Should I play the original basslines?

[TheIndieKid]

I didn't know where this question should go, but my band released an EP a while back when they had their previous bassist. His approach on tracks is very different to mine, and it was mentioned that during recording, his playing was so sloppy, parts which were okay were simply looped. However, the BL worked with him on creating some of the basslines and likes what he does on them, saying I should stick to it. Therefore, should I play the original recorded basslines or my own?

 

[Torrente Cro]

I would start with playing the original bass lines, after some time they should recognize you as better bassist.

 

[two fingers]

Yeah start with his bass lines. Then, if you're a good fit and wind up staying, start to morph those lines into something closer to what you would have done. Subtle changes over time won't even be niticed. Eventually, it will be so different, they'll either love you for being you, or kick you out for destroying their songs.

 

[crguti]

change them, play something completely different. I think the BL would like that.

 

[hrodbert696]

Learn them, then use them as a basis from which to develop your own. It's often the case that even the bassist who originally recorded a line doesn't play it the same way live as he did in the studio.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Sounds to me like you already had the talk with BL and he told you what to do. Learn them, then show them what you think are improvements, but unless they say they like them, you play the originals.

 

[RustyAxe]

Because the bass is the foundation for the rest of the instrumentation it’s important not to lose the feel and/or groove of the song as recorded. So learn the recorded parts (minus the slop), and get creative only after your new ideas don’t change the groove significantly.

 

[QORC]

I would talk to your band about it. get their perspective

 

[micguy]

Start with his lines. Every gig, add/change one more note of your own - make sure it's a good one. Eventually, it'll be your bass part, and noone will notice it happening, until they go back and listen to the EP.

 

[TheIndieKid]

I forgot to mention I've been in the band a while and I do play the bass different live. I'm just wondering if I should actually play the original basslines. As you said, I should play the original one with little twists of my own. I will do that from now on!

 

[PennyroyalWe]

When I joined my current band last year, replacing the original bassist, I had kinda the same quandary. What I found worked best for me was to stick close to the previous players lines, maybe even simplify them a bit. Once you have the gist of the song, it’s easier to fill in the empty spaces with your own style to find a middle ground. Then, start writing new material. After a while the previous bassist’s lines will start sounding/feeling out of place because the band gets used to the new sound, YOUR sound.

 

[gregmon79]

I'd personally learn the songs the way the original bassist played and wrote them with the exception of a flourish or a flashy fill here and there. Keep the embodiment of what he played to the original songs. They are what they are partly because of those parts and his playing.

Moving forward though, I think new material should be all you. Don't try and fill the old guys ways or style. Impart your own style into the songs and bands sound. But the old stuff, I'd try and stay as true to the way the old bassist played those parts.

 

[TheReceder]

One of the nicest compliments I ever received came from a player that recorded a CD then had to quit a band. I stepped in and learned them as close as possible, then gradually embellished.

He'd come out one night to hear us, mentioned that it was strange to hear his bass lines, but appreciated that I was pretty close to what he was doing, and liked the changes.

I'd agree that you should learn them as recorded first.

 

[tb4sbp]

I hate to say it but learn the lines as is
It sounds that the BL had input on them and that kind of cements it
Over time you could sneak in you own stuff but not now

Best of luck

 

[vvvmmm]

Sure. But better.

 

[pappabass]

Mix it. Some the same as orginial & some your own. I usually under play the parts on songs. Good excuse when you can't get the bass line same as the original. Which is pretty common for me....

 

[hennessybass]

If it's the kind of band that each member gets to provide some creative input, then you are the bass player, and you should get to play your lines...
BUT...
Since you are the new guy, and someone was there before you, and there are recordings, and the BL contributed to those lines... you should respect them and play any "signature riffs" that are a part of the song.
If anything, this is mostly to smooth the transition to the new bass player (you) and not create unnecessary conflicts.

Start by playing the lines as recorded, and then slowly start adding your own little bits of you to them. Over time the band will get more used to your style, and won't probably even think about the other guys lines anymore once you are fully settled in.

 

[Bodeanly]

Write your own so the next bassist will know what not to do.

If history has taught me anything: what BL wants, BL eventually gets.

 

[Charlzm]

I didn't know where this question should go, but my band released an EP a while back when they had their previous bassist. His approach on tracks is very different to mine, and it was mentioned that during recording, his playing was so sloppy, parts which were okay were simply looped. However, the BL worked with him on creating some of the basslines and likes what he does on them, saying I should stick to it. Therefore, should I play the original recorded basslines or my own?

Treat the old songs like covers - play them note-for-note like the originals.
New songs while you're in the band? Do what you want.

 

[dkelley]

bands I've joined have typically said either "we don't like our previous bassist's lines, see if you can do better", or "he was him, you are you, play what you think sounds good and let's see how it goes".

or words to that effect.

It's not often I'm told to play a specific thing in a band. If I'm playing charts or doing hardcore top 40 then yea, otherwise very often you're given the room to do what you want, as long as it sounds good.

but when worried - I totally agree, start with the original lines first.