What makes a well rounded, good bass player?

[CaribooBass]

Well since that last time that I posted I have been able to play in, one of our Churches Worship teams. A real blessing as well as an eye opener.
The main question I have at this time is, What does a bass player do?
My opinion on this seems to not be what others expect.

I would like to hear what others have to say on this, who have more experience playing bass than I do. My idea of a good bass player, seems to be out of the norm.
Thanks.


P.S I have been away for a long time taking care of Ailing Parents, thanks for not letting my membership go. One thing left to say; do not take your own health for granted, be proactive not reactive.

 

[ninefingerbass]

I think the what makes someone well rounded is the fact that they have feel in their playing and can listen to other musicians.

 

[saabfender]

What does a bass player do? ... My opinion on this seems to not be what others expect.

My idea of a good bass player, seems to be out of the norm.

It would be much easier if you'd tell us what your position on the matter is. You're probably mostly right, you know.

 

[JRA]

It would be much easier if you'd tell us what your position on the matter is.

 

[Mushroo]

I agree with @ninefingerbass that listening is a key skill to becoming a well rounded, good bass player.

A good benchmark is to have enough musical vocabulary of the genre that, when the bandleader starts a song you've never played before, that you can join in on the second verse and provide a supportive bass line appropriate to the style, even though you don't know the song.

 

[BassChuck]

Being able to do what you need to do no matter what musical situation you are placed in.

 

[wmhill]

I know a lot of bassist that are quite round, I believe it's cheeseburgers, beer and lack of exercise that got them well rounded.

 

[soulman969]

I think the what makes someone well rounded is the fact that they have feel in their playing and can listen to other musicians.

This plus, tasteful bass lines, and an impeccable sense of timing. Bass is drums with pitch control.

 

[dreamadream99]

I got my own point of view on this. To be really good at anything takes 10 years, of really good experiences.

So my your 10:
Start getting accustomed to the sound of the Praise and Worship hits that keep crossing that stage. There's a reason they're well-liked.
Play often with that group, so you can learn where everyone really shines.
For a lotta non megastar churches, just play at a good studio player point from about 20 years ago. That's where a lot of church music is today.

 

[mambo4]

The main question I have at this time is, What does a bass player do?

A bass player supports the harmony via stylistically appropriate choices.
A Well-rounded bassist has a deep vocabulary of stylistically appropriate choices to choose from.

 

[tminus10]

The bass player helps provide the rhythm and supports the harmony. It is the foundation.

What are your goals?

Do you want to be able to walk into any studio for any artist, any style and nail it?

Or do you want to play the best you can for your church?

There are many bass players that are good at what they do/did but are not well rounded. So you need to first define your goals.
Good luck

 

[roller]

If you have an open mind to appreciating and tackling a variety of music, everything else will fall into place.

 

[JOE EDO]

I always thought of myself (bassist) as a transmission line between the drums and guitars.

 

[oranje]

Good tone that is appropriate for the gig and knowing ones place in the band. It is the bassist's job to hold it down and keep it all going. Leave the fancy stuff for the Keys, guitarists and vocalists, unless of course you are a virtuoso soloist and it is your gig.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Well since that last time that I posted I have been able to play in, one of our Churches Worship teams. A real blessing as well as an eye opener.
The main question I have at this time is, What does a bass player do?
My opinion on this seems to not be what others expect.

I would like to hear what others have to say on this, who have more experience playing bass than I do. My idea of a good bass player, seems to be out of the norm.
Thanks.


P.S I have been away for a long time taking care of Ailing Parents, thanks for not letting my membership go. One thing left to say; do not take your own health for granted, be proactive not reactive.

Rhythm and chord knowledge. Do not over play. It happens a lot, and songs lose their strength.

 

[the slug]

I'm very well rounded.........lots of carbs & no exercise.
Bass drives the bus but it needs to stay on the road. like jewce said......don't overplay

 

[pbassjbass]

Playing in the style of the band you are working with.

 

[Drgonzonm]

From the troll house cookiee bag, 1. Well rounded: 5'10" 275. Lbs, 2. Good : a bass player who shares his chocolate chip cookies with band mates. Also provides cold milk and napkins, plus finger towelettes

 

[the slug]

2. Good : a bass player who shares his chocolate chip cookies with band mates. Also provides cold milk and napkins, plus finger towelettes

Yeah, but a great bassist licks their fingers clean

 

[Sonicfrog]

Three things:

1. Ability to listen.
2. Ability to understand groove.
3. Ability to surrender to the pocket.

What I mean with # 3... Many of us can play at an impressive level, pop and slap, fret-less masters, tapping, etc... But if you don't understand the heartbeat of the song... That thing that makes the song come alive and maintain a pulse... and LIVE... Then all the 18th notes in the world won't make you a better bass player.