Is surf bass playing considered good?

[10cc]

That's not Glen Campbell, is it?

I'm not sure what you're asking either.
I personally like surf music, and have heard a lot of excellent tunes in that style, admittedly most of the bass parts tend to mirror the guitar, but it works.
Are you playing in a surf band, but not playing typical 'surf-style' lines?
Nothing wrong with experimenting, but there's a danger there of upsetting your fans if they're expecting something more traditional.

Nah that's Lucas McCain from the Rifleman. Hahaha

 

[gln1955]

Are we talking covers or originals? If you don't want to play bass lines appropriate for the genre, maybe you need to be in a different band.

 

[Member8675309]

As in complicated? Generally, no. As in sounds good? Generally, yes.

I love a good surf bass line. Makes me want to drink a good Pina Colada and then hit the waves.

 

[MrLenny1]

I like swiss cheese.

 

[JRA]

Is surf bass playing considered good?
good? for what? for surf music? bass playing?

 

[Bushrod Johnson]

I play in a surf band sometimes and seem to get the job done ok. It helps if the lead is a hall of famer.

 

[lfmn16]

Good bass playing is not genre specific.

 

[JRA]

i think any genre can be a good thing. if you play with conviction, competently: what's not good?

 

[Johnny StingRay]

Ask Carol Kaye......

 

[catcauphonic]

Good surf instrumentals impress the hell out of me! Lots of quick energetic notes, in one after the other succession takes chops and endurance, I'd expect.

I love the sound. It's one of those genres that you can't not at least tap your toes or bob yer noggin, if you aren't already full on shakin yer booty!

 

[Polk Salad]

Surf music kicks a$$.

 

[Member8675309]

Cool video about Carol Kaye’s sound.

 

[Thaibassman]

I tried "hangin" 5 toes...... and then my fretboard came down with a bad dose of tinea so I now abstain from the pleasure

 

[Spirit of Ox]

I played bass in a Surf band for about a year. It was fun but don't expect to play anything really busy or technical. The band I was in had some Jazz influence so were a little out of the norm but If you're going to play something along the lines of Dick Dale than you are going to be holding down the rhythm an supporting crazy reverbed out twangy guitars.
Hell in Surf rock, the drums are busier than the bass.

 

[RoadRanger]

Finding a drummer that can play surf is hell...

 

[MVE]

Play what YOU feel sounds best.
You don’t have to be “true” to any genre.
If it isn’t working the other people in the band will let you know. If you disagree, find another band.
Maybe the whole world has been waiting for the moment YOUR bass playing style met surf music and invented something new and special.
Play what you think sounds best.

 

[bigswifty1]

Not sure I understand what the OP is getting at, but as a general thing, playing surf instrumentals can be a bunch of fun. I haven't done it in years but loved it with a previous band. We used to cover this Australian oldie:

 

[Fender_Bender]

Surf music is cool. Check out “surf rider” by The lively ones. Great rubbery pick tone.

 

[LeanGreen]

And also "Shootin' the Pier" by The Lively Ones. Terrific line.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

If you're playing in a surf band then play to suit the song. Does anyone think It's kinda cheesy? I kinda try to avoid sounding surfy when I'm playing and try practicing on other styles.

Always play within the context of the genre. On your own time, play what you want.