- Jun 6, 2012
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- I don't wait 30 minutes after eating, to go swimming.
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I totally agree 100%. Just look at the technique forum, it's a ghost town here! A more accurate name for this site should really be called "Talkbassgear". As much as I love fancy gear and toys, they don't mean **** without good playing behind it all.
They are not mutually exclusive concepts...however, i feel one needs good technique to consistently achieve good tone.
I don't care how impressive the technique, if it doesn't sound good I won't waste my time with it.
At the same time we are trying to compare something subjective vs something objective. "Good technique" is a pretty objective subject while "Good Tone" is really up to whoever is listening to decide.
Great examples would be:
Jaco Pastorius
Billy Sheehan
Victor Wooten
I don't think anyone can argue that all three of these players have incredible technique on the bass guitar. As far as tone goes, all three have radically different tones which are not loved by all by any means. Personally I can't stand Sheehan's or Wooten's tone...however I cannot deny their technical prowess on the instrument.
For me Im more concerned with having a good tone than displaying a technique that "Wows" someone
At the same time we are trying to compare something subjective vs something objective. "Good technique" is a pretty objective subject while "Good Tone" is really up to whoever is listening to decide.
Great examples would be:
Jaco Pastorius
Billy Sheehan
Victor Wooten
I don't think anyone can argue that all three of these players have incredible technique on the bass guitar. As far as tone goes, all three have radically different tones which are not loved by all by any means. Personally I can't stand Sheehan's or Wooten's tone...however I cannot deny their technical prowess on the instrument.
For me Im more concerned with having a good tone than displaying a technique that "Wows" someone
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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Hahaha, this one's funny. If people are enjoying it, it's because it works in the mix. You can hear it, but it doesnt pierce, or you can feel it, but it doesnt mask the rest of the band, or it fills in something that your band is missing (octaver/distortion pedals/etc). If people aren't liking your tone, then your tone sucks. Because nobody but bass players care what a bass sounds like. Most people think like this, if you can hear the bass clearly, then you're too loud. If people aren't digging it, it's because the bass sounds bad. Regardless of anything "you" may like. Music is 100%, pure, plain, and simple...entertainment. If you dont care what other people think sounds good, then you should just stick to one man bedroom studio music with 12 plays on youtube from your facebook friends.
"Who cares what other people think?" "...Your tastes"
That's pretty good dude.
JeezyMcNuggles
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- Feb 23, 2018
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Wrong maybe you are the funny entertainlent music guy, but it is very arrogant to say it has to be the case for everyone.
Do I chose my own tone ? Yes
Do I worked it to make it works with my band ? Or does the band works To go with my tone ? Yes
Do we mix our album like WE want ? Yes
Do we receive some compliment about mix and BASS tone ? Yes
Do we need To care that someone likes ? No, art is not working like that.
Commercial thing is working like that
Question is : do you play for art or for money ?
Two kind of ways
And not my fault if most of the people have bad tastes, I don't invitate them to listen or share my kind of music
JeezyMcNuggles
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P bass with flats of course.
That was a serious response though. It sounds exponentially better than an active modern with stainless rounds and a maxed out tweeter. People just seem to follow suit nowadays. Like, every metal guitarist needs a Jackson and a 100w tube amp. I think most Jackson's suck. And 5 to 20 watts is all anybody ever really needs in a tube guitar amp. It let's you be able to dial in any tone you could ever want at a somewhat reasonable volume. And, solid state has a constant sound at almost any volume and faster attack. Meaning, every note is recreated at a faster rate. Meaning, 32nd notes aren't just a squealing mash of noise. They actually sound like your hitting it everytime. If Decapitated played Les Paul's and Teles, like they should be, then Gibson and Fender wouldn't be hurting for no good reason. Also, if guitarist played 20 watt amps into 1 or 2 12s, then we wouldn't need 800w amps and 810s to be heard. Some people are just dumb.
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
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- I suck, but nobody really notices
Exactly like I said, bedroom studio music with 12 plays on YouTube from your facebook friends. That's about it for you bro if you dont care about what others think sounds good. They dont call it a starving artist for nothing.
Yes, I guess at least YOU are happy in your katty Perry cover band, great compliments for your songs by everybody
I ve got nothing against 12 people with tastes I like also , prefer that than random guys who don't have my good tastes aproval licence . Not playing to make cash, playing by passion and To create, something that seem lacking around Here
I wish there was an option for both. You kinda need to have a minimum level of technique and a minimum level of good tone. But once those thresholds are met, it’s a little bit of carrots as you move upwards into the land of great technique and great tone.
I can say that across all the bands I’ve been in, hardcore metal shredding bands to laid back indie rock...tone gets complimented more than technique. Even when I’m all over the neck, using good technique, finger positioning, dynamic control, it doesn’t get noticed as much as good tone does.
In fact the only time my technique is ever commented on is when I make mistakes, not when I’m playing well.
I can say that across all the bands I’ve been in, hardcore metal shredding bands to laid back indie rock...tone gets complimented more than technique. Even when I’m all over the neck, using good technique, finger positioning, dynamic control, it doesn’t get noticed as much as good tone does.
In fact the only time my technique is ever commented on is when I make mistakes, not when I’m playing well.
For me, technique isn't about speed, agility or slapping, tapping, etc... it's about knowing when to play in the pocket or ahead or behind it as necessary. It's about controlling the dynamics with your fingers so well that it renders a compressor redundant. It's about keeping perfect muting and no finger squeaks. Most importantly it's about having good taste in what to play to bring the whole band together to make everyone sound better than they are. Sometimes there's a need to deviate from the original bassline. Whether that's because you are working with other players who aren't playing their part exactly right or a singer who needed to transpose the song to another key.
There ain't no high dollar gear gonna give you a tone that can make you sound better than a flexible player that knows what he's doing and has his role down cold. Even if he's pounding out roots on a washtub, string, and mop handle.
There ain't no high dollar gear gonna give you a tone that can make you sound better than a flexible player that knows what he's doing and has his role down cold. Even if he's pounding out roots on a washtub, string, and mop handle.
I am not talking about basic tips, I am talking about delivering a clean, perfect line. Doesn't matter the style.
Speed has nothing to do with technique. Nowadays, the electric bass seems like it's turning into a circus act. You go on youtube and it's just infinite wanking on the bass. We are starting to look a lot like guitarists.
As for the tone, I think that it's not critical. It is important, but not critical. And what good will your pre-amps do if you can't play a perfect line? It will just sound blurry and ugly.
