Interesting. I never thought of it like that. I'm going to show off like a SOB now and use this argument to justify it hahaha I like making jokes!...but seriousely...kinda
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Showing Off. Why Can't Bassists Do It??
- Thread starter zeppfan90
- Start date
Interesting. I never thought of it like that. I'm going to show off like a SOB now and use this argument to justify it hahaha I like making jokes!...but seriousely...kinda
I'm guessing you are a rock player. A lot of rock players I know justify their lack of musical knowledge and mediocrity as a noble pursuit of humble humility. I think this ethos is part of why 'rock' 'indie' whatever, is dying. People are bored with it. I hope rock culture buys into the importance of developing skills again someday like Hendrix and other cats in that era did. It's funny that if Hendrix rips a solo...it's cool to rock kids, but if a bass player rips a dope solo...he is a show off ego maniac!
I agree with this. And OP, you did ask the question, so you can expect some answers.
I feel like the guitar does work better as a lead instrument due to the pitch range in which it operates, ease of playing, etc. Doesn't mean it can't happen on a bass, but at least in a rock context a guitar or keyboard seems to be more built for leads and solo breaks.
Doesn't really matter to me as long as the song sounds good.
No, it's not too much to ask. You sound like you would actually be interesting to watch! I saw a 'humble' bass player the other night that bored me to death in a hipster bluegrass band that played every song in E and never changed chords, let alone keys. I would have rather listened to a train go by.
Thank u! I am glad it touched a nerve for the sake of music! Now go wank away lol!
Is that you in that vid?! If so, PLEASE teach me how to solo like that!
EDIT: Just really read/listened to the descriprion/intro. It's Mel Brown. Stupid me. He's a beast of a session player! He also does the Fender/Squier Bass demos now.
I play both. To me, its not about showing off, its about *taste*. The solo posted is a very tasteful. Its not the number of notes you play, its about phrasing and feel.
Is that you in that vid?! If so, PLEASE teach me how to solo like that!
EDIT: Just really read/listened to the descriprion/intro. It's Mel Brown. Stupid me. He's a beast of a session player! He also does the Fender/Squier Bass demos now.
Yes...he is a beast! When I'm not gigging...I can catch him along with a handful of other cats on that level at clubs around town every week. That guy is the most humble person you will ever meet, and has studied his craft with a discipline and focus few posses. He says he likes to solo like a sax player, and swears by 'The Bergonzi Method'
I don't want to hijack the thread, but do you know anywhere on the internet where I can find more about that Bergonzi Method? Did a TB, YT and google search, but didn't really find a good 'summary' on the basic ideas of the method.
Search Jerry Bergonz Books
Here is a link to his site.
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Also...sorry for the hijack!
I solo during certain sections of certain songs where it is my turn. Lots of times it isn't really a true solo, since the drums are still going steady and the guitar is playing a couple of open chords.
I don't really try to show off my chops, but play harmony lines on the upper register.
no slapping for me, never got into it.
people seem to be into it, because it is part of the song(s). It's a mostly instrumental band anyway, so it brings a different dynamic.
I don't really try to show off my chops, but play harmony lines on the upper register.
no slapping for me, never got into it.
people seem to be into it, because it is part of the song(s). It's a mostly instrumental band anyway, so it brings a different dynamic.
I think this is an excellent point. Taste...and I would ad context. To take a bass solo during a James Taylor song would likely be both tasteless and out of context lol! Taking a bass solo during James Brown's version of 'The Chicken' however, would be both appropriate and easily done tastefully. My issue is with a blanket statement that bass solo's are lame or showing off. The best players I know can play any genre like it's theirs, command mastery of fingerstyle, slap, palm muting technique, and often even some form of tapping, can take solo's and crush them when they are called for, and chill perfectly in the pocket and hold it down when that is what is called for. We could all benefit from being more multidimentional, more open musically, and expanding our knowledge and skills beyond 1 genre, 1 technique, or 1 feel IMO.
Jerry Bergonzi is a Boston based saxophone player. He has MANY instructional books on single line improvisation.
This is the real deal.... a lifetime worth.. best of luck.
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Personally I'd recommend getting Hal Crooks how improvise.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Improvise-Hal-Crook/dp/3892210314
This is the real deal.... a lifetime worth.. best of luck.
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Personally I'd recommend getting Hal Crooks how improvise.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Improvise-Hal-Crook/dp/3892210314
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
That book looks great! Could u PM with any feedback on it?
I really am sorry for the hijack.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
I would say that "showing off" is intrinsically uncalled for in a professional context. Solos are solos. Everywhere else bass guitar has a job to do and it's not showing off. I agree that "taste" is paramount. I worked with a drummer for the first time Saturday night. He was great. We got comfortable enough with what we were doing to improvise some stuff. We were vamping for ever on a grinding funk/rock groove while the front man worked the crowd. We started syncopating runs at the end of every fourth measure. This really created an edgy bit of energy to the vamp. Doubt anyone was even consciously aware of us doing it- all eyes were on the singer. That's probably the closest to "showing off" that I do: hook up with the drummer for fun stuff during extended vamps or improv.
Honestly I feel like quite a number of bassists "show off" in one way or another and are allowed to do so.
On the obvious end of the spectrum you have your Les Claypool/Flea/Wooten types. They tend to have a lot of midrange and/or treble and their parts often are mixed high as their parts often constitute a major port of the song's main themes/melodies.
On the other hand, you have folks like JPJ. Folks that play parts that are rhythmically complex, melodically complex and are, often, quite difficult technically to pull off, but that do so with a tone that's less in your face.
When someone like Les Claypool shows off, its super obvious. He plays something loud and flashy that you'd have to be deaf and blind to ignore.
When JPJ shows off, its substantially less obvious. If you're really listening, you hear it. Otherwise you basically just "feel" a shift in the song that works.
Both are valid, both have their place. When you're in your early 20's playing for an excited crowd, the first can serve you quite well, assuming you're competent enough to pull it off.
That being said, the second is generally the preferred/accepted method when you're older. Showing off becomes more about playing something cool and interesting that supports the song AND is complex, as opposed to just playing something cool.
On the obvious end of the spectrum you have your Les Claypool/Flea/Wooten types. They tend to have a lot of midrange and/or treble and their parts often are mixed high as their parts often constitute a major port of the song's main themes/melodies.
On the other hand, you have folks like JPJ. Folks that play parts that are rhythmically complex, melodically complex and are, often, quite difficult technically to pull off, but that do so with a tone that's less in your face.
When someone like Les Claypool shows off, its super obvious. He plays something loud and flashy that you'd have to be deaf and blind to ignore.
When JPJ shows off, its substantially less obvious. If you're really listening, you hear it. Otherwise you basically just "feel" a shift in the song that works.
Both are valid, both have their place. When you're in your early 20's playing for an excited crowd, the first can serve you quite well, assuming you're competent enough to pull it off.
That being said, the second is generally the preferred/accepted method when you're older. Showing off becomes more about playing something cool and interesting that supports the song AND is complex, as opposed to just playing something cool.
It's a team effort. Just like in sports, to make a good show you need people showing off and others holding the house together.
I've been out of the whole gigging scene since '96. I scored a Thursday night gig in May of this year and as far as I'm concerned, I'm "learning the ropes" all over again and am still trying to get comfortable with some of the songs.
Bottom line, I couldn't show off even if I wanted to. But then I've never really been a show off kind of player. I've always said if you want your laugh for day then say..."Mike, bass solo. Go!!" I'd be standing there saying..."and play what?"
A few weeks ago one of the patrons gave me a very nice compliment. "You're a very solid bass player." Well, I'm trying!
Bottom line, I couldn't show off even if I wanted to. But then I've never really been a show off kind of player. I've always said if you want your laugh for day then say..."Mike, bass solo. Go!!" I'd be standing there saying..."and play what?"
A few weeks ago one of the patrons gave me a very nice compliment. "You're a very solid bass player." Well, I'm trying!
