Was Jaco actually BETTER than other players, Flea included? I dunno. But, I find Flea's work a lot more listenable personally. Complexity for complexity's sake is lost on 99.9% of average listeners.

It's like the old example: Two drummers show up to audition for a gig. First one sits down and absolutely rips. Crazy fills, unbelievable chops. Second one sits down and plays a simple groove, perfectly in the pocket. Producer says to the first guy "you're amazing!". Says to the second guy "you're hired!"

I'm not really in either camp myself. I'm just glad we have such a vast amount of music to listen to; and so much more to yet be created as well.

 

[brianrost]

Flea's tone, because of his playing, Is notoriously very growly, raspy and aggressive (as i'd like to define It)
Surely not the classic bass tone we all have in mind

I can think of a lot of rock and punk players who have similar tones. It sits well in a mix, all the high mids keep the bass line in your face.

Nobody complains about John Entwistle or Chris Squire having that barbed wire piano string sound.

I would only listen to their work with other artists because I can't deal with the out of tune vocals on RHCP songs.

Well, if they were AutoTuned instead then we'd have something else to complain about

 

[Lo-E]

It only takes listening to any of RHCP’s ballads to realize that Flea is a great player.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Isn't that because he sings out of tune? A lot.

I like some of Flea's work, sure, and Chad is great, but I would only listen to their work with other artists because I can't deal with the out of tune vocals on RHCP songs.

the times I've seen them live there are moments when Keidis can't seem to find the right pitch... particularly on the higher range stuff... BUT honestly, it's never bothered me that much. I think the ppl who complain about that are exaggerating the problem.

for context... one time I saw them and Beck went on right before. Beck had more musicians on stage, but also more backing tracks. Sure, it sounded like the album... but it was also one of the most boring live performances I've ever seen, any genre. I'd much rather hear Keidis sing out of tune a little bit than rely on back tracks to make it better.

 

[MasterG]

I doubt Flea gives a flying f what we snobs think of his playing. He's laughing all the way to the bank.

 

[Honkey tonk]

Truth be told , lots of bass players who are really good that know the bass really well .
Flea is a really great at entertaining , oh and he is good on bass...

 

[ricardol]

I think that picture of Ethiopia is different from how a lot of people imagine it…
"All I knew about Ethiopia was from a few records that I like, as well as what I read about the famine. But you get there and it’s another world. It’s filled with art and music and poetry and intellectuals and writers — all kinds of people. I went to this town called Harar and there is a Mosque and a Christian church right next to each other, and everyone gets along. They’re devout about their faith, but they’re really tolerant. I was walking down the street with this Ethiopian dude, and he’s like, ‘Oh shag, dude, I gotta take a poopie,’ so he just walked up to a random door in this neighborhood, and the residents were like, ‘Come right in and use my bathroom.’ They don’t do that poopie in L.A., man. ‘Excuse me, Arnold Schwarzenegger, can I take a poopie at your house?"
Q&A: Flea on New Chili Peppers Album - SPIN

 

[salmon256]

Flea is my go to bassist when I feel I'm losing the bass. His playing always calls me back in, maybe because I grew up listening to RHCP a lot and his general attitude for music ropes me in. First he is a pretty good trumpet player (Not at all an easy instrument, you have to maintain chops on!) I think Talkbass gets rope into Flea dislike just because of the age demographic but a majority of people on here of all ages love Flea. Don't let the youtube comments or extra internet anonymity threads who hate on Flea get you. It's easy to attack someone big in a community like the bass and music world, do not give them any bait. He's a great player and has inspire many and opened the door to many different genres for loads. I also love he has used an array of basses throughout his career but his associated with a certain sound, because he's Flea!

 

[logdrum]

First time I heard he is over rated. Maybe but haters with beer bellies.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Hello fellow bass players,
I saw some posts on this website that often label our funky monk as an overrated player, so i just thought It would be nice to tell you my opinion, and i hope you'll also let me know yours without any trouble

What i found Is that people tell he Is overrated because of three main factors for the most part:

1)His technique

2)His tone

3)His lack of technicality

1) Starting off with the technique, i see the point people try to make: he uses a really heavy finger style Attack and also he slaps with his thumb pointing downwards (while also beating that bass pretty damn hard).

Both of these techniques are not exactly "correct" because they give the player a series of disadvantages, in fact, by attacking hard the bass you might get tired quickly and you might also limit your Speed and accuracy, while with downthumb slapping you are likely to be less accurate and you can't do any Francy double thumb.

However, flea's use of these "wrong" Styles of playing does't come out of ignorance, but personal choice, because of comfort, of what music he plays and mostly because of tone choices, which i'll talk about now.

2) Flea's tone, because of his playing, Is notoriously very growly, raspy and aggressive (as i'd like to define It) and the examples of this in RHCP are countless


Surely not the classic bass tone we all have in mind

But (to my ears atleast) if you take flea's tone in a live situation It sounds perfectly fine in the context. here's the same song but live, with the entire band



That's because his aggressive tone Is functional for a high energy band such as RHCP, which Is the reason why One might love or hate the chili peppers! It's ultimately a matter of tastes, but what Is undeniable Is that his tone works.

However Flea Is no one-trick pony, he Is capable of adapting Is tone to the context creating very melodic and emotionally driving lines



And can also adapt to match another artist's work





And finally i'll cover what i think Is the main point of the criticism.

3) What Is interesting about this point Is that i agree with It.
Flea can't be considered a very technical player. Sure, he Is fast and knows how to play his instrument well but his Lines are mainly based on pentatonic scales and do not get as intricate as let's Say Jaco's or Wooten's, you name It.

However, Flea simply doesn't need to be technical, the music that he plays Is vastly popular, and popular music doesn't have to be technical in order to be good and nice to listen (and music in general also to my tastes, but that Is another story).
I mean, non-musicians do not understand what lies behind the creation of music and usually do not enjoy overly-complicated stuff, they Just want something easily dancable and singable for the most part.

And to add one more thing, he surely knows how to be technical, in fact, few people say the whole truth : Flea Is not an ignorant with only raw talent and great intuition , he, has in fact attended music lessons at the University of Southern California!

Q&A: Flea on New Chili Peppers Album - SPIN

I think that Is enough, i'll be waiting for your opinions, just remember to share politely and with respect if you wish to.

I think it’s pointless to judge or compare musicians. I find it annoying when people ask the question, “who’s the best guitar player, singer, drummer, bass player, etc.?” Some musicians may have a talent that is noticeably superior (compared to others), but that doesn’t make them “better”, necessarily. Just my $0.02.