• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is a bass player really necessary?

Status
Not open for further replies.
#121
I’m in a blues/R&B band that works in 3 different configurations depending on the pay or the size of the venue. The full band is vocalist, guitar, bass, drums, and keys. They also work as a four-piece with the keys covering left hand bass. Also as a trio without guitar. It all works out, but there’s no doubt that it’s better with a real bass.
 
#122
The keyboard player's left hand can replace you sure, if the keyboard player is willing to absolutely limit everything else he or she does. Most anytime I see a band missing an instrument it has more to do with increasing their earnings then anything else. I like the White Stripes as much as the next guy but their songs sound 100% better with a bassline, it doesn't matter what instrument you use to cover the job. Countless other bands hire their missing pieces for live shows, they don't go without. Because it usually sounds bad. The 80s bands everyone loves to point out that didn't use bass guitar? They usually had several keyboard players in the live show. So what's the moral of the story? If you're in a band no matter the instrument you play, you better contribute to the songwriting and arranging unless you want a robot replacing you.
 
Last edited:
#123
Somebody has to play bass, either electric bass, double bass, tuba, keyboards, computer, etc.

Bass players are nothing new, they have been part of bands, orchestras, philharmonics, ensambles, etc. for hundreds of years.

In many music styles what really matters is that someone has to provide a steady pulse on bass notes, the instrument can be different depending on the music style: Double bass in classic music, guitarron in mariachi, electric bass on rock, synth on electronic music, tuba or sousaphone on marching band, etc.
 
Last edited:
#124
You can ask the same question about any instruments with an overlapping range. Is a drummer necessary? How about a keyboardist? I know that accordions are not necessary, but Weird Al has made a living playing one.

There are a million ways or more to play "Middle C".... Don't worry about how you get there, just enjoy it.

But, for anyone who doubts the competency of an 8 String Guitar as an Instrument, check out Animals as Leaders. Javier and Tosin are amazing musicians.

 
  • Like
Reactions: rtav
#126
8 string guitar:
Ideal instrument for the bassist who doesn't like to practice. The shorter scale and slinky strings are perfect for your fretting hand that can't cover normal steps/stretches. Also, the muddy, detuned, distorted mess you consider your "signature, monster tone" makes an excellent veil for all the sloppy off-beat clanking created by your other hand's poor technique.
 
#128
jimM.jpg
 
#129
Nothing in music is really "necessary", it's all just preference. You can create plenty of music with nothing but a surface to tap rhythms on, or a voice. You choose instrumentation based on what sounds you want to create. So no, a bass player isn't necessary, but neither is a guitarist or a drummer for that matter.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rashrader
#130
I was just browsing this awesome thread, Cool rock n roll photosand was astounded to see all the pics of actual bass players, playing real basses. I’m many pages in and haven’t seen any pics of artists/bands that didn’t have a bass guitarist in the mix.
Here’s a couple of gems from that thread. .
There’s tons.
395E2EC5-CC2B-494C-BD59-363A883A0F17.jpeg
9B8D1E15-02D5-449A-A197-D8AB1D58C90A.jpeg

Highly entertaining and refreshing.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Helix
#131
mellowgerman said:
8 string guitar:
Ideal instrument for the bassist who doesn't like to practice. The shorter scale and slinky strings are perfect for your fretting hand that can't cover normal steps/stretches. Also, the muddy, detuned, distorted mess you consider your "signature, monster tone" makes an excellent veil for all the sloppy off-beat clanking created by your other hand's poor technique.
Click to expand...

I guess you didn't listen to the track from my post above? Also, 8 Strings are used for far more than Metal. Charlie Hunter and Robert Conti come to mind pretty quickly....

 
#132
rashrader said:
I guess you didn't listen to the track from my post above? Also, 8 Strings are used for far more than Metal. Charlie Hunter and Robert Conti come to mind pretty quickly....

Click to expand...


I am aware. Really just making a joke back at the OP's initial, playful trolling (and poking at 8 string metal guitarists).
Also, in my post I addressed a specific application of the instrument. Obviously some cats can work wonders with those 8ers. I am not an 8er-hater.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rashrader
#134
Necessary, no. Sleater-Kinney sounded good without one, and Metallica’s ...And Justice For All is still a pretty good record despite for all practical purposes having no bass player.

This isn’t really a particularly notable thing, though; Death From Above 1979 and Morphine are/were both good bands without guitarists. Hundreds of bands do fine without keyboards. No one bats an eye at instrumental bands’ lack of a vocalist. That it is possible to sound good minus one popular instrument isn’t really news.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kevin Schnitzius and MattZilla
#138
More important that a second over gain'y and way too loud guitar player...or a second obnoxious drummer. Each has their own purpose but I always looked at bass as the glue that molds it and ties it all together.
 
#140
rashrader said:
... anyone who doubts the competency of an 8 String Guitar as an Instrument, check out Animals as Leaders. Javier and Tosin are amazing musicians.

Click to expand...


Awesome. I was going to post some Animals as Leaders last night to this thread but got distracted and forgot.

Thanks for posting and Abasi is siiiiiiiiiiick!!!!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: rashrader
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back