Or leave some space. Not every space needs to be filled. Fripp’s Rules for Drummers comes to mind:
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How long should a bass FILL be?
- Thread starter Thebiggestjerk
- Start date
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- Dec 21, 2007
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Long enough to reach the ground. Wait, that's legs...
Anthony Jackson says hold my beer….
This is a great thought. thanks.I tend to subdivide songs into linked phrases, and dislike "licks" and fills unless they integrate well with the song's phrasing, don't screw up the rhythm, and blend well with what band mates are playing; under-playing IS over-delivering; over-playing is falling short of the mark.
If you're familiar with the rule of halves, my approach to playing a fill is to think about how I can distill the fill down to its essence; understated elegance, if you will. I try to think more like an arranger who also plays bass, instead of an instrumentalist who lack self-control; play the music, not the instrument.
Have fun, and good luck!
In my experience, it has to be as long as it takes for the guitarist to realize he has once again stepped on his own cord and unplugged himself. 
IMO nothing wrong with that fill.
P.S. Great bass tone. Sounds like a BB2000, pickups blended, with a touch or chorus.
LOL yes
Check out the fill at 2:57.
Like jumping off a tall building, somersaulting several times, then landing on both feet in perfect balance.
But that's AJ for you - the best of the best.
♫ Mister Magic / Grover Washington Jr. - YouTube
Well, you know... 4 bars... 5 bars... whatever it takes.
In my experience, it has to be as long as it takes for the guitarist to realize he has once again stepped on his own cord and unplugged himself.
It depends. There is no set amount and for me it is largely decided by the song I’m playing and creating the logic for a chord change. Also, you don’t want to stomp on someone else’s fill, like a melody line or something that does not work with the drummer.
Best advice is to listen to many other bassists you like and listen to what they do. Steal their stuff.
From Fripp's ideas about suggestions to Bill Bruford, three that I try to keep in mind:
2. If you have an idea, don't play it;
9. If there is space for a fill which is demanded by the music, don't play it: there are three other people who would like to use the opportunity;
10. If the part you're playing is boring, stop listening with your head;
2. If you have an idea, don't play it;
9. If there is space for a fill which is demanded by the music, don't play it: there are three other people who would like to use the opportunity;
10. If the part you're playing is boring, stop listening with your head;
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As much as I’m the first one heading out the door during a long bass solo, a fill just has to fit and keep the groove alive. I’d tend to believe shorter or longer than a bar as long as it doesn’t train wreck the tune.
Love Do Me Right by Rocking Horse. Funktastic. Groovetastic. Filltastic. Flangetastic.
The Bar Band Bassman
FullumMusic
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- Oct 13, 2022
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Weird question. 
It should be as long as it needs to be, in any given context. Same for any instrument or musical sound.
It should be as long as it needs to be, in any given context. Same for any instrument or musical sound.
