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Why do people think that more notes = better?

#41
I'm at a total loss trying to understand th OP's reference to James Jamerson.
Clearly Jamerson, played a LOT of notes... Often very fast.
He was the original "lead" bass player. Even when playing with 10-15 musicians, including 3 virtuoso jazz guitarists, Jamerson always played lead. To paraphrase Joe Messina, 'the first time I played with him (Jamerson) I was like, ok, I guess we'll all just play along to him.'
And Paul is not exactly a groove player either. George Martin centered every mix around the bass, almost always the loudest instrument.
But Jamerson is the original over-playing bass player. If he, or anybody, played like that in a session today, half the producers around would roll their eyes and say, "back it off a little..." Or "...play more in the groove." Lol
 
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#42
I was made to jam with this ex-con drummer one time... it was hilarious cuz he could only play magazines in the joint, never had a kick drum. Hes out now and plays "lead percussion" for lack of a better term, all night long. I mean its an absolute mess, like 10 machine guns ragin all at the same time. Try to groove? Forget it. And if you say anything he'll punch you. So funny....
 
#43
I agree with the comments about Jamerson.

I always feel that busy, overplaying aka virtuoso, talented what ever you want to call it. I just reckon it's not catchy at all.

There's just no hook.

I'll take those simple few note 70s/80s slap riffs over double thumping slap solos.
 
#45
MVE said:
I'm at a total loss trying to understand th OP's reference to James Jamerson.
Clearly Jamerson, played a LOT of notes... Often very fast.
He was the original "lead" bass player. Even when playing with 10-15 musicians, including 3 virtuoso jazz guitarists, Jamerson always played lead. To paraphrase Joe Messina, 'the first time I played with him (Jamerson) I was like, ok, I guess we'll all just play along to him.'
And Paul is not exactly a groove player either. George Martin centered every mix around the bass, almost always the loudest instrument.
But Jamerson is the original over-playing bass player. If he, or anybody, played like that in a session today, half the producers around would roll their eyes and say, "back it off a little..." Or "...play more in the groove." Lol
Click to expand...

Yep playing for solo "artist" is a total loss, the music is so bare bone that anyone playing on the record could be replace and it would make no difference
 
#48
Music is generally more entertaining to me when it is fast and "busy".

I like Yes and Rush both a lot, and while they're busy, the whole band is complimenting each other. No one is stepping on anyone's toes.

Both of those players aren't just blasting 16th notes consistently either... There's a ton of musicality, rhythms and organic phrasing in their lines. I've never thought that anything those two players did was too much. It fits the songs and style perfectly.

And OP, I don't quite understand your point, because James Jamerson was a very busy player as well. The songs were just slower tempo... Maybe you just don't like fast-paced music?
 
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#55
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'm not referring to you when I say this, so please don't take this the wrong way. But this whole conversation reminds me of the argument of the wanna be blues guitarists vs wanna be shredders. The blues guitar players use the "I play with feeling" excuse because they can't play fast, while the wanna be shredders use their technique to cover their lack of phrasing ability.

With any instrument musicians play to their strengths and try to minimize areas where they are weak. It is a very rare musician that is strong with almost everything...they usually become famous. Your brother in law likes technique oriented players...nothing wrong with that, but their is nothing wrong with your point of view either. If I were you, I'd work up a couple of fast slap phrases or a Rush bass line just to shut him up. Then I'd play what I like and explain to him why I like it. Maybe you'll broaden his appreciation of music.
 
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#56
sharkbait130 said:
The fewer notes I play , the more I get paid for each and every one of them.:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Note-to-dollar ratio... huge. I like it. :woot:

I remember being told that some nooby freshman girl in high school was a better bassist than I because she played faster. I responded with "yeah, but have you actually listened to her playing?". Heh.
 
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#57


:D
I guess different people loves different music. I appreciate the "less is more" thing but really I feel I don't have the right (and the ability) to say that Billy Sheean, Steve Vai, Entwistle, Malmsteen or any other "shredder" is less an artist than others...

To me there are times for every style...
 
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#60
Matthew_84 said:
Music is generally more entertaining to me when it is fast and "busy".

I like Yes and Rush both a lot, and while they're busy, the whole band is complimenting each other. No one is stepping on anyone's toes.

Both of those players aren't just blasting 16th notes consistently either... There's a ton of musicality, rhythms and organic phrasing in their lines. I've never thought that anything those two players did was too much. It fits the songs and style perfectly.

And OP, I don't quite understand your point, because James Jamerson was a very busy player as well. The songs were just slower tempo... Maybe you just don't like fast-paced music?
Click to expand...



I agree with this. In the case of Geddy, his playing generally creates the melody, and for me keeps it interesting. Then again a bassline that grooves also appeals to me.
 
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