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Someone plays better than you?
- Thread starter Axtman
- Start date
I enjoy the performance and applaud. I don't perceive music as a competitive sport.
That's what I do. I play with people who challenge me at every turn. If I want to keep playing with those guys, I have to work pretty hard to keep up. It's good for me.
I see how much work they put into being at that level and say, "yeah, that sounds about right."
I chose A, but I've gotten to a point where other peoples' abilities don't phase me too much. If anything, I try to pay attention and lean something. I know I'm not a great bass player and have a lot more to learn, but I'm far from the worst. Considering the circumstances in which I began playing, I'm cool with that.
The only caveat being when I'm performing live... I know I look/sound like a straight up QUACK to other bass players in a live setting, so I can get all introspective on stage.
"Ugh, my phrasing is trash..."
"I'm overthinking the tempo..."
"I probably look ridiculous with this expensive instrument, playin roots and arpeggios... Like a QUACK..."
"Ah crap, I'm out of tune..."
... Stuff like that lol.
The less I focus on it, the better, but it's gotten the best of me a few times.
The only caveat being when I'm performing live... I know I look/sound like a straight up QUACK to other bass players in a live setting, so I can get all introspective on stage.
"Ugh, my phrasing is trash..."
"I'm overthinking the tempo..."
"I probably look ridiculous with this expensive instrument, playin roots and arpeggios... Like a QUACK..."
"Ah crap, I'm out of tune..."
... Stuff like that lol.
The less I focus on it, the better, but it's gotten the best of me a few times.
I try to seek out and listen and watch people play to learn and grow, I try to see live music once if not twice a week
When I go to a concert I fully expect to see musicians better than me, better that every one I know in fact. If I go to a bar or local outdoor event I hope to see someone as good as or better than me or I'm up for leaving ASAP.
This is music. Art.
Not a sporting event.
I don't view music as a competition. No one is EXACTLY alike and that's the beauty.
No keeping score. Just play!
Not a sporting event.
I don't view music as a competition. No one is EXACTLY alike and that's the beauty.
No keeping score. Just play!
Yeah... that someone is none other than everyone. meh. so what? at least i'm louder. 
I'm kind of new at this, at least playing seriously, so just about EVERYBODY is better than me. Doesn't bother me, though. My band was happy enough with my playing to offer me the spot and I keep working on improving my playing (and vocals) to try making them even happier.
As far as I'm concerned, there's no point worrying about those who can "out play" me. But if I'm paying attention to someone who can and can pick up something I can work on, then I do that. Otherwise I just enjoy what they're doing.
As far as I'm concerned, there's no point worrying about those who can "out play" me. But if I'm paying attention to someone who can and can pick up something I can work on, then I do that. Otherwise I just enjoy what they're doing.
I’m not a hater. I love bass. It’s why I play the bass. If someone plays great and has amazing tone, it makes me happy.
I just keep telling myself that I have my strong points.
hmm don't know...I've never come across that guy or girl..I'm the best there is so I am insulated against such a travesty from happening...ha ha.
Seriously, it doesn't bother me I am a big fish in my small pond but I'm not worried if I see someone better, I watch and maybe learn something. I will analyze and decide if I am better tho. in the end does it even matter? I'm good enough that my band mates want to keep me around and really that is what matters..I will always strive to get better, I think that is important and if I do then that's great, if I don't well..I'm good enough to play any song that has been thrown at me so far..maybe that's enough..I'm more concerned if they have better gear..lol, now that disturbs me and makes me wanna get better gear...I'll lose sleep over it.
Seriously, it doesn't bother me I am a big fish in my small pond but I'm not worried if I see someone better, I watch and maybe learn something. I will analyze and decide if I am better tho. in the end does it even matter? I'm good enough that my band mates want to keep me around and really that is what matters..I will always strive to get better, I think that is important and if I do then that's great, if I don't well..I'm good enough to play any song that has been thrown at me so far..maybe that's enough..I'm more concerned if they have better gear..lol, now that disturbs me and makes me wanna get better gear...I'll lose sleep over it.
Several years ago my then-current blues band was playing a biker venue. Amongst the audience were the bass player and the guitarist of our singer's "other band". This guy can play circles around me all day.
My band got awesome crowd response and they kept asking for more, but during the second encore I started cramping up real bad. I told the band: "Gimme a sec", went over to the other bassist and asked if he wanted to go up and jam a bit. He nailed it, loved my bass and complimented my gear afterwards. Crowd loved it, so we asked the guitarist to come up and jam too. Afterwards, the bassist helped me carry my gear out the venue
We've both moved on to different bands since then - he with more succes than I - but when we run into each other it's always a joy.
My band got awesome crowd response and they kept asking for more, but during the second encore I started cramping up real bad. I told the band: "Gimme a sec", went over to the other bassist and asked if he wanted to go up and jam a bit. He nailed it, loved my bass and complimented my gear afterwards. Crowd loved it, so we asked the guitarist to come up and jam too. Afterwards, the bassist helped me carry my gear out the venue
We've both moved on to different bands since then - he with more succes than I - but when we run into each other it's always a joy.
Well, I don't know about everybody plays better than you do, Scott. You sound pretty dang good on the video's you put up. Great showmanship too. Just saying.
