Words of Wisdom

[Progfan44]

I'd like to share a rant delivered on Facebook by one of my old teachers Jason Raso (who if I'm not mistaken is also on this site...) a few months ago. This quote addresses a major sticking point I have with a lot of bass players, and I think Jason argues his point very well.

"I just can't understand why so many "experienced" bass players (well, not just bass players) seem to discourage other players. I hear and read it over and over again. Don't play this, don't play that, that's not musical, blah, blah, blah! My current favourite is "you won't get hired if you do that!" Who cares? Find like-minded players, start your own band, be creative, put on your own shows - there is more than likely an audience for what you want to do!

I was very fortunate to grow up with musicians around that encouraged me. They never told me not to tap or slap or solo! But, they also expected me to lay down a groove and play good notes! Shouldn't you be able to do it all?

Also, here's a news flash! Your declarations on what you believe to be "real music" are not likely shared by everyone! You can't win this argument - music is a matter of personal taste - you either dig something or your don't. Something you believe to be a masterpiece may not resonate with me at all and vice-versa!

It seems to me that many bass players praise mediocrity. Well, I say go out there and be yourself and be AMAZING!

Don't get me wrong, I like "meat and potatoes" as much as the next guy, but I don't want it every meal!

This rant was brought to you by Lavazza Coffee, which I may have drank too much of this morning!"

 

[GastonD]

Could not agree more...

 

[BassChuck]

Those who have given up on their dreams will discourage others.

No matter what your age, life is too short to spend hanging with negative people. Solitude is better than negativity.

 

[Tottery]

Musicians always try to bring down their fellow brethren. I recently read that playing bass requires a "special intelligence" on this forum. LOL wut?

 

[JimmyM]

Know what phrase I hate? "It's more important what you DON'T play than what you play." OK, so I'll stand up onstage and not play a thing, and I will be hailed as the world's greatest bass player.

Seriously, bassists think they sound so intelligent when they start harping on keeping it simple, or silly catchphrases like "The groove is the only important thing" or "There are no wrong notes" or other such nonsense. No, what's important is what -I- decide is important, not anyone else. Some music is not meant to groove, and there are PLENTY of wrong notes. And if people don't like how I play, they are welcome to use the door.

 

[Orangeclawhammr]

Know what phrase I hate? "It's more important what you DON'T play than what you play." OK, so I'll stand up onstage and not play a thing, and I will be hailed as the world's greatest bass player.

Seriously, bassists think they sound so intelligent when they start harping on keeping it simple, or silly catchphrases like "The groove is the only important thing" or "There are no wrong notes" or other such nonsense. .

Was it Jaco or Entwistle who started spouting this nonsense?

Seriously, if one is "serving the song" (another bit of wisdom I've read more than once) wouldn't that mean playing what's needed, be it root-fives or something with substance to fill spaces.

 

[Lobster11]

Know what phrase I hate? "It's more important what you DON'T play than what you play." OK, so I'll stand up onstage and not play a thing, and I will be hailed as the world's greatest bass player.

Bill Bruford received co-writing credit on a track from King Crimson's "Starless and Bible Black" album on which he never made a sound. While the rest of the band improvised, he simply decided that he had nothing to add at any point that would improve it. The others afterwards determined that this decision was crucial to the song, and thus credited him for "admirable restraint." (The track was aptly titled "Trio.") So, sure, it can be done. But I wouldn't recommend trying to make career out of it.

 

[Lobster11]

Seriously, if one is "serving the song" (another bit of wisdom I've read more than once) wouldn't that mean playing what's needed, be it root-fives or something with substance to fill spaces.

Actually, I'm not a big fan of that phrase either. Of course, different songs and musical contexts call for different approaches -- that goes without saying. But advising a bassist (or any musician) to "play whatever best serves the song" seems to me rather like advising a chess player to "make good moves" or "choose the best move for the current position." Well, sure, but... it's vacuous. I don't think any bass player has ever tried to play in a way that didn't serve the song, at least as he or she perceived it.

 

[JimmyM]

Was it Jaco or Entwistle who started spouting this nonsense?

I thought it was Victor Wooten

Seriously, if one is "serving the song" (another bit of wisdom I've read more than once) wouldn't that mean playing what's needed, be it root-fives or something with substance to fill spaces.

That's how I look at it. If I think the song is better served by playing butt simple, I'll do it. If I think it's better served by ripping all through it and playing up high, I'll do that too, although I'll admit that there are many faster bassists than me.

 

[Jefff]

The "There are no wrong notes" thing suddenly takes all the pressure off.

Unlined fretless here I come!

 

[Richie Se7en]

No matter what your age, life is too short to spend hanging with negative people. Solitude is better than negativity.

These are Words of Wisdom, indeed!

And regarding the countless theories on the benefits of "restraint versus playing balls out" - if there's any real truth, examples can be found listening to "Rubber Soul" on through "Let It Be"