The harsh reality and acceptance

[LeoFromPortland]

Back in 1979, I was a very young bass player.

Within a month that summer I got to see both Entwistle and Pastorius. Talk about rude awakening, reality check and everything else along those lines. Thoughts about selling my newly acquired bass and amp crossed my mind more than once.

But I didn't do any of that. Something prevented me from quitting.

Twenty years later my life took a major tumble and at that point in the game I was pretty certain that I'd never play bass again.

A couple of years ago one of my twin boys decided to pick up bass after several years of playing trombone and before you could say "Jaco" I was back to playing myself.

Without going in too deep, I'd say that it was likely the very same "something" which prevented me from quitting back in '79 that brought me back to playing.

From the standpoint of technique I am nowhere near as good as I was 30 years ago when I played 4-5 gigs a week in three different genres. But in certain respects I enjoy the whole playing experience more nowadays, which may or may not make sense to anyone else.

My $0.02 only...

I'm a keyboards guy turned bass player. I used to play in 3 different bands as a keyboardist, and can say clearly there's a lot of things that can be learned with practice practice practice.
And yes, I feel I enjoy the music a lot more now that I'm a bit older, probably fatter, hopefully a bit wiser ... and having raised a kid myself.

I've had other keyboardists try and argue with me on this one: Bass requires something of me that even my classical piano-playing days did not. Granted, I was nothing special in the classical arena, so I'll put it another way: Bass requires something more from me than a stack of synthesizers, loud fast chops, 80s-style techno or prog rock on keys ever did.

I'm actually a bit nonplussed at how, as a keyboardist I could go to a practice and sail through without having rehearsed the specific songs. At least not to the level we do as bassists. I'm not saying you don't practice keys, or specifically hooks / riffs / specific keys parts. But someone wants to add an organ, piano or something else to the group, it's not hard once you know how to voice properly. But as bassists we absolutely have to know the tunes!

I do think, though, that for various reasons we do have our limits. Other commitments, etc. Unless you're young, single and have the time to dedicate to this.

 

[baileyboy]

After years of playing there's no doubt in my mind that natural ability plays a huge part in the level of playing you achieve. Yes we all know the old expression there's always someone better out there and it's very true. Despite the amount of time I'll never be able to calculate I can say with confidence I'm a decent player but will only get so far especially at this point in my life. I'm not taking a defeatist attitude. I suppose the point of this post is to convey the notion we should never get discouraged and be happy with what we've done with our playing. Enjoy the music and don't give up on your passion. I think this concept or reality escapes most naturals out there.

Like any sport or skill, this is true. I'm no natural, so have to work very hard to play at a decent level. I made my peace with this long ago, and so playing bass has become a very rewarding hobby.

 

[Steadfast]

My bass chops will never match my sax chops. But, I don't care. I love music and play with passion.

I am content with the fact that I can play today. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee.

(this is why I practice everyday--it could be my last)

 

[RiffwRiter]

Didn't I watch something or read that told Jacco was first a drummer? That his band lost a bassist so he started doing it, and in a week he was badass? I know he worked hard as well - I have one of his instruction books, but he undoubtedly was just one of those gifted people.
I can't help be jealous of talent I wish I had - I can't sing very well despite tons of trying. I have several times called myself "a singer-songwriter who can't sing." My weaknesses limit me in some ways but accentuate my strengths. I'm fiercely original.
If I could just strum a guitar and sing pretty, I'd probably do that, but I sing more like Lou Reed - My drummer tries to compliment me by saying that So I write things that are fun to play. I work at rehearsing and practicing to improve. My creativity even gets in the way of that. As I study something and while working through playing it, many times I write a new song part out of it which interrupts my attempt at discipline. Writing is my favorite part of music, and I love it when I can put new things together that sound good. It makes me LOL all by myself. My daughters and that are my favorite things in life. So I do feel I will never work my way to be as good a player as some others I know, but I get a lot of enjoyment out of playing anyway. Also in one weird sense I think it would be less fun (not no fun, but diminished) to watch great players if I was better than they are, so I know I have a lifetime ahead of enjoying watching some others guys play fun stuff.

 

[baileyboy]

... If it was just a matter of practice, everyone could be a great musician or great athlete.

Really? You've never encountered any lazy people before? Lucky you.

 

[DrayMiles]

I've come to the conclusion of what it takes to have the motivation to put in those long hours of practice...

If you enjoy it that much, it's not work practicing that hard. If it feels like work, then something is wrong when you start to not enjoy it. If you enjoy it, then you get satisfaction working at it. It has to make you happy, don't forget that, else you run the risk of flipping the script on why you play music. That would be ironic... IMO...

 

[GwenOnBass]

Allegedly an Amish saying goes: too soon too old, too late too smart. The probability of its authenticity is likely proportional to the number of knick-knacks that bear that sentiment sold at Amish tourist traps. And yet ....

As a young thing who exists in decades no longer experienced as NOW, I was exposed to the Greats of the arts. Music, literature, painting, poetry. Talk about intimidating. Reading (and understanding) say, Shakespeare or Chaucer, or listening to Bach is enough to move one to despair. Especially as I struggle though university music theory in the shadow of Bach's mastery. He may have a well-tempered clavier and if I knew what a clavier was it would probably be a petulant clavier.

It's the perspective of time that enables me to accept I play bass like I play bass, I write like I write. No one else can do that. Only I do that. To me, it's my agreement to do what is mine to do and leave the rest.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I'm a competent bass player. I have some abilities, even some natural talent, but I'm not likely to advance beyond my weekend warrior status. And to be honest - I'm find with that. I love to play just as much, and maybe even more than some seasoned pros do.

FWIW, on a less serious note, there's a TalkBass Club for us too: The Mediocre Bassist Club.

 

[AltGrendel]

I am not by any means a "A List" bass player.

But I do enjoy trying my hand at Yes songs such as "Heart of the Sunrise" despite hitting enough clams to open a seafood bar.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I disagree. Almost anyone can be great if they choose to be. The problem, however, is that most people get comfortable and become complacent. It takes hard work and time to become exceptional.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

There is a difference between "better" and "successful," and much of that comes from one's own perspective. Ringo Starr continually makes the claim of being the greatest drummer of all time -- and in many ways he is. So, it's just a matter of you knowing what makes you a great bassist.

I recall an interview with John Lennon where the interviewer asked John if Ringo was the best drummer in the world. His response was that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in the Beatles.

 

[MordBass]

I feel like Lars Ulrich is a good example for this topic. Clearly no natural abilities on the drums as many have noticed... but years of practice have made him "good enough".
Then theres Dimebag.... so check out Dream Theater with Dave Mustaine covering Pantera. Two outstanding guitarists and they still dont have that extra something that Dime had in his fingertips.

 

[Bondobass]

My Guitar teacher once said to me:

The higher we climb, the more we must exert for every inch gained, but every inch is precious, and worth more than everything before it. The gap between 99% to 100% is, in fact, infinite.

 

[JRA]

Yes we all know the old expression there's always someone better out there and it's very true.

it's a fact!

it's also what we all have in common!

 

[lfmn16]

Most of us can agree that we will never be "The Best Bassist In History". There is only room for one of them and chances are it isn't going to be one of us. Could be, but probably not. The next step down from that would be "One Of The Best Bassists Around Today". Surely some TBers would fit in that category, but not all of us. Another step down brings us to "Seasoned Pro". That one's certainly attainable. Next would be "Decent Local Bass Player". Most TBers are likely to have made it to this point. One step below that is "Hey, You Play The Bass?". This is when your friends ask you to play a song on a borrowed bass in the cafeteria. Below that is you struggling by yourself to learn how to get good enough on this instrument to progress up the ladder listed above. We all start at this point and how swiftly you progress is up to you. Sure, natural talent plays a role in that, but using what you've got to maximize your potential is even more important. If you think you'll never amount to anything, just do nothing about it and you'll be right. If you keep at it you'll eventually stumble over mistakes, reach plateaus in your journey, surprise yourself with being able to do what you didn't think you could, and notice you've actually made it up a rung or two on the bass ladder. In other words, don't give up. You may never be the best bassist in history, but when you see happy audience members enjoying themselves to your work, you may as well be.

And below all that are a bunch of the people I recently auditioned, "What the hell are you doing to that poor bass????"

 

[Whousedtoplay]

I do think, though, that for various reasons we do have our limits. Other commitments, etc. Unless you're young, single and have the time to dedicate to this

Exuberantly - YES! 100% yes.

 

[baileyboy]

...The gap between 99% to 100% is, in fact, infinite.

So true...consider the distance between Usain Bolt and the guy in second.

 

[saltydude]

Wow thank you all for all the insightful responses. Talk Bass never lets me down. I thought this was an appropriate time of year (holidays can be tough) for a reassurance type post that music is the reason we're all here. Let it lift you up. You've put so much effort into your passion it should never be a deterrent. Yes it can be a harsh hard reality slap practicing a certain technique for six months and not quite mastering it only to click on YouTube and find a ten YO blowing you away, AND SINGING!!

I did have a thought about "naturals" and "prodigy's" this morning. One downside could be the lack of overall satisfaction one might not ever reach compared to someone who finnaly "got it" after copious amounts of honest hard work.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

I've always compared being a musician to being an athlete.

(("That WUTP always needs to say something negative" ))

I do not compare a musician to some kind of athlete - who COMPETES!!!, who seeks that Olympic Medal.

P.S. I think you got my message about my personal belief whether this or that musician is inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and put in the MUSEUM like a mummy.

As a musician, I do not compete with ANYBODY. I am who I am, I love what I love.
(Oh, yes, it's about "show me the money". I forgot about it - too old.)


Music is all about SUBTLETIES and NUANCES. I don't need some CHAMPIONS in my MUSIC if I see their insincerity.
I can't stand even a SUPERB musician if he/she cannot understand or purposely ignore a simple song's mood, character, attitude, etc...
If I see a/any bass player who selfishly wants to become a "pure athlete champion" while playing a song...

 

[Son of Wobble]

Wow thank you all for all the insightful responses. Talk Bass never lets me down. I thought this was an appropriate time of year (holidays can be tough) for a reassurance type post that music is the reason we're all here. Let it lift you up. You've put so much effort into your passion it should never be a deterrent. Yes it can be a harsh hard reality slap practicing a certain technique for six months and not quite mastering it only to click on YouTube and find a ten YO blowing you away, AND SINGING!!

I did have a thought about "naturals" and "prodigy's" this morning. One downside could be the lack of overall satisfaction one might not ever reach compared to someone who finnaly "got it" after copious amounts of honest hard work.

No matter what your goal, there is a ten year old out there training to knock you down.
I think we ought to stop feting these little buggers as "the future" and start battling them as "the competition."
A radical cut to school music programs would certainly cut them off at the knees.