Is a bass player really necessary?

[JW56789]

Oh yeah, just what I need: A kid with NAMM-show chops playing an 8-string guitar . . . . . and covering bass as well, or some kid with a pacifier in his mouth pecking away at a MacBook.

Right. Obviously, you've never played with a good one. When you find that guitar player that can cover his parts and play complete bass lines simultaneously, you will let us know, right? I don't think you're ignorant, I just think you need to get a lot more miles under your belt on stage, then re-think this: I can't think of one brilliant guitarist who'd want to be tied down to having to play bass at the same time. What they want is a solid rhythm section they can stand on without worry and do their thing. Not happening with a 'three-handed' guitar player. Though I'd love to see this 8-string guy with a band at the VFW or American Legion . . . . .

 

[Charlzm]

I feel like you don't really need one. A guitar is only an octave higher and it can still cover a lot of the notes that a bass guitar does. Also, you could just use an eight-string guitar and tune the lowest string down to a low E. I know that some bands have eight string guitarists as well as bassists and the bassists play the same notes as the the eight string guitar players, but the bass will make the low end sound "fuller" because of how thick the strings are. But I don't think that really makes any much of a difference. I know this question might make me appear ignorant, but this is my own judgement.

NO, bass players are not necessary. Music is not necessary. Human culture is not necessary. It is not necessary to breathe or eat or sleep, as individual lives are not necessary to the universe in any way we can detect.

 

[tradernick]

I know this question might make me appear ignorant, but this is my own judgement.

If we've learned anything in the past 18 months, it's that opinion is a viable substitute for fact these days.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

 

[Bassique]

Also, you could just use an eight-string guitar and tune the lowest string down to a low E. I know that some bands have eight string guitarists as well as bassists and the bassists play the same notes as the the eight string guitar players, but the bass will make the low end sound "fuller" because of how thick the strings are. But I don't think that really makes any much of a difference.

Animals As Leaders uses 8-string guitars but they still have bass guitar on the albums and also as a playback in live situations. Meshuggah tunes the bass to same octave with the guitars, but I assure you that if you took it out you would instantly notice it. When Nolly left Periphery they used bass from backing track live, even having 3 guitarists. So my point is, I guess bass guitar really is neccesary afterall.

 

[charlie monroe]

Ahem... Animals As Leaders... ahem ahem.

You should check em out.

I am aware of them. Should I quit playing bass because they exist?

Is dude a guitar player or an ERB player?
Not sure anyone can play chords any lower than standard guitar.

 

[Mili]

and the bassists play the same notes as the the eight string guitar players

Hilarious......you made my day

 

[2tonic]

Is a bass player really necessary?

No, only Johnny 5 is necessary!

 

[Element Zero]

I am aware of them. Should I quit playing bass because they exist?

Is dude a guitar player or an ERB player?
Not sure anyone can play chords any lower than standard guitar.

I never said you should stop playing. Sorry man. Lots of people have never heard of them. Besides that, both guitarists are extended range guitar players.

 

[StatesideRambler]

I feel like you don't really need one. A guitar is only an octave higher and it can still cover a lot of the notes that a bass guitar does. Also, you could just use an eight-string guitar and tune the lowest string down to a low E. I know that some bands have eight string guitarists as well as bassists and the bassists play the same notes as the the eight string guitar players, but the bass will make the low end sound "fuller" because of how thick the strings are. But I don't think that really makes any much of a difference. I know this question might make me appear ignorant, but this is my own judgement.

Five pages of replies in seven hours and he hasn't needed to return to stir the pot. He's seven posts into his TB career and we're trampling each other to reply to him. I do admire a truly effective troll.

 

[LordRyan]

It's possible to get some serious low end without a Bass player. I saw The Black Keys at Madison Square Garden several years ago. It was just guitar and drums most of the time but there was overwhelming bottom end, more than most bands with a Bass player. I also saw an Irish band that didn't have a Bassist and every once in a while some heavy low frequency sound would kick in. I kept wondering where it was coming from. Then the bodhran player did a solo and whenever he hit a certain spot on the drum it would produce the booming low tone. So if you just want bottom end and don't need particular notes it can be done with percussion instruments.

 

[Element Zero]

When you find that guitar player that can cover his parts and play complete bass lines simultaneously, you will let us know, right? ... I can't think of one brilliant guitarist who'd want to be tied down to having to play bass at the same time. . . . . .

I present to you... Exhibit A:

 

[Leo Thunder]

People often fail to realise that unless we allow bass players to play bass, they'll go play something that's actually audible

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

I’ll get started on converting our site name to “TalkLowerFourStringsOnAnEightStringGuitar” right away.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I present to you... Exhibit A:

I was just about to go there, but you beat me to it.

Here's Charlie Hunter in a full band context:

 

[Element Zero]

I was just about to go there, but you beat me to it.

Here's Charlie Hunter in a full band context:

Dude’s an amazing player. Anytime I watch his stuff I’m reminded of Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed.

 

[andykeating]

The answer is yes. And thus concludes the thread.

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

Bass is incredibly helpful. A bass player isn't nearly as important. Never forget that, with the exception of stage presence, you can be replaced by the keyboard player's left hand.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Well we can all sell our bass gear and take down this website since there is no need for bassists.

 

[vonbladet]

Ah, the age old questions: "What is band?" and "How can it be stopped?".