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Bass Guitar is serverly underrated....
- Thread starter viperGTS
- Start date
Me on bass.
That was forever ago and I've gotten much better since then. I haven't uploaded any new vids in a long time either.
Anyways, I think bass is underrated mainly in the genres where nobody cares about the bass anyways, like death metal/screamo/etc. When you get into a crowd that likes jazz or funk, then you begin to realize that a lot of people really do listen for it and realize that it can make or break a song. It's definitely a lot of fun playing, and I've gotten tons of band invitations but haven't really found one yet that holds any promise. For anybody who plans on picking up bass learn your theory, at least the basic stuff. I'm also happy to talk about playing or whatever if anybody wants help with slap/theory/etc.
That was forever ago and I've gotten much better since then. I haven't uploaded any new vids in a long time either.
Anyways, I think bass is underrated mainly in the genres where nobody cares about the bass anyways, like death metal/screamo/etc. When you get into a crowd that likes jazz or funk, then you begin to realize that a lot of people really do listen for it and realize that it can make or break a song. It's definitely a lot of fun playing, and I've gotten tons of band invitations but haven't really found one yet that holds any promise. For anybody who plans on picking up bass learn your theory, at least the basic stuff. I'm also happy to talk about playing or whatever if anybody wants help with slap/theory/etc.
The bass truly is a great instrument to listen to, provided it is an important contributor to the overall music of a band. To be honest, I do like guitar better than the bass, but I have respect for both instruments. However, with the knowledge of vocals and guitars standing out moreso than the bass, a part of the background, there's really nothing to blame if bassists don't stand out as much.
Just try to listen to "Immigrant Song" or "Black Dog" by Led Zep without the kickass bass riff in the background...the songs aren't 50% as good then.
I'll second the sentiments about bass being underrated but just as important.
You should listen to John Entwhistle's crazy bass solos with the Who...
I'll second the sentiments about bass being underrated but just as important.
You should listen to John Entwhistle's crazy bass solos with the Who...
Come to htink of it though, Bass is only a huge aspect in the rock and rap (sorta) genres. I mean, listen to the bass in nearly any country song; two notes played for the entire song. A deaf person could keep in time and sound great (no offense).
EDIT: and the ones listed below. I was talking mainstream music. >_>
EDIT: and the ones listed below. I was talking mainstream music. >_>
Bass is a supporting instrument. It ensures there's rhythm; there's very little stuff where the bass is leading the rest of the band. The only thing I would like is that producers learn to put bass somewhat higher in the mix because often guitars drown it out.
That's reason enough for the bass to be a very important instrument, and shouldn't be overlooked. (I used to play bass too.)
I've played bass twice for my band (I am usually relegated to bass when we can't get anyone else - I usually sing or play 2nd guitar). I can see why not many people like it - it is a 'boring' instrument. However, the drummer and bassist work in a pair, if either stuffs up the whole band stuffs up (it is quite easy to play even when your guitarist misses a note).
Bass is underrated, but not terribly.
Bass is underrated, but not terribly.
Don't think I underrate the bass. I just think that in terms of melody, it's less important to hear as obviously as, say, lead guitar or synth melody. The bass needs to be able to be heard and provide a foundation for other things, but you don't want the bass to overpower everything else.
=X I need to get money to buy one first.
Well, the bass guitar is rarely associated with melody. There are songs like, for example, 'Bones' by Radiohead, where the guitars accompany the bass instead of the reverse, but they are few and far between.
As Thorns says, the bass guitar usually pairs up with the drummer to provide the rhythm to the song, and if either of them messes up, the song usually becomes fucked up. It makes you look very bad when you mess up, but you rarely make yourself look good when you don't. :(
As Thorns says, the bass guitar usually pairs up with the drummer to provide the rhythm to the song, and if either of them messes up, the song usually becomes fucked up. It makes you look very bad when you mess up, but you rarely make yourself look good when you don't. :(
"Here comes your man" easily has one of the greatest rock basslines ever.
The problem is, the bass is an underrated instrument because in the vast majority, rock basslines are absolute shit, consisting of little more than fluctuating between 2 sets of solid 8th notes.
However, in a genre like funk, the bass really shines, and can even outplay the guitar.
that's ironic, I need a bassist for my band, and I was thinking how i only know 1 bass player... I also need a drummer, but no one wants to join my band ='[
Ugh, you asshole. The entire time I was scrolling through the thread those were the EXACT words in my head that I wanted to post.
Not everyone will enjoy Primus, but if you're looking for a band where the guitar accompanies the bass you won't find a better example.