Responding to "the bass is a lesser instrument" comments

[rohi]

To be fair, anything that isn't a piano or a drum set is a "lesser" instrument in my opinion. However, some people find limitations to be challenges.

 

[Keger Jupit]

Another thread here got me thinking - what are the best responses when someone gives one of the multitude of "the bass is a lesser instrument" comments? You know, the "you only have 4 strings" or "you're only playing one note at a time" comments other musicians like to make.

So what are some of the good comebacks people have come up with? And if they are specific to another instrument please note as well.

Example:
Guitarist: Bass is easy, you only have 4 strings!
Bassist: Yeah, but at least they stay in tune for more than one song.

I'm just curious how you got people to notice you as a bassist!?!?!?!? I never get noticed!

 

[hbarcat]

It's funny but I've been playing for over 40 years and Talkbass is the only place where these type of comments have been mentioned. I have never had anyone make a negative comment about bass or my playing.

I was in a local music store where a guy was telling his friend how the bass is for people who are terrible at playing guitar so they get stuck with the bass, which "any idiot can play". He then picked up a bass and proceeded to play something that was apparently supposed to be a bass solo. He was basically flapping his fingers rapidly and randomly in an embarrassing display of wankery. He put down the bass and said very loudly to the store in general, "And that's how it's done".

Normally, I'd ignore ignorant stuff like this. But since he felt it necessary to brag about his bass playing prowess to everyone within earshot, I took that as an invitation to comment.

I said "At least it shows how it's done when guitarists try to play it."

 

[Father Gino]

Well a coarse it's a easy instermunt ta play. If it wun't, I wouldn't be be able ta play now would i? Wha fore I want some damn hard thing to play?

 

[dBChad]

I just let my playing do the talking (lately, I can match traditional guitarist in string number).

 

[AboutSweetSue]

A violin and cello only have four strings. Saying the bass only has four strings in order to imply that it is easier is just about the dumbest thing I've heard in my lifetime.

 

[lancimouspitt]

Always play a 6 string at gigs....

Ask them what there favorite jaco song is. If they can't answer just say , " you see, you don't even know bass."

If they can play, when they stop jamming ask them to then play the same riff but in a different time signature....

Now this last one is a bit brutal and chilish...... But when they say bass is easy... Respond with " so is your mom"/ sister/ whoever

 

[Killed_by_Death]

As I get older my tolerance for bull from others has dropped significantly.
If someone tries to give me a ration of their bull, I'll just stop talking to them.

 

[Samatza]

I tell them bass is the silent captain of the ship. It dictates the harmony and the groove and you had better be real good at both if you want to play it.

 

[Manticore]

Been at it a very long time and have never had anyone say anything along these lines to me...

 

[mcrawfordmusic]

I rarely cop comments like that from musicians. Most of the time it's some idiot asking if I can "slappa da basss mon".

 

[pigpen1]

Another thread here got me thinking - what are the best responses when someone gives one of the multitude of "the bass is a lesser instrument" comments? You know, the "you only have 4 strings" or "you're only playing one note at a time" comments other musicians like to make.

So what are some of the good comebacks people have come up with? And if they are specific to another instrument please note as well.

Example:
Guitarist: Bass is easy, you only have 4 strings!
Bassist: Yeah, but at least they stay in tune for more than one song.

Tell them "no one ever shook their a$$ for some guitar part". Holds up cause its true.

 

[IamBF]

Nothing in music is easy. Those of you that gig out are f'ing awesome! Ignore negative comments from ignorant people. Once someone tries to cover a song or write their own material a certain wisdom is a achieved. It is tough to do on any instrument! none are easy!!

 

[Space Pickle]

It's fine because I am a lesser musician!

 

[Fender_Bender]

My former teacher gave the female heckler his bass and said "play me a C major scale". Of course she stood there with her mouth wide open dumbfounded .

 

[edencab]

you can actually play two notes at he same times with a flute.

ummm ...yah

 

[rtav]

Hell, I just responded to two Talkbass threads telling me that my "bass is a lesser instrument."

 

[16notes]

Hearing changes, understanding harmony, and playing with great feel and tone speak louder than any snarky comeback.

I generally agree that in comparison to many instruments including the piano, drums, violin, trombone, upright, etc.... the demands of functional electric bass playing are elementary. Not a slight, but IMHO a reality.

Case in point, my 11 y/o daughter started with piano lessons and then added upright bass last fall. She recently gained an interest in my electric bass and is flying on it in no time. Her journey on piano and upright (bow) have required much more time and effort. Last week she innocently mentioned that the electric felt like a toy compared to the others. I couldn't argue - the physical and functional demands are much easier.

That being said, I measure players of any instrument on their level of musicianship (time, tone, feel and emotion) - not impressed with how many strings etc ... It's all about their contribution to the music.

I strive to bring that musical awareness and when I am successful that is what gets noticed more than what instrument is in my hands.

 

[2F/2F]

I usually don't respond to such thick headed comments.

 

[pablomago]

Lesser instrument? The neck alone is longer then your guitar!