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Why do you play bass ??

#101
Eric66 said:
I started as a guitar player. And then, one magic and blessed day, I discovered that I was always humming the bass line of a song, and not the guitar chords or solos.
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Me too. It was actually a music instructor I had who recommended bass to me. When I would try to write music, or pick out things in songs that really grabbed my attention, it was always basslines.

I really do enjoy playing bass. Much more than guitar, really, although I still do both.
 
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#102
Bunk McNulty said:
I sucked at violin. I sucked at trumpet. And the need for sonic domination is no joke. When the bass stops, everything stops. As Gary Tallent once said, "Nobody knows what I do until I stop doing it."
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Ha ha. That's funny. In one of my old bands I got that comment. I was unable to make a rehearsal, probably the only one I ever missed, and the next week the guitar player said "I never really knew what you were doing, but last week I certainly noticed you weren't there! We also figured out that without someone on bass, we can't get through a single song.".

Yup. That band was a classic example of "follow the bass player".....
 
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#106
Because I have to. I am genetically predisposed to it. I started on piano as a kid, took up trombone in school, learned a little guitar from an aunt who had traveled with Roy Acuff right after WW II, and toyed with (but didn't really play) upright because my dad had one around the house. But, I think in bass and for me it is the most fun to play.
 
#107
Jeff K said:
I've always thought that the bass was the coolest-looking instrument in the band. Additionally, I like that "rumbling in the gut" produced by bass. And I suppose there is something to the "bassist personality" aspect as well. I don't mind playing a supportive role.
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Bass is more than a supportive role. The bass is the heart and soul of the band.
The bass kepts the rythmn, not the drummer
The bass leads chord changes
Vocalists sing off the bass line
The bass blends with the lead instruments to provide color and dynamic context to the leads.
And the bass player tells the keyboardist to STFU when he starts demanding how the bass part should be and wants to play it on keyboard.
 
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#108
bassbenj said:
Yeah. Me too. After failing at learning guitar (all bassists are failed guitarists, right?) I was looking for an easy instrument. Since my dad played drums I decided to be a rebelous teenager and bought a bass.

(Later I did, learn drums too. Hey free drums. Free lessons.)

(Note I had studied piano for years, but nobody has ever paid money to hear me play keys! Great musical education though)
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Well, a lot, but not all of us. I never really cared about guitar all that much. And, you can tell by the style of a bassist whether he is a failed guitarist or a natural born bassist.
 
#110
I play bass because it's who I am and what I do.

I can play drums, guitar, and a little piano, but I excel at bass. And I love it, too.

I developed my love for the instrument after hearing Tom Sawyer on the radio when I was fourteen. I decided then and there that I wanted to concentrate on bass, so I gave up the drums and have been playing bass seriously for over thirty years now. Best decision I have ever made!
 
#111
What was the reason you chose to play bass ? I get people who ask me this all the time and for me it's the low end that makes me want to move. I love a song with a great groove , besides I really suck at playing a guitar. Hope everyone posts ! My Fender P bass was the first instrument I ever held ; so glad I did .

FM
 
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#113
Actually started on piano,then violin, I wanted to play upright bass but was told I was too short in 5th grade. I got a guitar but in junior high I wanted to try out for jazz band,they told me they needed a bass player,gave me a bass to take home and a book and said tryouts are in a week. I came back a week later and made first jazz band. Then through that my teacher turned me on to Jaco. I was already into metal and once I actually paid attention to Cliff Burton and Steve Harris it was all over. That and everyone played guitar and I could get in a band easier on bass. 30 years later I feel naked when I try to play guitar in a band.
 
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#114
one day i had to work late and my band was practicing and i showed up while they where playing and joined in and the sound just filled up..the geetard actually said he appreciated what i did...bass players can hang with a drummer and run like a motor...we are blenders and time keepers and we have a role that is so important !!!! I play because i love how it feels...the power of a bass should never be underestimated..
 
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#117
Playing bass seemed to fit my personality from day one. Even as a child, I seemed to be the foundation of things going on, seldom noticed or in the spotlight, but sorely missed when I wasn't there. Played trumpet first at age 8, because of my Dad, who was an outstanding trumpet player, but even he saw my preference for the bass. No "used to play guitar, but they needed a bassist worse" here. In fact, I can't play a lick of guitar. As for not being noticed, the folks that matter know. The folks I play with, write my checks, get me my next job, that's who I worry about noticing me...
 
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