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Six string verses a Four string in jazz.

G

Goldfish

Sep 30, 2007
13
0
#1
Dear Talk Bass,

I think this belongs here, if not please move it to the appropriate section. It really has to do with basses, so I figured this section would be fitting.

Anyways, I tried out for my jazz band and I play a six string and a four string. I used the six, because the song he wanted me to play has a high C and I find, instead of switching my position for one note, I'll play a bass I am far more comfortable with finger-wise. I find it much easier to slap a four but finger a six. So, the conversation after I finished went something like this:

"Okay, that was great. I really want you to play a bass from now on though."
"I AM playing a bass."
"Well, do you think you could eventually get good enough to play a four string?"
(At this point I'm staring at him like he's a dumbass, because he is.)"Uhhhh, I got good enough to play the six. Not the other way around...."
"Well, I want us to look like a real jazz band."
"[band teacher], I don't understand what you mean. I can play a six string in jazz. My bass instructor did the same thing in high school too."
"Oh.(Dumb look on his face.) Well, I'll talk to other jazz band teachers about it."

I walk away and shake it off, but the more I think of it the angrier I get. If I have to play a four string I'm thinking about quitting. Not because I don't enjoy the four, I love the thing, but I don't see why just because my band instructor is closed-minded I have to conform to it. This is the same guy that won't let me play bass in pep band and forced me to play tuba.(Nothing wrong with the tuba, just not my cuppa tea.)


Anyways, things to discuss here ARE: Why I he asked me to play a 4 string.
What would be better in jazz, a 6-string or a 4-string.

Things NOT do discuss:
I don't care if you play a 4 or a 6 string and think the other one sucks. I don't want this to turn into a big arguement over "Who needs high notes? Play a 4!" If there's any arguing I won't tolerate it.
 
#2
The better instrument is the one that makes your job easier and makes you play better. If you think the six is a better sounding bass and it makes positions easier for you, then use it. While its probably uncommon for a high school jazz band to have a 6 stringer, its not at all a bad thing. Why don't you explain that they are the same instrument, one with extended range. Tell him you like the position possibilities on the 6er and the options it opens for soloing. I wouldn't quit, even if they make you play a 4, music is filled with idiots, get used to it now. Good luck.
 
#3
Honestly, I think your band instructor is an idiot, at least when it comes to basses.:rollno: If I were you, I would push to play the six string. If he insists that you use a four, it will not hurt you in the long run. There is nothing like limitations to spur creativity.
 
#6
I'm not against 6 strings, but they can definitely sound more twangy and less bass-like depending on where you play high notes. If this had been a discussion about tone, phrasing, or musicianship your band director might have a shred of cred. Since he's concerned about appearance you should play the instrument you're more comfortable on-the 6 string.
 
#7
There is a lot of prejudice in jazz...get used to it. I'm surprised he's even letting you play ANY electric bass. I've done sessions and gigs where it HAD to be upright, but only for looks. I've used my Wendler and even had guys (on listening to playback) say "Oh man, that sounds great! What kind of pickup have you got on that upright?" Then I show then it's an electric and suddenly they don't like what they loved a second ago.

I've been offered show gigs where all they wanted me to do was fake it with an upright for the "look". Not a period show mind you.

Even over 50 years after Leo shook things up, there is still a great deal of prejudice in jazz against electric bass; much less a 6 string.


Ironic considering the giants of jazz were those who pushed the accepted norms of the time...
 
#8
Well, do you think you could eventually get good enough to play a four string?"


this is funny.... maybe you need to get a 5 string to practice on until you can move up to the 4....lol..... and when you get really good on the 4 take 2 strings off...but be forewarned, only the truely gifted players can play with only 1 string on the bass...

sorry.... seriously a lot of band leaders have no idea how to lead a band. He has probably paid no attention to bass players in the past so anything over a 4 string is strange to him. Dont take him too personal, he just doesnt know the possibilities of a 6 string bass...
ed
 
#9
See, I know my tone limitations on the 6-string. I'm not saying I'm a god with it, I'm just saying I know how to sound like bass when I play it.

Honestly, the only reason I bring up the whole "quitting" thing is because I'm also in his pep/concert band class, and the crap I've had to deal with is pushing my buttons more often. I was going to quit and then I asked to switch to alto sax, and I'm fine playing where I am now. The only reason I'm still in band, to be honest, is to keep a good standing to get in jazz band. If there isn't a jazz band, or I can't play my 6 string, then I'll drop both of the band classes and switch to orchestra where I can play Double Bass.

Putting me out of my element once is enough for me. Twice and I may just shoot you. :mad:
 
#12
Those were funny comments from the "teacher."

In what town are you?

Around here, if you play jazz with a 4 you might be looked at weird. Most jazz guys, specially at school, are all about 5-, 6- and 7-strings, and often by encouragement of the teachers.
 
#14
Ah young Grasshopper, I mean Goldfish...

Maybe he was telling you in his own cheeky way that he didn't like the way it looked or sounded!

Hey -- some bandleaders are cool, but frustrated...and others are just mean and dried up.

Try to be patient, bring the 4 string to practices, don't quit, suck it up, and swing your butt off. Then, if you feel confident, on the night of the big concert whip out the 6 and show off a little.

Good luck!
 
#15
Jazz is an odd business when it comes to bass, man.

I, like other posters here, have had to deal with people asking me to play upright just for the look. I'm a decent jazz guy on upright so it doesn't bother me too much, but there are a lot of jazz band leaders out there who just don't grasp the concept of mixing it up.

Take the time to explain it, however, and the halfway competent ones will let you have your way.
 
#19
Funny story...

I auditioned on upright for a great jazz program a few years ago in Colorado. I wasn't interested attending the U, but they needed bass players and a buddy of mine in the program wanted to get me onboard.

I had a nice audition...played with two fine grad students I knew...and even got a lovely round of applause from the "jury" -- roughly 20 people or so.

After a few moments of the higher ups chatting amongst themselves, one fellow said:

"That was great, but do you play electric?"

I said, "Sure, but my main focus is learning straight-ahead jazz and playing upright as much as possible."

Turns out -- I wasn't invited to join in, or audit the combo. They were looking for someone to play electric bass and who was into more modern, contemporary arrangements! :bassist:
 
#20
MaxZolt said:
Sounds like he's more concerned with image than with the group's sound. I would tell him that you're working really hard to move up to the 4, and that you aspire to someday be good enough to have the pianist play the bass line with his left hand.
Click to expand...

Hey -- seriously...a good point to make to the band director is that you could really nail down solid sounding roots when the tunes are in Eb & such.

I play 5 string electric on a coupla jazz gigs and "walking up" to a low Eb or F is truly an awesome experience.
 

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