What does 'talented bassist' mean in your minds?

[lastminute]

I'm curious, what do the more experienced people on this board define as a 'talented' bassist, as opposed to 'average', or unremarkable?

More specifically, what's the threshold between where a bassist is nothing special, to him/her being someone to be praised?

 

[Solarmist]

Terry "Geezer" Butler_Chris Squier_Geddy Lee
David Ellefson_Steve Harris_John Myung_Justin Chancellor

 

[j-raj]

I'm curious, what do the more experienced people on this board define as a 'talented' bassist, as opposed to 'average', or unremarkable?

More specifically, what's the threshold between where a bassist is nothing special, to him/her being someone to be praised?

I might not know much, but to me a 'talented bassist' is one that can balance the strong role of support in the structure of a tune, with being musical and creatively speaking through their playing.

Average, well that is being uninventive and just doubling the root, mindlessly.

 

[jharismaiden]

Well, I look for a bassist that's a good technical player (speed, dexterity, musically creative), both fretting and plucking/picking hands, and can also entertain the audience, i.e. stage charisma.

The bassist also has to be able to make basslines/bass riffs which stand out (not playing the exact same notes as the rhythm guitar), yet the bassist never forgets his role as a bassist.

Bassists like Steve Harris, John Entwistle, Geddy Lee, Duff Mckagan. Such bassists get my respect, and that's just me.

 

[dougjwray]

To the OP: Are you drawing a line between "talented" and "skilled"?

 

[TheVoiceless]

A talented bass player is one that can make a song their own. I would say that an average player is one that just goes through the motions. I know some players that are capable but who cares cause either they are boring to hear/watch.

Just because a Jazz guy can play a ton of notes does not make him more talented in my eyes compared to a punk player that sings through his instrument playing root notes.

I also hold tone up a bit higher on the scale then technical skill.

Music is 90% emotion and 10% ability.

 

[wizay]

To the OP: Are you drawing a line between "talented" and "skilled"?

i wonder too

 

[j-raj]

A talented bass player is one that can make a song their own. I would say that an average player is one that just goes through the motions. I know some players that are capable but who cares cause either they are boring to hear/watch.

Just because a Jazz guy can play a ton of notes does not make him more talented in my eyes compared to a punk player that sings through his instrument playing root notes.

I also hold tone up a bit higher on the scale then technical skill.

Music is 90% emotion and 10% ability.

gosh, you put what I had in my mind and put it into words very well!

 

[Jehos]

I might not know much, but to me a 'talented bassist' is one that can balance the strong role of support in the structure of a tune, with being musical and creatively speaking through their playing.

Average, well that is being uninventive and just doubling the root, mindlessly.

This. The difference between good and talented is musicianship, not just virtuosity. Talented bassists hold down their rhythm section job while also adding something to the songs.

 

[KPAX]

Loud, lots of notes, long hair, getting chicks, drugs, jumping around, smashing gear, smoke, pyro, $$ ... Kiss I guess.

 

[Valerus]

Can write great stuff, play great licks and have precision in their playing.

Not over indulged in their own ego, too.

 

[Slax]

I'd say it just means they know what they're doing in a band and don't have to be at virtuoso level. (But can be)

 

[cooptroop123]

well i would say it depends on the type of music, because the bass has slightly different roles in each type. but in general, i would say that being talented is being able to provide a solid line, tuning in to the drummer, and highlight the chord changes well.

 

[mfgl]

Im a fan of music not showboaters so i think it comes down to....

Must play well with others.

 

[bassteban]

I keep decent time, but I can also do a cartwheel & headstand. I can also ride a bicycle w/o training wheels. I'm only 44.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

A talented bassplayer means that I notice and like their playing. I have pretty good taste. Everybody I like is held in pretty high regard.

 

[Phalex]

It's an oxymoron, like hardworking singer.

 

[bassist15]

Someone who can say a lot with a few notes rather than tons. I enjoy players who almost go unnoticed in their bands cause they hold it down so well and do they job and groove like nobody's business . These players make their bands sound better. Examples: Tina Weymouth , Paul Simonon , Family Man Barrett , Robbie Shakespeare , Klaus Voormann , Herbie Flowers , Rick Danko.

 

[etoncrow]

I agree with most of the aforementioned opinions (minus some of the artists) but would like to add versatility. A talented bassist is a guy/gal that can do all of the stuff said before exhibited in a wide variety of music; someone like Lee Sklar for example.

 

[Alan Vorse]

You've got to have a voice on the instrument, whether you are a soloist or a "meat-and-potatoes" bass player. Vic Wooten has got a lot of attention because he plays a lot of notes, but if someone played you a recording of his without telling you who it is, you could I.D. him because he has a sound. The same thing can be said about Rick Danko's playing with The Band. Much simpler than Wooten but who else could play those funky yet rootsy basslines that bounced?

I know that bass players who dutifully double guitar riffs and stick to the root are praised for "holding it down" or "playing for the song" but I would prefer those kind of players say something while they do it.