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Power Chords

#21
SLO Surfer said:
Nah, "upper" "higher" "top" all mean pitch-wise to me and everyone I work with as well. (For reference this is in jazz bands, rock bands, and orchestras) So G string is the highest or top string on my bass too. When I'm playing with a trumpet player (or any other instrument) and they say "can you play that same riff but an octave lower?" That means I'm going "down" to my "low" E string.

Edit: even if you're reading TAB, isn't the "low E" string on the bottom?
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As mentioned if you like it that way that's fine it doesn't bother me.
 
#25
"When I use a word," Phil Case said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."

Alice.jpg
 
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#26
pc2184034979 said:
I have played for 60 years 45 of those as a pro, and I have always used that method without problem, you say tomato and I say Tomatoe etc. Plus although many have read the thread you are the only one who read it the way you did (Obviously due to what you are used to) nothing wrong with that. I rest my case Take care
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We're going in circles here. I've played bass for 52 years and worked as a professional musician for several years as well, even if not for as many years as you apparently have. So I think I may have at least some minor qualifications to speak on the subject of bass playing.

If you want to continue calling the E the "top string," and define "going up" as heading toward the nut rather than the bridge, be my guest. It deviates from the standard used in every single music school and instructional book on bass technique you'll find anywhere. But if it makes you happy to go against the standard definitions, that's fine by me too. However, I doubt I'm the only one here who would take issue with your usage even though I'm sure they (like I) understood what you meant regardless. I was simply trying to be helpful. My mistake for assuming my earlier comments would be taken in the spirit they were given. So I'll bow out and leave you to it.

Onward! :):thumbsup:
 
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#29
JKos said:
It's the convention followed by everyone and every resource. So, going with your convention is simply counter to the rest of the music community.

- John
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So was all the different types of music that came on the scene over the years not valid as they didn't follow convention.?
40Hz said:
We're going in circles here. I've played bass for 52 years and worked as a professional musician for several years as well, even if not for as many years as you apparently have. So I think I may have at least some minor qualifications to speak on the subject of bass playing.

If you want to continue calling the E the "top string," and define "going up" as heading toward the nut rather than the bridge, be my guest. It deviates from the standard used in every single music school and instructional book on bass technique you'll find anywhere. But if it makes you happy to go against the standard definitions, that's fine by me too. However, I doubt I'm the only one here who would take issue with your usage even though I'm sure they (like I) understood what you meant regardless. I was simply trying to be helpful. My mistake for assuming my earlier comments would be taken in the spirit they were given. So I'll bow out and leave you to it.

Onward! :):thumbsup:
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I didn't write this comment about myself, although you would probably think I "apparently" did Incidentally, I could have been playing for 90 years it doesn't follow that I am better than you or anyone else. Just trying to show I am not a newbie at it that's all
Scan apache 1.jpg

and for good measure in case you think this is someone masquerading as me here is a bit of proof
phil colter cose..jpg
 
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#36
SLO Surfer said:
32 posts in and no one has chimed in to agree with the OP's view on high vs low on a bass....

What was the original purpose of this thread anyways? For a guitarist to enlighten bassists on what a power chord is?
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NO I play several instruments, bass being one of them, Beethoven, Mozart etc etc all used the "Same" notes we use today. For the harpsichord, lute and so on. they are just found at different positions on different instruments at different pitches.
 
#39
lz4005 said:
In that case, as in high vs low, you would be wrong. I'm sure you'll still insist you're right, though, and mention yet again how long you've been playing lead guitar.

How long have you been playing bass?
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Its was never a question of right or wrong to me just that's how "I" have always viewed it. if that's o.k. with you
In total I played bass in a successful band for about 4 years, however, I don't know what that has to do with me having a particular preference on something, your the one insisting I should do it (your) way. Or anyone else's way.
 

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