How do you describe your role when asked?

[matthewbrown]

The only time this happens is when people ask me about my guitar, and I have to explain that it's a bass. Then they immediately lose interest.

 

[Acoustic356]

My job is to make you sound better... The work that Dave does on this song is what I aspire to be...

 

[tb4sbp]

I have always felt that each instrument has its place, more or less
Generally for me I have viewed it as such (YMMV)
Drums - Toe Tapping, Feet Shuffling
Singer - Head, Heart
Guitar/Piano - Arms/Hands wailers
Bass - Hip shakers, Booty movers

 

[JimmyM]

My role in any band is whatever the band and I deem appropriate. It varies from project to project.

 

[TheLowDown33]

I try a soccer metaphor.

We bassists are the goalies of the band. We can keep them from losing, but we can't make them win.

As a former 3 sport goalie myself, I now understand why I gravitated towards the "funny guitar"

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

Bass player just doesn’t encompass it, so usually something like “I am the creative visionary and king”

 

[lermgalieu]

My role is to play bass.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Lots of analogies.

I'm the adult in the band.

Also, like the butter. Not all that tasty alone, but you make the rest of the food magical.

 

[gregmon79]

We tease around a lot, but as a bass player, when asked, how do you explain your role in the band without sounding like an egotistical jerk?

I'm the "bassist" or "bass player". However, in most bands I've been in, I've almost always contributed heavily to the writing process. But I'm still the "bass player". It's just easier to say/exclaim. Even though in most the bands I've been in, all the songs are written by me and the guitarist, with contributions from everyone in the band, we always just say what that person plays and leave it at that.

 

[rollie 55]

over 40 years and i love my title bass player

 

[Humbled]

over 40 years and i love my title bass player

I nominate you for a promotion to "Supreme Commander".

 

[Eric Swaim]

I have never been asked this before, except once on a t.v. show we were doing and my role at the time, band leader, it was my jazz band.

I have been aying for 40 years and anyone who asked, should be able to hear my role.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

I try a soccer metaphor.

We bassists are the goalies of the band. We can keep them from losing, but we can't make them win.

I tell my GF I'm the link between the drums & guitar(the glue; ).

 

[lermgalieu]

It depends, but often it's a kummelweck.

 

[rollie 55]

I nominate you for a promotion to "Supreme Commander".

thank you . i accept

 

[KevInDaBassment]

I try a soccer metaphor.

We bassists are the goalies of the band. We can keep them from losing, but we can't make them win.

Can't believe nobody said this yet!!

So what you're REALLY saying is....despite being on the team, the bassist never gets to "score"?

 

[Joybass]

I say "I am the bass player." They say "Oh," and their eyes glaze over.

 

[2BitHack]

Eye candy

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

I play bass... and drive the Winnebago...... LOL

 

[Robscott]

I help the drummer hump his gear in