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Why Do Bass Players Feel Inferior?

#41
I usually feel inferior when I can't nail a bass line that I "think" should be easy...and then proceed to muddy up what should be Tight during a song.

But I Never feel that playing bass makes me an inferior musician. I have always loved the Bass and chose it On Purpose. Like being a link between the drummer and the band.

When you feel you aren't contributing properly during a song, or whether it all means a ****; try dropping out for a few measures. It can be surprising how much those bass lines support the groove and feel of the tune.
 
#42
The only inferiority complex I have is with other bassists. It's the guys that have asked to use my bass and played it like I never have and the guys I've seen on stage that carried a groove that could hypnotize you that drove me an continue to inspire me to be a better player/musician. A little bit of inferiority complex is good, because most people mature past seeing it as something negative and transform their feelings into something productive. If it wasn't for the cheese ball showing up to campfires trying to woo the ladies with a guitar when I was younger, I might not be playing bass today.

I think most of what is said here is good natured in intent. People get to say things to a community of like minded folks here that they probably never get to say in real life. It's an outlet. As much as I poke fun at guitarists and limp wristed drummers, I still appreciate their presence and would be nowhere (wherever that may be) without them.

I drive myself nuts every week with two different bands. Both couldn't be more different and both live up to every stereotype that's ever been muttered. There really is something to those stereotypes, or they wouldn't exist. I've had the arrogant lead singers, arrogant guitarists, dueling guitarists (ego, tone, etc), "dumb" drummers, gear whores, players of complete garbage gear, mouth breathers, junkies, drunks and crazy wives charging into rehearsals and gigs with insanity in their eyes. Eventually we grow to accept our situations or move on.

That's one thing I've noticed about bassists in general: they grow fast and bail when they do.
 
#46
Bass is what shakes the booty. I'm secure in that knowledge whether I reap the benefits or not. We're the cement. The mortar and the nails. The drums and rhythm are the foundation upon which this house was built. The melodic instruments like guitar, keys and brass are the wood and frame. Could it all stay together without bass, whether its a tuba, a keyboard or an upright playing it? We're all part of a continuing sonic vibration and its our job to maintain that vibration through the song. I think its a pretty heavy and damn important part of music. Nothing to get all poo poo about either way. I consider myself among all things blessed to be able to be part of music. I'll now and then get cynical about aspects of it but ultimately accept that's its greater than me.

Now that I'm off that metaphysical tangent, I'd suggest to all those genuinely bitter to surround themselves with musicians that are better than they are and to expose yourself to live shows and try to understand what goes into it and why some acts put as much into appearance as they do musicality. It's not till you're in it that you can comment on it with credibility. All of these conceptions are the byproduct of an industry that cashes its checks on emotions.
 
#47
I don't get the inferiority vibe either but from quite a number of threads on TB I get the feeling most bassists aren't particularly adventurous. Or some would say, conservative in their playing.

But don't worry - for sax players, time stood still in 1959 too. :hiding:
 
#48
I don't feel inferior in the least.
In fact there is a certain power that comes from knowing how much you can influence the overall sound and direction of a band by what you play.
I can say that as a bass player I have never been treated with anything but respect and dignity. With the exception of groupie type chicks who seem to be quite dismissive upon learning that I am a bass player.
 
#50
I personally have a God complex, because bass makes me one of the most powerful and important humans on the planet. Without my awesomeness and booty shaking power, nobody else in the band would ever get laid. Then the entire human race would slowly die out. So, bass players are critical for the continued survival of the species. How can you feel inferior when you have the fate of mankind riding on your strings?
 
#52
I love bass and playing in a Rush tribute band gets you plenty of attention. Granted, singing and playing keys helps but Rush fans are aware of and appreciate bass. :)

That being said, I think all the jokes about bass stem from the fact that most of the audience, particularly women, don't know what they're hearing. They know the words, know a guitar solo when they hear one even though they can't identify the pretty chords and changes. If it ain't blatantly obvious... they missed it. So they are NOT hearing the bass player. They're feeling the bass but they don't even know it. They're lack of understanding of music is what makes most of us invisible.

As long as your guitar player and drummer appreciate you, you're good. They should get it.
 
#53
Embrace it! We are the hardest to find musicians for most bands and almost always needed.

I am a GOOD bass player as an example.... GOOD bass players will always get bands/gigs. GOOD guitarists sit in their basements watching YouTube videos of Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai. Same thing with GOOD drummers.... they are a dime a dozen.

Bask in mediocrity or release your inner Jaco.... Whatever turns your crank!!!!:bassist:
 
#54
Lets be honest. ..of the drums, electric guitar, and electric bass, the bass takes the least amount of time to be proficient enough to be in a band setting. So it erroneously gets labeled the easiest instrument of the three to play and a long time ago the stigma of "worst guitar player" gets to play bass. And when you dont have many miles of seasoned practice under your belt, it was hard to sit down and impress non musicians when you didnt know much more than bom..bom..bom...ryt?? But then think how many hundreds to thousands of hours you have spent to get to the point of playing some stuff that blows your average joe away...ryt? So I look at it like this...it takes alot of work to make the electric bass an instrument that sounds good to john q public unaccompanied.
 
#55
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1392066667.639832.jpg

It's not just a feeling... It's in the news! Ha ha ha :)
 
#60
Baird6869 said:
We are the hardest to find musicians for most bands and almost always needed.
[...]
GOOD bass players will always get bands/gigs.
[...]
GOOD drummers.... they are a dime a dozen.
Click to expand...

I don't know how it is in Toronto, but I was always under the impression a good drummer was the hardest to find period. From what I can tell the best amateur drummers are in 3 or more bands at the same time because the chaff doesn't cut it.

I for one know one too many sneakers-in-the-dryer drummers. :hmm:
 

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