Bass question?

Question

I've recently been playing the electric bass for church service. My debut is this Sunday. When I play the bass, I tend to apply vibrato to the strings. Blame this on my extensive classical string background. (I play both the cello and the double bass.) My girlfriend, who plays the keyboard, told me I'm not supposed to, but she's a string idiot so I'm not about to take her advice as gospel. But is she right?

Ok I'm sorry I called her an idiot... Now how shall I phrase it... She has no experience with strings whatsoever, and she doesn't play the bass either, but she told me vibrato is wrong because the (more experienced) uncles who also play the bass don't apply vibrato at all.

Answer 1

Most electric bassists don't use the vibrato as extensively, nor as widely as a double bassist. That is not to meant that it is wrong. Record a rehearsal session with and without the vibrato and see which sounds better with the ensemble you have.
A personal recommendation would be to chill out on the vibrato, and use it to accent certain notes or passages... but DON'T over-do it.

Answer 2

You can but it sounds better when you dont vibrato it for those types of songs. She can't really blame you cause I mean you are so used to playing cello and double bass. Those ones need lots of vibrato I mean I should know cause I play a string instrument too. It's hard to stop the habit. Do what ever you think is best. Good luck!=)

Answer 3

Well, typically yes, unless the song actually calls for it. With instruments that have frets, unless a song is written with vibrato in mind, or included, it's typically just straight fingering technique without vibrato, unlike our classical, orchestral counter parts... I play viola, guitar, bass, plus others.

Answer 4

I like how you call her an idiot. You sound irresistible!

Answer 5

Listen to your girlfriend on this one...