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How Do You Provide Value as a Bass Player?
- Thread starter SlapHappy99
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- bass player player value
i play keys/and left hand bass ... so i replace myself sometimes .. !
i sing , play a few instruments , always prepared , always on time , ... own lots of the band needed gear .. !
= job security
i sing , play a few instruments , always prepared , always on time , ... own lots of the band needed gear .. !
= job security
I'm generally better at singing and guitar than the singers or guitarists, so that shuts them up pretty quick. If they ever feel that I'm not doing an equal share, they can just find a new bass player and I'll gladly replace them on whatever it is they think they add more than me by doing.
If you are a good bass player and generally get along with the rest of the band then you are a commodity that is very difficult to replace. If your drummer is good and you guys lock nicely then it becomes really difficult to replace you. There's a lot of value in just being good at your instrument.
As we all know, the bass player tends to be "the guy in the back", and we're sometimes considered low-value, easily replaced by a MIDI box or the dreaded keyboard left hand.
How do you make yourself more valuable as a band member? Here are some of the things I do:
Any other ideas?
- Prepare lead sheets for the songs (yes, bass players can actually read treble and bass clef
)
- Manage the web site and band newsletter
- Chase down venue owners for gigs
- Sing backup
- Always help carry the equipment
LOL I don't allow other musicians to treat me as low value. I don't stand in the back unless it's the only possible logistical option. I don't carry others peoples gear ever, but I will help with PA.
As always YMMV
I've never felt like I had to do extra to make up for anything. My contribution to the song is that people are banging their heads to me. The guitar in the band isn't rhythmic enough to get people to do that, so it's all drum and bass. I do the other stuff because somebody has to do it, and it's a team effort. Also, the only person who stands in front of me is the vocalist. You can't miss me.
If you play in a band that minimizes your importance as a member because of your instrument and treats you as a disposable commodity that isn't necessary for the band to function and is easily replaceable you might be in the wrong band.
Before I started teaching, I was a graphic designer. I still do some freelance stuff, especially over the summers, but I do all my bands' posters and crap.
- Oct 18, 2012
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- Endorsing Artist: Fender, Spector, Ampeg, Curt Mangan, Nordstrand Pickups, Korg , Conquest Sound
As we all know, the bass player tends to be "the guy in the back", and we're sometimes considered low-value, easily replaced by a MIDI box or the dreaded keyboard left hand.
How do you make yourself more valuable as a band member? Here are some of the things I do:
Any other ideas?
- Prepare lead sheets for the songs (yes, bass players can actually read treble and bass clef
- Manage the web site and band newsletter
- Chase down venue owners for gigs
- Sing backup
- Always help carry the equipment
None of the things you mentioned provide any value as a bass player. Maybe they do as band member, but not as a bass player. You're either valuable for your playing ability or you're not.
I've always found that by being professional, showing up prepared, being on time and being easy to get along with, that I provide more than enough value.
I do some of the other things you mentioned as well but I don't look at any as adding value as a bass player.
I do my best to:
1) play as well as possible, and add to the music; and
2) be professional -- on time, prepared w/ material, prepared with my gear and ready for any stage event, interact professionally with every venue manager and employee including bar staff, be helpful and friendly with fellow performers/band people.
If I do these things, I do not feel that I need to shine anyone's shoes or pick up their dry cleaning to justify my keep. I have been working steadily for decades so I guess it works.
That said, in my current most-often-played gig, because I want to help our "team" I also do outside stuff, as do they. I am not concerned about being replaced by a more-pliant bassist, but in getting some s*$& done for our mutual benefit. I handle some social media stuff, bring a modest PA when called for, etc. It's just a question of helping carry the load, not carrying the load so they don't find a new bass player.
Besides, if bass players are so expendable, why does someone always need a bass player?
Edit and Final thought-- a mediocre bass player is easy to swap out for another mediocre bass player; if you're a good player, you are not so easy to replace. They are kind of rare, good players on any instrument. Be above average at your instrument and you're providing value.
1) play as well as possible, and add to the music; and
2) be professional -- on time, prepared w/ material, prepared with my gear and ready for any stage event, interact professionally with every venue manager and employee including bar staff, be helpful and friendly with fellow performers/band people.
If I do these things, I do not feel that I need to shine anyone's shoes or pick up their dry cleaning to justify my keep. I have been working steadily for decades so I guess it works.
That said, in my current most-often-played gig, because I want to help our "team" I also do outside stuff, as do they. I am not concerned about being replaced by a more-pliant bassist, but in getting some s*$& done for our mutual benefit. I handle some social media stuff, bring a modest PA when called for, etc. It's just a question of helping carry the load, not carrying the load so they don't find a new bass player.
Besides, if bass players are so expendable, why does someone always need a bass player?
Edit and Final thought-- a mediocre bass player is easy to swap out for another mediocre bass player; if you're a good player, you are not so easy to replace. They are kind of rare, good players on any instrument. Be above average at your instrument and you're providing value.
I'm pretty good-looking, so hopefully that helps cover some of the deficit of being just a bass player.
On a more serious note, I do know in country music there was a tradition of the bass player dressing up as a clown and telling jokes between songs; keeping the audience entertained between songs was the job of the bass player.
My main bands have members who at one time were bass players - so I haven't really experienced anything like pressure to do more than everyone else.
My main bands have members who at one time were bass players - so I haven't really experienced anything like pressure to do more than everyone else.
My take on this is that the willingness to stand in the back and not seek your own glory is the single most valuable thing you can bring to the band. IME The thing that undermines most bands is competition for the spotlight.
Edit: Single most valuable thing after being a good bass player that is
Edit: Single most valuable thing after being a good bass player that is
Folks have commented positively on my dancing. I started out with playing sax in a funk band and a dancing marching band in school so free styling and choreographed steps come naturally. My playing is in church so I don't go as far as a Verdine White or Flea and it is a good thing since I am now in my middle ages
