I urge you bass guys to hear this informative interview. I have been playing 25 years and learned so much from it!
As for those who are mortals (like most of us) an ideal bass player:
- Doesn't play it like a guitar (most of the time).
- Has knowledge of equipment.
- Has his/her own style, but can play good covers as well.
- Is not a failed guitarist, but has set out to play bass from the start.
- Is not a guitarist who plays bass as a secondary instrument (like me: I can pretend to play bass, but am NOT a bass player)
- Has their own technique
- Contributes to musical process in the band.
- Can play sessions.
- Can use fingers and pick.
I'm sure I've left somethings out.
LOVE all this bass talk in this forum all of a sudden!
in an old Bass Player Magazine interview, bassist David Hofstra was asked "What qualities do you possess that keeps producers calling you for session work?"
For me I prefer a bassist who really understands the importance of the roll of bass. There are plenty of players that play bass by themselves when they're alone AND with people... if ya know what I mean. Play to the song, if it's whole notes then rock those whole notes. Understand space!! Also understand the various ways to get different tones out of your instrument either with pics, mutes, foam, etc..
I like bassists that have personality. They can add their own thing, but not from lack of preparation. I don't like wall flowers or players that have no musical personality. Players that understand the infinite nuances in feel are important. An 8th note isn't just an 8th note. Also bassists that understand the full scope of the arrangement (song structure) are very valuable... thinking of how the last chorus may be different and adjusting dynamics.
For me I prefer a bassist who really understands the importance of the roll of bass. There are plenty of players that play bass by themselves when they're alone AND with people... if ya know what I mean. Play to the song, if it's whole notes then rock those whole notes. Understand space!! Also understand the various ways to get different tones out of your instrument either with pics, mutes, foam, etc..
I like bassists that have personality. They can add their own thing, but not from lack of preparation. I don't like wall flowers or players that have no musical personality. Players that understand the infinite nuances in feel are important. An 8th note isn't just an 8th note. Also bassists that understand the full scope of the arrangement (song structure) are very valuable... thinking of how the last chorus may be different and adjusting dynamics.
Excellent post. Couldn't have said it better myself!
This is our bass player, the bass player that we want to work with anytime from now, forever.
1. Good rhythmic sense.
2. Get along well with rhythm guitar.
3. Get along well with drum beats.
3. Don't want to be the center of attraction of the band, but still supporting the band.
We're rock band, bass won't sound so loud but when we turn off the bass amp, there's BIG different.
4. If possible perfect pitch.
5. If possible can play rhythmic melody with frequency that human brain like to hear.
Here's a question- where did the term 'pocket' come from what does it exactly imply?
I always assumed it meant sitting in the groove and working with the drummer well.
I played bass in bands for years, but never really came across the term per se (though, mainly playing in indie/rock bands, maybe it doesn't mean as much there?).
For me, Ideal Bassist...
-locks with the kick
-no idle ringing notes
-doesn't approach music as a competitive sport
-knows how to use the B string
-knows when to tastefully use the 3rd or 5th
-doesn't secretly want to be a guitar player
-knows a lot of good dirty jokes
Every time you smack the strings against the pickups I kill you once again in my mind
edit: OK OK, I should be more than just comical... as true as that is.
This is for "optimal, on call, need a bass player to get this done well"
1- Can play loud distorted rock with a pick OR fingertip massage a supercompressed smooth jazz line
2- Understands how different basses sound, not just feel. Like, knows when a P-bass is more apropo vs. a Singray.
3- I repeat, don't smack the god damn pickups or I'm forced to kill again.
4- Doesn't give the engineer or producer "WTF" looks if they suggest a different technique. Like "try this take plucking closer to the neck".
5- NEVER says, "That's just the way I play, dude"
6- Favors thicker strings. No light gauge E strings tuned down to D OK?
7- Can keep a "on the and of 4" syncopated line up all day without losing it, or blaming the drummer. A "pushed" salsa...
8- "In the Pocket"
9- Doesn't "go off" AT ALL unless directed to do so. Busy and flubby basslines make me want to eat babies. (out of season)
10- Doesn't get offended. Period.
Maintaining consistant dynamics while playing. Asfaras the song goes. Sure, alil softer on the quiet parts and louder on the louder parts. Not the other way around. And know where the 'one' is.
Years ago, I had a privilege to play with one of the best bassist (and musicians in general) that I, personally, have met and/or heard. At the time, I primarily played guitar; however, I wanted to develop as a musician, so I asked for bass lessons. The only thing he told me was: "Imagine the bass as a foundation for the house. It's sturdy and steady; it's just there. Sometimes you don't even acknowledge it, but it's there... Once you have the foundation, you decorate."
Basically summing up what I think, a bassist who doesnt have to show off technical skill in every track, a bassist who doesnt mind being in the background when required.
I love "groove" and "pocket" players. The guys who have serious chops but are much more concerned with playing for the song. I'm looking for the guy who could play circles around the song, but doesn't have anything to prove.
Basically summing up what I think, a bassist who doesnt have to show off technical skill in every track, a bassist who doesnt mind being in the background when required.
LOVE The Pixies. Very important band. Reminds me of the next decade's Talking Heads.
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