How Do OTHER People Describe Your Bass Playing?

[tastybasslines]

Last night I went to a jam with about 7 other musicians, people subbing in and out on different instruments and had an awesome session. I was the only true bass player there and we had some great jams lasting some 6 hours. One of the guitarists described my playing as, "simple, rhythmic and melodic with nuggets thrown in." Although I'd like to become more technical, I considered it a great compliment.

And we all know the guys that approach you after a show and say, "You sounded great, Man.(whatever "great" means). "Yeah, you kinda sounded like.......________" What do those people say to you? What adjectives/comparisons to you get the most of? And what is the weirdest thing anyone has said to you to describe your playing?

 

[davegt666]

I've had a couple gals come up to me after a show saying they dug my "fast fingers".

Dudes at guitar stores usually come up to me and say they dig what my right hand is doing.

I play very staccato and use a lot of ghost notes.

At any rate, any compliment of any sort is good. I would rather have that then have someone say I suck

 

[fdeck]

I once got hired by a bandleader who had heard me at another gig. At the end of the first set, the drummer said: "Dave was right, you are obnoxious."

 

[Winfred]

"Man, you never overplay."

Best compliment I ever got.

 

[Anachronism]

Loud

 

[RED J]

Last band:
Drummer: Now I know things will tick along just right.
Lead Guitarist: You know how to play tight.
Rhythm Guitar/Lead Singer You're the best bass player I ever worked with. (poor guy)
I took that all as a general favorable review.

 

[bolophonic]

Our guitarist told me that the bass line I brought with me to rehearsal yesterday was the meanest thing he had ever heard.

 

[2saddleslab]

At a gig many years ago a blind man, friend of the drummer's family, when asked what he thought of the band replied, "you have a hell of a bass player". Always been proud of that.

 

[48thStreetCustom]

Buritto.

 

[Rickybass4001]

I have been told by several well respected musicians in the area I am like Kenney Gradney and Tommy Shannon in one package.
Never overplay and put the tasty notes where they need to be.

This is probably one of the best complements I got, for in the past I was one of those guys that was too busy.

 

[Doner Designs]

El sucko (probably).

 

[ZachariahLee]

I love hearing "Dude, I love your tone" more than "you were great". There are thousands and thousands that can play the notes I play, but it's more of a compliment that the tone was just right. I honestly found it more difficult to find the tone I was hearing in my head than to play the notes I was hearing in my head.

 

[brianrost]

I had a guy once come up and tell me "I really liked your white bread approach to reggae"

 

[bassbully]

Great tone, solid, tight and in the pocket.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

You Suck!

...Wait, that's what I think.

Hmmm, mostly I get complimented on filling out the bands sound (my "tone" is pretty bass heavy) and for being a nice tight foundation (read not overplaying).

 

[Dave W]

Solid

 

[lz4005]

I had a drummer buy me a beer after a gig once and said "you were so right on it the whole time I forgot you were there". Turns out he and the guy I was subbing for battled over where the one was almost every song.

 

[Jazz Ad]

One for which I'm the most proud, delivered by a bar owner where I jam and used to play covers. "I love when you play here, people always dance and tap their feet".

When I play originals, it's usually something along the lines of "awkward but it works", in a positive or negative way depending on the person.

 

[Gaolee]

I had a guy take my contact information after a jam session and tell me he might call me "for a favor." Whatever that means.

 

[the harp unstrung]

The word I most enjoy hearing about my bass playing is : "Solid"... the others are : "Thank You!"