General Music Chat

I'm a drummer, but I'll comment -

The best bassist I've found are former lead guitar players.
Simply, because they understand the difference between playing chords and single notes as in lead playing and picking.

El' Peno'

You're kidding right? i can hear "former lead guitarist's" from a mile away with a bass in their hands. Haven't heard any that i'd give a nickle for. I won't say they aren't knowledgable, in my experience they don't understand the function of the bass. In the bass realm, well placed silience speaks louder than any million note flurries, that's the part they tend to overlook. YMMV

I cut their playing in half by telling them in 4/4 to play on the 1 & the 3
with my bass drum & any variety of 16th notes that fall in between.

I'm a drummer, but I'll comment -

The best bassist I've found are former lead guitar players.
Simply, because they understand the difference between playing chords and single notes as in lead playing and picking.

El' Peno'

You're kidding right? i can hear "former lead guitarist's" from a mile away with a bass in their hands. Haven't heard any that i'd give a nickle for. I won't say they aren't knowledgable, in my experience they don't understand the function of the bass. In the bass realm, well placed silience speaks louder than any million note flurries, that's the part they tend to overlook. YMMV

And what's worst - a strictly "rythym" guitarist that decides to change to bass- ugh ! Chords everywhere !! LOL !!

Oh no that's me a rythem guitarist. LOL

Bass (at least rock bass) is a more dynamic job than most realise. Not only do you have to sync wtih the drums, you also have to sync with the vocals (the melody).

Playing covers is no different from paying originals; in fact, you need to learn what has come before and know what works for you. Learn to love your drummer, and love your vocalist (even if it is yourself).

I have a small amp (SWR Working Mans 15), but the band has good subs out to the house. the amp is little more than a monitor for me and my guitar player. My volume on stage is only relative to the drumkit.

And I am certainly not one of those "pick vs fingers" types. I can do both, depending on the sound and dynamic required. but I have been at this for a while, with hard callouses on my right index and middle fingers, and I can get crunch with them. But that is why a pick is good for newbies.

The bass role can be weird. if you're not the lead singer (Sting, anybody?) you get very little recognition, even when you are what is holding the sound together. but if you are very, very good at it, you will become essential to the band. And there are many fans who will focus on the bass, and realise what you do.

And I will repeat: love your drummer! His kick drum is a part of your sound.