What does "in the pocket" mean?

[PaulMichael]

I've read several posts here on TB that reference playing "in the pocket". I have no idea what that means, can somebody please explain?

 

[jmattbassplaya]

You can't have no groove if you ain't got that pocket, baby!

 

[thomashawk]

(grabs popcorn, and subscribes)

 

[Epitaph04]

Pocket man...you know...like pants pocket? All good bass players have em.

 

[Poopoutyouridea]

In the pocket refers to something being situated in that hole in your pants. No, not the one in your crotch area, but the one that doesn't open up. Try looking up "pockets" on Wikipedia.

 

[FunkyMcNasty]

A good bass player keeps some change in his pocket...you know...to buy the singer a drink.

 

[funkingroovin]

Playing "In the pocket" means playing "in the groove"...not too much,not too little..just what needs to be done to maintain the flow.

 

[funkingroovin]

A good bass player keeps some change in his pocket...you know...to buy the singer a drink.

...and tip the drummer for the pizza

 

[idoker]

(grabs popcorn, and subscribes)

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Even time, playing in sync with the drummer (or so solidly that if the drummer stopped you'd still feel the beat), getting just the right feel for the song.

 

[FunkyMcNasty]

Even time, playing in sync with the drummer (or so solidly that if the drummer stopped you'd still feel the beat), getting just the right feel for the song.

Oh yeah...that too.

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Oh yeah...and you need a pocket to keep spare picks in.

 

[sammyp]

"in the pocket" refers to a pro bass player who plays in good time, not rushing on top of the beat, with just the right amount of notes to make the tune feel good! a player who is looking out for the greater good of the song rather than showing off his chops!

lot's of unfunny jokes being made at the expense of an honest question regarding music slang! lame!

 

[slipitin]

That thing where you sound like a direct extension of the kit, completely on with the kick. Easier to achieve on record from playing with the kit physically there while drum tracking and recording a direct out I find. For some reason when I overdub to drums through headphones I'm usually a little hurried, need to improve that.

 

[Hroda]

"in the pocket" refers to a pro bass player who plays in good time, not rushing on top of the beat, with just the right amount of notes to make the tune feel good! a player who is looking out for the greater good of the song rather than showing off his chops!

lot's of unfunny jokes being made at the expense of an honest question regarding music slang! lame!

Haha I think all these answers are valid

 

[sammyp]

Haha I think all these answers are valid

haha! not real valid if you are new to music or bass or both!

i guess i just remember myself asking questions like this while reading guitar mags some 25 years ago......

 

[JimmyM]

Pocket: has good time, plays with some feeling, knows when to push the beat and when to back off it. A buzzword that just means you're playing well and everyone's connected. You'll know it when you play it.

 

[Groove Master]

This is what I wrote in my book regarding the "pocket":

It is an agreement among the band where the 1 is.

This is the best explanation i heard about the subject and it is coming from one of the greatest drummer, Steve Gadd.

Think about it

 

[Shakin-Slim]

Pocket: has good time, plays with some feeling, knows when to push the beat and when to back off it. A buzzword that just means you're playing well and everyone's connected. You'll know it when you play it.

+1. People tend to forget that the pocket can be pushed and pulled. The pocket isn't being a metronome.

 

[ChuckTrucks]

Staying within the timing and changing up the rhythm and then going back is one thing you can do and people will say "wow he stays in the pocket well." lol