• 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.

Why do people think that more notes = better?

#24
Mainly because a bass cover of Eminem's "Lose yourself" doesn't make a very good YouTube video. For a non-musician (and especially non-bassists) holding the steady beat isn't fun to watch; especially solo. Displays of technicality are. For the musician and the audience of a full band steady beat, dynamics, silence and entrance become more enjoyable. But then who's really looking at the bassist in a full band?
 
  • Like
Reactions: lancimouspitt and Watchootognbout
#26
I saw Ray Brown trio once. While trading 4's, sure, he did his signature 8th note bebop links sometimes, but the best part of the whole night was when he play 1 note over the whole 4 bars. And it was the root.

I saw a clinic by Steve Gadd. He played a drum solo. It went to about 1/10 his skill level but was riveting because his simple Backbeat was soooo good you couldn't help but feel it. Less notes made the notes so much more important.

Saw the same thing with Dennis Chambers, Ed Soph, and Jeff Hamilton (I guess I'm recalling mostly drummers here), that when given the opportunity, they played so little even though all of were capable of shredding, and their music carried so much more weight.
 
  • Like
Reactions: diegom
#29
I have a hard time with the "less is more" thingy.

Less is just less ! I feel like it is somekind of average joe thing where if you are better than most your are an elitist and by doing so you alienate all the average joe...

I mean come on ! What I enjoy is contrast. What I mean by this is the band is busy then you have a moment where the guitar is still very busy but the bass is just playing punch, this is an interesting contrast as all of a sudden the busy guitar solo stand out, without the band being busy before, it wouldn't have the same impact. Dream Theater is quite good at this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
#30
Jhass said:
My brother-in-law is a great guy. He's smart, funny, and fun to hang with. We get along great. But when it comes to music, he's not knowledgeable. As such, he always equates "fast" and "busy" with better. Its like he's not listening to the music, just gawking at the technique.

Whenever we are together, he ALWAYS asks me if I can play Yes or Rush......
Click to expand...

Perhaps it is inexperience. I was very much like your brother-in-law until my high school band mates helped me start enjoying more styles of music. I hadn't bothered to look for what I enjoyed, so I settled with what impressed me instantly.

Or...

Jhass said:
... I find the bass lines of guys like James Jamerson and Paul McCartney much more interesting. That's just my preference.
Click to expand...

Perhaps he legitimately prefers Geddy's and Chris' work in the same way that you prefer Jamerson's and McCartney's. Getting more knowledge of theory and proper technique only amplified my love for the technical players, even when many said I'd learn to love the pocket more than challenging myself. I DO love a real deep pocket with simple lines supporting it, but I haven't lost my love for fast moving leather pockets with knuckledusters in them.

Best way to tell? Convince him to join TB, buy a bass, and start taking lessons. He'll gain all kinds of knowledge, both good and bad, and we'll have another opportunity to answer whether Geddy is the best or not. :roflmao:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matthew_84
#32
Slow music isn't very mentally stimulating to me. There's a time and place for everything, but on average I tend to like music that is energetic and requires me to quickly process what is happening.

A lot of non-musicians don't understand the musical aspect of things. They see the physical side of playing, which is mostly defined by your speed, stamina, and dexterity. I assume those are considered good due to survival instincts, and it translates into everything we do.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: lancimouspitt, Matthew_84 and Watchootognbout
#33
Jhass said:
My brother-in-law is a great guy. He's smart, funny, and fun to hang with. We get along great. But when it comes to music, he's not knowledgeable. As such, he always equates "fast" and "busy" with better. Its like he's not listening to the music, just gawking at the technique.

Whenever we are together, he ALWAYS asks me if I can play Yes or Rush. He will show me You Tube clips of these guys, and say, "now THAT's bass playing." I have nothing against Geddy or Chris; they are gods. But that style of out-in-front playing just never appealed to me very much. I'm more interested in bass lines that provide a foundation and groove for the song, and/or establish a counter-melody. I find the bass lines of guys like James Jamerson and Paul McCartney much more interesting. That's just my preference.

My question is: why do so many people assume that playing more notes, or playing faster, means you are a better musician? Is it just that they don't understand music, and, in particular, the role of the bass in most songs?
Click to expand...


I agree with you on setting back. I like adding to the foundation as well and will throw something in every now and then if it fits. I don't understand that either and found myself, while making up bass lines, tossing a bunch of transition notes or just busy playing when the situation didn't need it. I had to step back and regroup and start over with an even drive. I also liken the fast playing to slapping as well. I like slap bass but just because a bassist can slap well does not mean that person is a better player. It is one technique like fast playing a ton of notes. Non musicians really do not know what a bass does I think and when someone does something out of the ordinary or pocket, they get excited. Those same non musicians would understand what a bass does if a bassist stops playing mid song. I like to tell people I play an instrument that no one hears until it is not there. Meaning they know something is missing.
 
#38
I'll listen to anything that sounds good and see merit in all styles... but I do see your brother in law's point.

If it sounds boring, it's probably boring to play... and not that musically exciting no matter what descriptors you want to attach to it. Geddy, Squire, and the like will always shine far and above whoever plays bass for Lana Del Rey (only modern pop star I could think of that has some awesomely simple grooves you can learn in minutes but are still fun).

And now for something personal.

I'm equally as happy shredding along to Periphery tunes as I am calmly playing Stand By Me, but if you ask me to play Folsom Prison Blues I'll put my bass down and try to play it with my feet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fingerpickingood and Matthew_84

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back