General Music Chat

Been a bass player/lead singer/songwriter/front man for over 25 years. I still get contacted occasionally to sit in for bass players. Maybe when aspiring musicians want to learn an instrument they want to be in the spotlight, therefore there's a lot of guitarists around. Or maybe they don't think bass is challenging enough. I see a lot of music classifieds looking for bass players. It's a great instrument and certainly in high demand. Some of you guitarists who can't seem to get into a band should take up bass. You might really enjoy it. later...Fisherman Bob

your right if peaple whould open possabilatys

Yes actually

we are out there

and like one poster mentioned - doing it with a living, breathing feel for the pocket, without effects, regularly bathe, only one tattoo that only my wife is allowed to see, shows up to gigs on time, does not require months and months and months of rehearsing, sings whatever harmony part no one is covering and has actually performed in front of more than 1000 people at one time - that weren't falling over drunks

so take heart - we exist



mike


ps) are there bands out there that pay their bass players commensurate with experience? Some really good bass players get tired of pouring out their hearts out at gigs and have nothing to bring home to the family so we are stuck working regular jobs while searching for that band that to date seems as elusive as winning the lottery

It is actually hard to find a bassist, that's why I took it up, but never really did anything except try to copy the bass parts on old Maiden songs. lol

Hell Ya ! Been plucken away exclusively on the bass guitar for 25 years


Slowhand Rich

Yes actually

we are out there

and like one poster mentioned - doing it with a living, breathing feel for the pocket, without effects, regularly bathe, only one tattoo that only my wife is allowed to see, shows up to gigs on time, does not require months and months and months of rehearsing, sings whatever harmony part no one is covering and has actually performed in front of more than 1000 people at one time - that weren't falling over drunks

so take heart - we exist



mike


ps) are there bands out there that pay their bass players commensurate with experience? Some really good bass players get tired of pouring out their hearts out at gigs and have nothing to bring home to the family so we are stuck working regular jobs while searching for that band that to date seems as elusive as winning the lottery

I see we have alot in common . Hearing the ppl's rants on this thread make me eager to get back home to my US of A.

To be a bass player is to understand the music. You lead the band into the changes, you have to understand the function of the bass, not just the notes. You are the rudder of the ship. You are the reponsible one who lays down the groove so the others can explore and not lose their place. Every note counts, and you need a great sense of time. You need to listen to everything. You need certainty and confidence without ego- be willing to assume a supportive role. Anyone can pluck strings and wiggle their fingers. Few are bass players.

Well said, Bob!

Bob - you're hired!

Gopher, I understand what you're saying but before a war of words just happens to start out of this thread, lets all understand that every instrument in a band is crucial. Musicians tend to be offended quickly since the music is their art.

Some instruments in a band are just made to stand out, such as the lead guitar, but without the bass & drums behind it, it could only do so much.

If anything, we as musicians are already over-shadowed by the vocalists. They get all the attention and we are in the background hauling and setting up equipment.

Bottom line is that we all need eachother as a unit and it is best if nobody claims that their musical instrument is more important than anothers.

....and that is all I have to say about that (Forrest Gump)

A good bass player is as hard to find as a good man (lol)! I've worked with bass players who were so bad I literally tuned them out, & hoped the audience was doing the same! Read some of my past postings about the one who read every song progression right off his notepad. Just about every musicians' classified section I've read has at least 3 columns of "bassist wanted" ads. I got lucky this time & found a good one, & I ain't lettin' him go!

Sounds like Love to me

I play bass. Addicted. I live in new jersey and I am looking for some players to play led zepplin + other songs. Medium commitment. I have a fulltime job. So, Just for fun, however, if the right players come along,......