Top 3 reasons you're a decent player?

[JMacBass65]

After much thought and consideration.........

I got nothin'!

 

[Freddels]

 

[Marial]

1. I put the needs of the song first, no matter what.
2. I have big ears. No, seriously. It's like I have a couple of pork chops stuck to my head.
3. I put the needs of the song first, no matter what.

 

[bassinplace]

1. I'm working my ass off to become good
2. I'm making progress!
3. I'm having a lot of fun doing it!

 

[Flyingfrets]

Timing (counterpoint/off-time lines don't throw me into a tailspin)

Tenacity (I don't give up & I don't back down)

Temperament (Pretty easy going...at least until I'm justafiably pissed off)

 

[lweastdad]

1. I show up on time - practice or gig
2. I'm prepared to play and I learn the material before practice
3. I listen well.

 

[drummer5359]

Hello all,

I've been kicking around the vast talkbass universe for the past couple weeks - what a tremendous place for players at all levels of experience and ability - wow!

When I was a lad, I religiously read Guitar Player magazine, though bass has always been my deal, it was the only magazine that even remotely covered the instrument.

They had the usual Geddy, Stanley, and the 'flavor of the month' popular bass player feature interviews, and folks like Carol Kay writing columns on session work and reading.

What I remember most were the comments about Time not just being a magazine, not getting in the way (musically of course) and that being a simple groove king will make you loved and very busy.

I've played seriously (sometimes too seriously) since I was 16 and I can honestly and proudly say I have never been fired from a gig. I have played thousands of shows, made records, jingles - you name it I have done it. All that and I have an amazing family wife of 22 years and three awesome kids, hence, pursuing fame took a backseat to far more important matters. I am a lucky lucky guy.

I'm turning 50 this year and I am as busy and inspired (and quite possibly more) now as I was 30+ years ago. But the big 5-0 has me beginning to reflect on what it is that I do and how I have stayed so into it, and in it...

I read the thread about the mediocre bass player club - - it seems these are the (the MBC) folks that get what it means to be a bassist, though maybe not by choice.

I realized in my mid-20's that I was never going to be the shredding type - whether I was more interested in hanging out over practicing, or maybe more simply: I didn't need to play 64th notes to make my day. Lord knows I spent countless hours doing scales and crazy exercises trying to improve my technique. For me it just wasn't the end-all to play like that.

I hope folks will take a second, self google the ego a bit and reply...

Here goes (gulp...):

1. Groove with the drummer - the main reason I get hired - I am a funk lover but even the simplest pop rock can have amazing subtleties.

2. Big ears/Improvisational ease - being able to shift styles and play on the fly without effort.

3. Meter - as simple as it sounds...

Peace!

First off, welcome to Talkbass. Yes, this is a wonderful place to (digitally) hang out and learn a lot.

Three reasons?

Well, as of yet I'm not a "good" bassist, but I'm working toward that goal. I am a serious drummer/percussionist and have that going for me.

 

[bottomzone]

Practice.
Listen.
Gig.....repeat

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

 

[vonsparks]

1. Ability to adapt to different styles
2. I love to play the bass, passion
3. Ability to gel with drummers (most) and lock in on any jam with them and the rest of the band

 

[Sav'nBass]

I have decent timing
I'm dependable - On time ready to play 98% of the time (stuff happens).
I play for the song not myself.

I am OK as a player. I would be a lot better had I applied myself more over the years. I am just grateful that I have the time, the means and the outlet to play at this stage in my life.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

1. I am (usually) on time with the drummer
2. I can play the same parts as the lead guitarist (it's a weird double up we do)
3... That's probably it. I'm not that good

 

[BayStateBass]

My three reasons;

1. I had a top-notch instructor (who became a close personal friend).
2. I practice, and practice, and practice.
3. I have been fortunate enough to have played with supportive musicians who have had great input over the years.

That's about it.

 

[Russell L]

1. I have a good ear. Always did since I started playing music at a very early age.

2. I studied theory. Nothing will help a musician more than understanding how music works.

3. I have been diligent about practicing, and the fact that I have had classical training that taught me how to do it effectively, as well as showing me just how much it takes sometimes and how to overcome difficulties.

 

[SteveHeissner]

1. Reliability - show up on time
2. Play sober
3. Uh, I don't even have 3 reasons.

Otherwise, my playing is not special... very simple and straightforward.

 

[Sbassman Scratch]

Top 3 reasons? The other guys in my quartet make me loog good.

 

[Luke19Boarder]

1. I have long, coordinated fingers
2. I listen to music pretty much all day
3. I've been playing over half of my life

 

[Ant B 2021]

1. I know and except my limitations
2. I go to reversal ready to play the material
3. ego and drama free- what is good for the song\band IS good for me

I'm going to echo the fine words of this gentleman.