Pretty self explanatory. I've started playing bass and I am horrified at the disrespect that bassists' work gets, and the disrespect that bassists get from other musicians. Their work on songs is either buried under guitars or is reduced to tinkling noises in the background.
Only a few days ago someone spotted my guitar case and asked me what I played. I said "Oh I'm a bassist, 4-string bass" and they asked me why I didn't play a REAL guitar!
Anyone agree?
2007-01-14 09:45:25 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Yeah, most people don't respect bassists because they think that anyone can play bass - which is kind of true if you only play rhythm stuff and not the more complicated things. Most newbie bassists these days get so much hate because they like to play stuff from the newer Punk bands, which is really simple, and they don't tend to play the older, harder basslines (like jazz, and funk). This is probably why bassists don't get as much respect as they deserve, it's a bit like a stereotype now.
2007-01-18 18:38:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know what you mean - the bassist of the band normally isn't as well known, or a popular as some of the other band members, but its the same for the drummer. at least a bassist can move around a possibly grab some attention, the drummer is stuck on a seat!
the real guitar thing is a bit rude- the bass shud be respected as its own instrument! its like saying 'oh i play cello' and someone saying why don't you play a real violin. with out the bass songs wouldnt sound as good.
2007-01-20 14:29:51 · answer #2 · answered by coy carp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love watching a guitarist that has never played a bass pick one up with the attitude of "Anybody can play this thing" and walk away frustrated. There is a lot of "technique" involved in playing bass. Besides, a house without a foundation isn't going to stand up very long and that's what a bass is... foundation. There are two old sayings in the Nashville studios:
1) KISS it (Keep It Simple Stupid)
2) You become a good bass player not by knowing how to play
but by knowing when not to play.
Bass and drums are the foundation to the music. They are the brick and mortar that hold the rest of the song together.
2007-01-19 08:25:26 · answer #3 · answered by iplaybass1956 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having been a bassist for 30+ years, I've seen it all...some people don't understand how crucial having a solid bass player is to thier sound, while others (the smart ones) won't proceed until they have the right bass player lined up. Bassists deserve LOTS of respect, but get little...keep your chin up, and the next time someone says to play a "real" guitar find out what they mean...ask lots of probing questions...and then tell them to go f**k themselves :) Works for me.
2007-01-17 20:32:21 · answer #4 · answered by sixstringbassguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha yeah. As a bass player i know what you mean. People say that stuff to me and it does become a pain.
i play for the team not to blast over everyone. sometimes the bass line may sound like it's in the background but people do notice if it's not there. later on as your playing gets better u can hold the rhythm And have your own place in the mix with a melody that no guitarist can match! YAY!!!!!! oh and bass player kick *ss!
drummers get a worse deal than us so if anyone says things like that to u, u can always point at the drummer and say 'Well at least i'm not a drummer'
And whats the deal with drummers complaining when we play acoustic! Drums are acoustic. lol
2007-01-14 18:42:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are inventive, then yeah, the bass guitarist deserves as much props as the rest of the band. Too many bassists can't actually be arsed to get any more technical than playing the root notes.
The bass player always looks the coolest though. I'm a drummer, and my bassist is the cool, dark brooding guy by the side of the stage... I'm just that sweaty guy hitting things and pulling strange faces.
2007-01-14 17:52:55 · answer #6 · answered by mingnut 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are right, they do get disrespected.
You need a few good one-liners as comebacks
e.g. Bass is a real guitar and needs real skills to play
or
I'm not your run of the mill bass player
or
why get 6 strings when I've only got 4 fingers?
Or think of something of your own.
In my opinion, bass players are due a better deal than they get!
Good Luck and don't let anyone else's view put you off of your goals
2007-01-14 18:14:04 · answer #7 · answered by Great Eskape 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bassists get loads of respect. Kim Gordon is probably one of the most respected women in music! There are plenty of songs with prominent bass, too. Especially if you look at modern pop, hip hop and r and b (for example the neptunes) - it may not be guitar-based, but the bass and drum parts are often the primary focus of the track.
2007-01-14 18:00:00 · answer #8 · answered by empanda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely the best instrument in any band. It really does hold the whole thing together. For example, most people just don't get modern jazz but listen to the bass in any jazz band and then it all fits. Then there is drum 'n bass. Listen to the New Forms album by Roni Size - it wouldn't be the same without that double bass. Pure bliss!
2007-01-14 18:06:27 · answer #9 · answered by SEB C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a musician, but much respect to bassists; *love* bass lines. In fact, I think I mostly only like music with prominent bass.
Ignore any silly comments from silly people. Happy playing!
2007-01-21 12:00:05 · answer #10 · answered by Daria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋