What is your definition of overplaying?

[Sean150]

Yes, it is subjective but I just saw a video from the PRS annual event where a guitarist stated that he envied bassists because they can overplay which goes against general Talkbass opinion. Even stranger he used McCartney and Jamerson of examples of overplaying bassists.

I would have done a poll but there would be too many options so please post carrots as needed

 

[Malcolm35]

IMO overplaying is when you play what you want giving no concern to the toes you are steeping on.

 

[QweziRider]

Totally depends. One song's just right is another's over playing.

 

[Samatza]

For every song there is a balance between musicality and chops. You need to consider what the bass line brings to the song and ensure it's supportive without cluttering the arrangement.
There are times when a busy line is right on the money but often in the studio if I take a second or third pass at something I try to simplify, the result is quite often a line that sits nicer with the arrangement and adds energy without derailing the tune.

 

[TheDirtyLowDown]

Notes you play that aren't fully and completely in service of the tune.

 

[dreamadream99]

As a session player, I appreciate the "less is more" approach. Just because you can

?..overplaying is when you play what you want, giving no concern to the toes you are steeping on.

That about covers it. Right there.

 

[lfmn16]

Overplaying is when you play more notes than me.

Kind of a joke, but true. There is no objective measure. Everybody think they play what's best for a song. My opinion is no more valid than yours.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

Is monoleon overplaying?

 

[Lobster11]

Anyone who thinks McCartney and Jamerson are examples of overplaying isn't worth paying any attention to.

 

[RolandMHall]

That genre called Fusion....

 

[nnnnnn]

Overplaying is playing more notes than sounds good for the tune in question.

 

[Spidey2112]

Playing RUSH-like riffs to a backing track of Johnnie Cash's 'Ring of Fire'.

 

[dalkowski]

It's all about context. In a different band from Thee 'Oo, we'd probably say JAE overplayed.

I'm grateful that I'll never so capable that I'd be accused of overplaying. I'll just keep on walkin' my thang and defending the one.

 

[TheReceder]

I believe I overplay, but one of my bands wants it. They say it fills a lot of voids. I actually have to ask if I'm doing too much because I'm not comfortable throwing in what I view as too much.
Another cover band, I just do what I can to play it close to the original. They tend to pick songs that challenge me so I don't get bored. No reason to overplay.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

Even stranger he used McCartney and Jamerson of examples of overplaying bassists.

So Anyway, he's on the money about Sir Paul and Saint James.
That's why they never made it in the music business.

 

[Lobster11]

I believe I overplay, but one of my bands wants it.

Then you aren't overplaying!

 

[cnltb]

Anyone who thinks McCartney and Jamerson are examples of overplaying isn't worth paying any attention to.

Says you...

To me Jamerson usually did it. He did often play interesting and well constructed lines however, which mitigates to some extent.


All down to taste and context and reception.

 

[TheReceder]

My bet... maybe sometimes people overplay and when they audition for Metallica… well... you know the rest.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Yes, it is subjective but I just saw a video from the PRS annual event where a guitarist stated that he envied bassists because they can overplay which goes against general Talkbass opinion. Even stranger he used McCartney and Jamerson of examples of overplaying bassists.

I would have done a poll but there would be too many options so please post carrots as needed

Did he say that after ripping a 2 minute screaming distorted solo in a country song?

 

[TheReceder]

Then you aren't overplaying!

You'd have to hear my 3 minutes of lead bass during wagon wheel.