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How many here actually play in a band?

Goofball Jones

Goofball Jones

May 3, 2007
277
52
70 Miles East of Chicago
#1
The reason I ask is, I love the bass. I love playing the bass. But I don't ever see myself ever playing with others in a band due to certain things in my life. Therefore I'm limited to just playing bass at home, alone.

The bass is not really made as a "solo" instrument. Yes, there are individuals out there that use it for solo work as with just about any instrument, but it's generally regarded as an instrument that's part of a group. Not only that, but it seems to be the general consensus of a lot of other bassist that soloing on a bass is "wanking" and is frowned upon (though I can't for the life of me understand why). To listen to some guys, the bass player should ONLY play root notes and if anything extra is played then "he's not doing his part in the band correctly" or again, he's "wanking". :rolleyes:

ANYWAY, back to the topic. How many out there actually play in a band? If not, do you still just play the bass at home? How do you play, solo or do you always just play along with your favorite songs? It's hard for me to justify laying out the cash for a bass, a bass amp and cabs only to just play along to "Ramble On" by Zeppelin (though, it's pretty fun).

I'm stuck at a crossroads, should I instead invest in learning the guitar or piano as their much more expressive. But I'm always drawn back to the sound of the bass. I dig the bass. When listening to music I'm always drawn first to the bass line.
 
#3
Despite my love for the instrument, I find myself lacking the motivation to make real progress when I'm not playing with others. At some point I have a discussion with myself as to what would be the most practical use of my time. If I'm not planning to play with other people, then there are other things (be they musical or not) that I enjoy that I can spend time studying.

In other words, yes, I am in a band. I think it's essential to play with other people in some capacity.
 
#5
^ ditto mileszs. I was in 3-4 bands for the last 10 years solid, and just recently quit them all for different reasons. So now, if I'm alone and practicing, I play drums. It's just more 'fun' to me at the moment.

Not that any of these opinions are 'correct', obviously. It's whatever is fun for you. If bass as a solo instrument is what makes you happy, there are plenty of people to look up to. There are a lot of people, especially on a bass playing board, that will argue the bass can be every bit as expressive as the others.
 
#7
I'm strictly avocational when it comes to music... but I play in three bands and between the three, I rehearse 1-2X/week and gig approximately 2-3X/month. I also host a once a month experimental music jam at a local studio.

I'm a musical extrovert... e.g. playing music with others is what helps me feel whole as a musician.
 
#9
Play in a band and freelance. I'm working on soloing, I like active basslines, will play roots if called for but like walking and 16th note grooves best, Jamerson played active lines and grooved! Yet I don't feel the need to solo at all on bass. Once in a while I'll feel the desire to take one, but it's usually a slow song and it doesn't get passed to me. I always seem to get solos when I'm playing all out, that sucks.

Down time is spent obsessively practicing.
 
#10
Right now all I'm doing is "hired gun" work. It's great. You don't have to deal with the band drama, and I can name my price, or just turn down the gig if I think the music/bandmates suck.

You should try doing something like this if you don't want to deal with a band, or have time constraints like myself.
 
#12
i'm just curious as to your reasoning for not wanting to play in a band.

anecdote: my little brother, who's a prog/math/experimental music genius went through a phase of not wanting to play with anyone because he had gotten burned bad a few times with past bands. and he doesn't really need anyone, he knows how to mix, master, distribute his music, he's entirely self-contained. however, when last i spoke with him, he lamented the loss of community, fellowship, and creative associated with his choice to become a one-man band. he's now looking for other musicians.
 
#13
Goofball Jones said:
Thanks, but to put this out there again: I cannot play in a band. I actually don't WANT to play in a band also. I appreciate the feedback, but when someone says "I can't play in a band due to circumstances" the reply to this shouldn't be "just play in a band". :D
Click to expand...

So, what do you want from this topic? Confirmation that there are others like you who prefer to play alone?

My guess would be that most bass players that post regularly on TB do play in bands...
 
#14
I do not. You can find the thread "who has kids" and I fit in that category. It's taken up too much time and I have too many other hobbies. I record stuff at home for my own personal fun. I'd really like too (be in a band), it just doesn't fit right now.
 
#15
I have been involved in a two-man recording project for the past 7 years, which I don't really consider a band. I understand that "real life" can get in the way of doing the whole band thing, trust me. I don't want to commit myself to something that I don't have the time or resources to fulfill. As much as I'd like to, I know better.

But all that aside...I suggest getting a guitar, learning other instruments, etc... You will see the bass from a new perspective; at least I have. You will still pick up your bass often, trust me. Maybe get some recording software or a cheap track recorder and drum software/machine... that will open up new creative avenues as well, even if you just record Ramble On.

I understand the point of this thread, don't feel alienated by anyone. Keep wankin', keep learning songs you like, as well as some you don't. One of these days you will probably be able and willing to join or start a band, but enjoy what you got right now. Rock on.

edit: yeah, I've got a kid, too ^ 'nuff said....
 
#18
I see nothing wrong with jamming to records, CDs etc. If you enjoy playing bass on the pure enjoyment of doing it in your spare time ...go for it. I will say thou that to me bass, IMO alone is boring. With CDs etc pretty cool. I much more prefer guitar and say harmonica for my downtime home music over the bass thou. With guitar i can be creative and write songs while wth bass i cant.

I played alone for almost a year at home to the CDs etc when i got back into music several years ago. I enjoyed turning on the radio spinning the dial and playing songs..all types which caught my ear. It was good training to get my chops back.

Today i play in a band and love it. I wouldnt play and spend the money i have unless i performed. If you are staying home and jamming buy a low cost decent Bass like Squier or SX and a small used amp. This way you feel weird owning say a 65' Vintage fender and all tube SVT ampeg just to jam at home.
 
#19
I'm a lazy musician and if I'm not in a band I don't progress. I didn't realize how much playing with others means until I joined a P&W band last year. I played with them for 14 months and am now in a "regular" band that fits my playing style to a t. I can understand having "circumstances." I can't understand not wanting to create with others.

H
 
#20
I'm not currently in a band, however that may change within the week (pending 'audition'). It's not really a band though, just a weekly jam session, but it's enough to validate whether I really can play with other musicians. That said, I've got less than a year under my belt, and I may yet be too green for that forest...

I, like the OP, wondered if I could ever get out to actually play with others - I'm 30-something, I have a wife and 2 year old, and time is precious... but I've re-organized my week to free one evening for 'something.'
 

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