Quirky Things You Do As A Bassist

[John Swartz]

Just read thru this entire thread... I relate to almost everything.

Any song that ends in E gets the "big E" chord: open E, 7-9-9, strum all four strings. It's my thing.

Mine is the "E7 double stop": Open E with 18-19 on the D-G strings

 

[WI Short Scaler]

So I know I already commented on how I take as much time as necessary to assure that all cables are out of the performance area when setting up.

But another thing I do that seems "quirky" is I use no effects. Wireless through a pedal tuner and straight to the amp. I take the XLR to the board if needed, and also connect an ext cab to the Rumble 500. But no effects.

 

[LowActionHero]

I'm on time, get very unhappy when others aren't.

When setting up my side of the stage ALL cords must be "outside" of my walking area. I use wireless for a reason and don't want other cable to trip on. I'm clumsy enough without tempting fate.

Yes!
I bought a wireless unit, then stand right in front of my Amp all night....

But it keeps me off the cords, after I kick their guitar cords back to their sides.

 

[JGbassman]

I bring a pair of rubber chickens to every gig. Most times, I use them.
View attachment 3491499

I too, have been known to rubber chicken.... Typically alcohol induced.

 

[LowActionHero]

I've always been the only band member of any band I've played with who brings gaffers/duct tape to gigs.

Yes! I have a bag I bring to gigs that's full of extras, (most of it is spares of things *I* don't use, mics, power supplies, drums keys....)
Someone has to....

 

[H Nighttrain]

Not quirky, bass player is usually the guy with tape, extra power strips, power cords, extension cords, instrument cables, tuner, batteries, flashlight, screwdriver, sharpie, ....

 

[H Nighttrain]

BTW, I think the reason so many of us tune with the A first is from the days before tuners were ubiquitous, we all eithher tuned by ear to a keyboard or guitar. "Give me an A". Or to a 12-string 'cause no one wanted to wait for that thing to get tuned up.

 

[Stumbo]

...But another thing I do that seems "quirky" is I use no effects.

I think you're ready for an HPF/LPF...not so much an effect but a very effective eq that really works to tame bad venue acoustics, cut sub-sonic lows and protect your speakers along with letting you take advantage of more of your amp's bass and treble eq...4x win.

 

[avvie]

View attachment 3492532

Sesame Street's The Count Loves To Count Because Of This Real-Life Vampire Legend

 

[avvie]

That's what the pros do. Nothing says "hey everyone I'm an amateur" quite like noodling between songs.

Frank Zappa's bands noodled between every song. Keeps the room from going dead.

 

[The Bass Clef]

Frank Zappa's bands noodled between every song. Keeps the room from going dead.

Frank Zappa did a ton of things that only he and the Mothers could get away with doing on stage. It was just the right time for his brand of musical absurdity. Most anyone else noodling between songs looks like a complete hack.

 

[LowActionHero]

Mine is the "E7 double stop": Open E with 18-19 on the D-G strings

I guess mine is 0-14-14 then. I've been doing it a lot lately.

 

[DJ Bebop]

BTW, I think the reason so many of us tune with the A first is from the days before tuners were ubiquitous, we all eithher tuned by ear to a keyboard or guitar. "Give me an A". Or to a 12-string 'cause no one wanted to wait for that thing to get tuned up.

The ol' 440

 

[Lowbrow]

Re. “A-first tuning” - I do so as well and it’s because sometime, somewhere I Saw it recommended in a very authoritative book. Way before the internet.

 

[Paulabass]

Put vanilla yogurt in a mayonnaise jar. Eat it on the subway out of the jar.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Manti

I only play one note.

Let me guess! F#?

Someone has to play F#! The best single note for metal!



bang your head!

Wise

 

[Wisebass]

hi mrjim123

I've always tuned the E string last.

I play a 5 string B will be last!

And of course I start on the A! Like everybody, 'cause it ' s the law!

What is your quirk?

I am picky about my sounds. I always need more than just one! Honestly!

may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[John Swartz]

I too, have been known to rubber chicken.... Typically alcohol induced.

View attachment 3495033

Your chickens drink?!?!

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Beautiful use of one note:

 

[vvvmmm]

The other ones are cool, too.