• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

When did playing bass(or guitar) become comedy?

Watchootognbout

Watchootognbout

We're not all trying to play the same music.
Supporting Member
May 3, 2009
13,239
21,297
Hiding in the comet's tail
#1
Let me explain.A few years back I was talking to a guy at work and explaining and gesturing showing how Michael Manring taps and flips the Hipshot detuners on his bass.(Think of "Greetings Earthlings")There were a couple other guys about twenty feet away.No biggie.I'm not embarrassed.I did nothing odd.

So a few days later one guy starts acting like he's playing a guitar.While looking at me he makes goofy faces and wild spastic movements.I chuckle to my self and keep working.

Occasionally one of the other guys would take a strip of scrap metal shaped like a guitar,(I play bass they don't know the difference)and start playing it.

Does this happen to any of you?When did playing a bass(or guitar) become comedy?Something ridiculous?

I've thought for a long while on this.I came to a conclusion.Their music likely doesn't use bass or guitar.(Hip hop,dance music)How do they get this impression?

TV Air Guitar Competitions.The spastic movements.The goofy faces.They know nothing of serious musicianship.This must be it.What say you?
 
Last edited:
#2
Well, sadly enough, I think the culture has moved on from the whole romanticism and mythology that Rock and Roll used to command. Rock is dead, effectively. I mean, the current scene in popular music is more or less stagnant, and has been so for over ten years. I'm not saying there's no good music out there, you can find it if you look for it, but when I was a kid in the 70s, music was EVERYTHING about growing up. It defined you. Kids today are not defined by music. They are into their video games, computers, smart phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc. And usually the nearest a kid ever gets to playing a guitar is by playing a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game.

It's effectively dead. Probably the majority of the younger generation out there thinks that someone who practices guitar or bass is a total nerd.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blindrabbit, 7dollarbologna, Brazilfunk and 5 others
#3
Jaco Taco said:
Well, sadly enough, I think the culture has moved on from the whole romanticism and mythology that Rock and Roll used to command. Rock is dead, effectively. I mean, the current scene in popular music is more or less stagnant, and has been so for over ten years. I'm not saying there's no good music out there, you can find it if you look for it, but when I was a kid in the 70s, music was EVERYTHING about growing up. It defined you. Kids today are not defined by music. They are into their video games, computers, smart phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc. And usually the nearest a kid ever gets to playing a guitar is by playing a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game.me

It's effectively dead. Probably the majority of the younger generation out there thinks that someone who practices guitar or bass is a total nerd.
Click to expand...

My reply:

I think this is true for the majority except my own kids (20,21,28.31 and 34) all either currently playing or are learning to play rock music. My band students, who know how much I love playing rock, have asked me to teach them privately.....4 up and coming bassists as well as 2 keyboardists. In the 70's as well as today....music defines me and I am proud to pass on my passion to a "new generation" of rockers!
 
#4
Jaco Taco said:
Well, sadly enough, I think the culture has moved on from the whole romanticism and mythology that Rock and Roll used to command. Rock is dead, effectively. I mean, the current scene in popular music is more or less stagnant, and has been so for over ten years. I'm not saying there's no good music out there, you can find it if you look for it, but when I was a kid in the 70s, music was EVERYTHING about growing up. It defined you. Kids today are not defined by music. They are into their video games, computers, smart phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc. And usually the nearest a kid ever gets to playing a guitar is by playing a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game.

It's effectively dead. Probably the majority of the younger generation out there thinks that someone who practices guitar or bass is a total nerd.
Click to expand...


Still got the ol' .38 special record on repeat over there, I see.

Check out bandcamp, look around. Try not to get into the 'get off my lawn' mentality. Rock music isn't dead, its just difficult to get your music out there if you can't afford to tour.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SunnBass, PullThePlug, kbakerde and 5 others
#5
Joe Kyle said:
Still got the ol' .38 special record on repeat over there, I see.

Check out bandcamp, look around. Try not to get into the 'get off my lawn' mentality. Rock music isn't dead, its just difficult to get your music out there if you can't afford to tour.
Click to expand...

Ha! Couldn't be caught dead listening to .38 Special. Sure there are still people playing, there will always be music and musicians. But in terms of the whole "Rock and Roll dream" that used to exist for the younger generation, that isn't there anymore. And why would it be? Getting rich and famous doesn't even happen in rock anymore. Kids seeking their Andy Warhol 15 minutes dream of getting on reality tv.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Osztertag2112
#16
Jaco Taco said:
Well, sadly enough, I think the culture has moved on from the whole romanticism and mythology that Rock and Roll used to command. Rock is dead, effectively. I mean, the current scene in popular music is more or less stagnant, and has been so for over ten years. I'm not saying there's no good music out there, you can find it if you look for it, but when I was a kid in the 70s, music was EVERYTHING about growing up. It defined you. Kids today are not defined by music. They are into their video games, computers, smart phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc. And usually the nearest a kid ever gets to playing a guitar is by playing a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game.

It's effectively dead. Probably the majority of the younger generation out there thinks that someone who practices guitar or bass is a total nerd.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily. Take it from a high schooler - the status quo is defined by music. Kids that listen to pop are the preppy popular kids. The kids that listen to rap are typically the angrier, "ghetto" ones. I know, I hate the stereotyping, too.
I listen to alt rock and classic rock, with the healthy daily dose of punk, and the occasional classic metal (Up the irons!). Which makes me one of the "others". I'm not hated, but I'm not loved. (Not sympathy, I like it that way).

The kids that are involved in a lot are typically applauded by everyone but the rap kids. It's cool to play guitar, cooler if you can shred the hell out of it, coolest if you can sing along. Piano is cool, as long as you can sing. If you can't sing, it's just a neutral instrument. Bari sax and bassoon, I'm sorry, but they don't get any love among kids. Bass is a neutral instrument. Once people see you play a really neat song/piece/tune/whatever, they realize that bass isn't a guitar with two missing strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Osztertag2112 and hhirbe
#17
Jaco Taco said:
Ha! Couldn't be caught dead listening to .38 Special. Sure there are still people playing, there will always be music and musicians. But in terms of the whole "Rock and Roll dream" that used to exist for the younger generation, that isn't there anymore. And why would it be? Getting rich and famous doesn't even happen in rock anymore. Kids seeking their Andy Warhol 15 minutes dream of getting on reality tv.
Click to expand...
I beg to differ.

Maybe I've just met the right people. But my friends that are musicians, they're serious about it. And they have that mentality that was there. Me, I'm more of a cynic. I'm happy if someone shows up to a show. One person. That's all I need. One person I don't know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jd56hawk
#19
KingKrabb said:
I don't think it has as much to do with whether being a musician is "cool" or not, and more to do with your co-workers being dicks.

Just saying. :p
Click to expand...

Cripes you guys are so negative! What are you? With the local symphony or something? Hey Gebass6, much to your surprise you have just discovered the price of FAME! (overdub Fame theme) They aren't dicks. They are your AUDIENCE! And by their actions and antics they obviously are TOTALLY impressed by you! You don't discourage it, you accept it and revel in it! Of course they haven't a clue about playing music or that a bass isn't a guitar, but if they weren't impressed by it they wouldn't be acting out! Next step is YOU in the band at a company shindig! You'll only need to play one song, but your company fame will be established forever.

Usually it isn't the bass players job to grab and hold the audience, but since you are doing it, enjoy the fame let them all worship you! Show off! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: HolmeBass, Fat Steve and AaronVonRock
#20
Jaco Taco said:
They are into their video games, computers, smart phones, facebook, twitter, etc. etc. And usually the nearest a kid ever gets to playing a guitar is by playing a Rock Band/Guitar Hero game.

It's effectively dead. Probably the majority of the younger generation out there thinks that someone who practices guitar or bass is a total nerd.
Click to expand...

incorrect.

i am 22 so i am still considered young and that couldnt be further from the truth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Osztertag2112

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back