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I got my (b)a$$ handed to me...

Timmah

Timmah

Supporting Member
May 19, 2011
1,790
3,157
Connecticut
#1
Last night I went to an open mic and played with my blues band. We hadn't practiced or anything, we just wanted to get back into the swing of playing as a group. The guitarist had been telling me all week that the bass player there was "so good," but I didn't think much of it. Wow, was I wrong. This guy had tone, chops, and groove for days. Even though he seemed like a pretty humble guy, his playing made me wonder why I even bothered to show up.

Has this ever happened to you?
 
#2
in my opinion if at some point in your musical journey this hasn't happened to you then you haven't encountered enough good musicians. I think though what makes bass the exception (in most cases) is that most musicians take the bass posistion because perhaps their's already 2 guitar players and they just cave man root notes to death.
So what happens is they do this until they find another band with an opening so they can play the guitar hero again and they never elevate their bass playing to another level.
I don't think great,virtuoso bass players are at a shortage but it's probably on average less likely you'll see them opposed to a great guitar player.

Keep learnin the craft my low end brother. No shame in meeting someone you feel is better. Hey,at least us bass players will admit when theirs a better player among us. ;)
 
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#4
Yes. I usually say something like "awsome tone on the bass" to the person and shake their hand. At a blues open mic about 2 years ago, there were two guys in the audience who turned out to be better players than me while using my bass and my gear. It was kind of humbling and inspirational all at the same time.
It's a musical journey, man. There will always be better players than you. See if you can learn something from them.
 
#9
It's happened to me a TON. I think that most players have those moments, and they are essential kicks in the butt to go to the woodshed. The best way to deal with the awe at their playing is to use it as a motivating tool. As a player, there is nothing better than being motivated to grow constantly by seeing the musical prowess of those around you. I never understood the notion of "he makes me want to put the bass down" or "I don't even know why I bothered to show up." That humiliation you feel can be turned into an awesome tool to practice until your hands fall off.
 
#10
Hi,

This happens to me all the time. I am grateful to have a gig. I just try to play my best all the time and have fun. I really should take a few lessons and practice more. But I'm old, work three jobs, have a wife and kids, so I have to make do. We are all gifted differently. The point is to use your gifts to the best of your ability. Hearing better players is a treat for me. I try to steal their licks. ;)


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
#11
tone, chops, and groove aren't everything.
Authencity is more important. Someone who play simple but with much authencity/character and 'deep content' can be far better.
That's why - even technically I have just simple tone, very few chops & maybe groove - I never feel inferior to any other bassist, even the one with more better tone & chops than me.
I always respect them. But not inferior. As long as I keep true to what I play and always willing to learn - not just technical things.
I remember long time ago someone told me to "Know What I Play instead of Play What I Know"..
Cause that's what playing music (bass) is all about IMHO
 
#12
I saw a brilliant flow chart at a music school where we recorded our last album, basically the flow chart was to help you determine if you should practice. One of the question boxes read "Is there someone better than you" if yes "practice", in no "find someone better than you" -> "practice"

At least you didn't have to work hard to find a reason to practice.
 
#13
lancimouspitt said:
in my opinion if at some point in your musical journey this hasn't happened to you then you haven't encountered enough good musicians./QUOTE]

I always feel that I haven't encountered enough good musicians. I'm also looking for the kind of musical challenge where I'm the worst guy in a band..

I've gotten some very good lessons over the years from gigs, but the ones where I was outclassed (playing upright behind Stanley Clarke's electric, opening for Winery Dogs) have been too few and far between. At the level of gigs I play there are definitely players at a similar skill and tone level to me but I never get completely schooled (which would be awesome).

I'm sure this would change in a heartbeat if I played more jazz festivals where I'd get pwned by fancy ramp guys. I play with a fairly virtuosic jazz guitarist so my personal challenge is to keep up with him...
Click to expand...
 
#14
Oh yeah, all the time.

just got back from Austin, and damn, there are some monster players out there.
chops, tone, vibe, with vocals, so cool.

Nashville is even worse, those cats can play circles around me with one finger. And look good doin it.

I agree with other folks, it inspires me to go home and practice, get some new fingering action going on, or sometimes just practice to a metronome so I can re-learn how to play a little ahead of the beat, or a little behind, or just right.
 
#17
Practice is a huge part of this.

Think about this.... How many famous but very technical, classically trained and absolute killer players would be working in a gas station or delivering your pizza if they didn't practice for hours every day for years? Likely more than you think. Being a great bassist/musician doesn't require a PHD or a Mensa IQ.

I have a full time job and am a pretty good player. If I had a few spare hours every day to practice I would be killing it and be better on all levels.

No matter how good you are, there is always someone better out there.
 
#18
It happens, but it's good to remember that we're not entered in some competition. We don't have numbers on our backs...

Although, a couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Watt, and letting him use my rig. At the last minute the lineup swapped, and his band went on first... and I got to take the stage after Watt.

All you can do is play the damn bass at that point!
 
#20
Agreed on all counts. I haven't stopped thinking about that dude's playing all day. I definitely need to put a few hours into the woodshed, and I watched him long enough to steal a lick or two, as someone said. For me, that's the coolest thing about getting schooled like that- it's a lesson.
 

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