What kind of bass player are you?

[pauljdcooper]

28yr old male.
picked it up this year after years of guitar.
Got a P style and a Jazz on the way.
Blues and a little funk playing.
None of it very good at the moment.

[Veils]

24, been playing 4 years.

Currently playing a 4 string ray, but a while back I sold on my Sandberg, mainly out of frustration with the b******s at Synergy Distribution. Turns out I shouldn't have. I miss it like crazy and I am getting another!!!

As for my playing style, I have plied most of my trade as a metal bassist. Not your average gain based thudding root note gubbins. I mix it up as much as I can and use a bit of tapping and a bit of slap where I feel it works best. Totally worship James Leach - he manages to perfectly compliment Dan and Pin's crazy widdling in Sikth and finds perfect places to have his own moments (nice tapping piece in As The Earth Spins Around and Wait For Something Wild) so I kinda emulate his style ever so slightly and I guess I have a similar thing going on to Martin Mendez (Opeth) as well. When the guitars are doing something simple and heavy, I go with them to fatten up the sound and then when something more melodic or quirky fits, I do a bit of showing off

[wotnwhy]

been playing around... 8 years now (christ!! it was 4 last time i checked!!).

after selling off my fretless i now play my custom Shuker almost exclusivly (occasionaly crack out the EUB). and probably will for the rest of my life (unless i get a fretless again).

i haven't got the bass out at home for a couple of years, tend only to get it out for band rehersals and gigs, but we jam for 4+ hours a couple of times a week and gig 2 or 3 times a week before i get flamed for neglecting the Shuker.

my whole style and approach to playing has changed a lot over the last 2 years, i used to be all about the show, jumping and dancing around, and my style used to reflect that, but now my playing is as much about the spaces you leave as the notes you play, and note articulation and tone are becoming my primary focus. i tend to keep the bass flat (the SD quarter pound J gives more than enough low end), notch up the lower mids and roll back slightly on the tops to give a nice deep 'bark' sound

i'm primerily a fingerstyle player, but do the odd simple slap groove (i used to be all about the slap, but things change). use a pick ocasionaly for fun, but never live (it's just not my sound). i play mainly funk/soul, and i guess rolling, off beat accents and ghost notes are the main traits to my style. me and the drummer in my band started learning at the same time, and have jammed AT LEAST once a week together since starting, so we know each other better than we know ourselves. and that makes a BIG difference to the way you play.

Edited August 21, 2007 by wotnwhy

[Merton]

Been playing for about 13 years, but I don't count the first 6 years as I never had a good focus and just plodded the same cr*p. Basically see myself as a solid rock player, in the Cliff Williams/Rick Savage mould; though I do like playing around a bit with funkier bits and so on I don't necessarily incorporate it coz I am sh*te. Play mostly 4 string thesedays but do love my Groove 5 for the function band. "Meat and potatoes" I think sums my playing up nicely

[2wheeler]

38, male, own hair and teeth
Played music most of my life.
Started having lessons on bass guitar about 8 months ago. Owned an electro-acoustic for nearly a year before that but didn't manage to do anything good with it.
Have played bass in Latin jam sessions with fellow salsa dancers (see [url="http://www.encuentrolatino.co.uk"]www.encuentrolatino.co.uk[/url] to blame for that)
Not really technically very good but a lot better than when I started. Enjoying getting to grips with theory of music again for the first time since 'O' level music 22 years ago
Willing to give most things a try but now largely focussed on family and keeping the desk job that supports the four of us.

[andy67]

[cheddatom]

This thread is really cool! So many different kinds of bassists!

I'm 22, been playing bass about 7 years. I played guitar since I was 8 though, and this helped me a lot. I've only ever played bass in a 3 peice band, I play guitar, or very occasionally acoustic bass at home.

I play 6 strings in the band, and gig with 20 pedals and a bi-amp rig. I don't use many "effects" but a lot of "tones" if you know what I mean? I also play a lot of 4 and 5 string barre chords. These two techniques are meant to fill out the band's sound.

I'm not very good at bass really, but, just do what I think is necessary for the songs we're working on. It's all original stuff, and we each give equal input to the songs. Sometimes I slap, and sometimes I tap. Sometimes I pick (with a thumb pick) really fast and play power chords, or just make mad noises!

Mostly, like everyone else, what I enjoy most is holding down a tight, finger-style groove with my drummer.

The only influence I would name really is Les, and that was more of a "you can do what ever you want" influence, rather than technique.

[cetera]

I'm 36 years old and have been playing bass for 24 years....

I'm generally a straightforward groove rock player, but I love Motown & early 70's rock melodic bass playing. My influences include everyone from Peter Cetera (early Chicago), Tiran Porter (Doobie Brothers) & Paul Goddard (Atlanta Rhythm Section)... to classics like Jamerson and McCartney.... to Guy Pratt and Bernard Edwards.

All very useful for the covers & function bands!

I'm mainly a pick player, but I use my digits for ballads, finger funk and Motown type stuff.... I can do basic slap, but I believe it's overused by too many people...

I play 4-stringers exclusively. Tried a 5 for a while but couldn't justify having it for 5 extra notes (which I can get by tuning down or using an octaver). 6 strings and higher are for guitarists....

I love my Spectors... especially with the high mid boosted around 2K and plenty of solid low end (think Eddie Jackson of Queensryche). Been playing fretless (Wal & Pedulla) for the last 18 months and enjoying that too...

Having been a player of 'active basses' for years I have recently acquired a passive Fender Geddy Lee Jazz which has fired up my GAS for another 70's Jazz (in white, with blocks & covers) and a P-Bass to put flats on...

There's no end to my GAS.... only an end to wall space to hang them on

Edited August 22, 2007 by cetera

[ashevans09]

I'm 13, been playing bass for 6 months

I have an ampeg 8x10 and an SVT 1000

I don't play in a band, I play in my basement.

Mark Hoppus is like the gr8est bassist EVA omg rofl lol

Victor who?

[paul, the]

[quote name='ashevans09' post='49072' date='Aug 22 2007, 05:25 PM']I'm 13, been playing bass for 6 months

I have an ampeg 8x10 and an SVT 1000

I don't play in a band, I play in my basement.

Mark Hoppus is like the gr8est bassist EVA omg rofl lol

Victor who?[/quote]

[andy67]

[ashevans09]

By the way I don't have anything against the man, he's just kind of pigeon-holed himself as the 11-13 y.o icon...

[rhino]

[quote name='andy67' post='45677' date='Aug 15 2007, 11:26 AM']well to answer the obvious!!

male and of four string long neck variety!!

anyhoo...thought I would ask this as it would seem there is a huge amount of missing info in relation to us all as players...

I am a standard no frills solid rock bass player in the mould of Cliff Williams and Phil Lynott.

I occasionally tap (billy sheehan) but not practiced enough to say I'm any good at it!

same with slap although I do incorporate basic slap techniques into some of the bands original material.

I believe that the players tone, technique and ability is all in the hands and if you are a decent player should be able to get a decent tone sound out of any sort of equipment even the shittest stuff!

Over the twenty plus years of playing - nearly thrity actually! - I have always made a pigs ear of things when I have to think about it or attempt to be technical, sooo tend to be simple but effective - good grief thats me simple and effective.....

andy[/quote]
I'm a 4 string, soul/funk/blues/r'n'b/country player in the mold of Jamerson/jemmot/rainey/dunn/prestia with shades of others too numerous to mention.
Rhino

[Tait]

[quote name='ashevans09' post='49072' date='Aug 22 2007, 05:25 PM']I'm 13, been playing bass for 6 months

I have an ampeg 8x10 and an SVT 1000

I don't play in a band, I play in my basement.

Mark Hoppus is like the gr8est bassist EVA omg rofl lol

Victor who?[/quote]

I like Mark Hoppus, too, but I wouldn't go as far as say hes the best bassist ever (Victor Wooten is, obviously).

[andy67]

nah! billy sheehan is!

[bnt]

I really don't know what kind of bassist I am: all over the place not going to extremes in any direction. Lots of playing at home, but nowhere nearly enough gigs, and that was 15 years ago.

I have an "attraction" to Jazz, simply from being blown away at Jazz gigs of various kinds, most recently Dave Holland & friends at the Barbican last year. However, I find the learning curve intimidating - I get the impression it takes a lot of study and practice before you are any use to anyone.

I'm not interested in the "competitive sport" aspect of bass playing at all: for example, if I try slapping, I'm never going to compare to Marcus Miller or Mark King, who have specialised their techniques in that direction. (Did Marcus have surgery on his thumb to make it bend that way, or is he just a freak of nature?). My fingers, my bass, the strings... "making excuses" for not being a happy slapper, am I? Maybe I just prefer moderation in these things, [i]a la[/i] Chuck Rainey or Billy Gould.

Actually, when I first heard Billy Gould, my reaction was [i]A-Ha![/i] - he mixes it up with an aggressive sound, which I found instantly familiar. Add in lots of bass-heavy Progressive (Squire, Trewavas, Geddy), and we're in the ballpark of the kind of bassist I might be, if I get off my keister and go looking for gigs. No wonder I'm looking to tone it down a bit...

[Dr.Dave]

I've been playing bass in local bands since I was 17. I'm now 45. Although I've tried 5 strings and fretless I'm essentially at home on a fretted 4. I sing too so playing being second nature is important and it never happens with a 5.
These days I play fingerstyle almost 100%. In earlier rock band years I used a pick. I've done a little slapping on demos and home recordings but it just doesn't excite me. I have huge admiration for those who took the trouble to become competent slappers but I didn't.

I'm in 2 bands , featuring the same 3 people. A blues band that tries not to be just another pub blues band , and a ZZ Top trib band. I'm a huge fan of the music we play - or I wouldn't be involved - but my musical taste is usually more towards intelligent , adult pop.

My technique isn't brilliant - I'm right hand heavy and my left hand isn't open enough (I play right handed). I've been around a long time though and , like anyone who's done anything for a long time , I'm pretty good at what I do. I do not have a 'gift' for it. I worked and practised hard esp in the early years and if I have a lay off of a few weeks my playing suffers.

I'm an advocate of first and foremost supporting the song I'm playing. I left being flash behind in my toy box years ago but I'm glad I learned enough to be flash - I still show off an odd trick when my mates are in though!

if I have a problem it's with concentration. I tend to get carried away being an entertainer and often drop a howler because of it.
I've never been one to stand still at the back of the stage and never will be.

My influences tend to be musicians , entertainers and songwriters - it's that that got me interested in playing myself - so I'm not one for bass playing heros. I did however learn much from watching and listening to Jim Lea of Slade , Geddy Lee and certainly not least steady old John McVie.

The fact that other musicians that I admire rate my playing enough to want to make music with me has been one of the best ongoing experiences in my life , and the fact that my hobby/interest/life choice , whatever you want to call it , has made me money over the years is a wonderful bonus for which I consider myself blessed. It feels like a tangible reward for the efforts I've made and a 'thankyou' from the people I've entertained.

My advice to young players would be - if you're being paid (even is it's just a tenner and a free pint) , that makes you a professional ..so act like one.

And , if you stay fit and well . don't stop. Ever.

[paul, the]

[quote name='ashevans09' post='49072' date='Aug 22 2007, 05:25 PM']I'm 13, been playing bass for 6 months

I have an ampeg 8x10 and an SVT 1000

I don't play in a band, I play in my basement.

Mark Hoppus is like the gr8est bassist EVA omg rofl lol

Victor who?[/quote]

[quote name='paul, the' post='49087' date='Aug 22 2007, 05:53 PM'][/quote]

I take it back, you ought to own the moon with those GCSE results. Congrats.

[ZPQ]

Hi,

38 and played guitar and bass for 22 years now - I'm very much into rock when I play guitar, but prefer things to be involved with more funky/soul/pop when playing bass. Mainly play fingerstyle, but will use a pick if the song dictates it and I keep goin back to slapping and trying to get my chops to a point where I could at least impress the sales assistants in the local music shops.

First bass gig was in a band doing Punjabi music while at Uni, we mainly played Bollywood type "pop" songs and did a lot of weddings and functions. I didn't understand a word that was sung but it was a nice earner and a good laugh and taught me a lot about how to get through a gig and keep things rolling.

Just joined a band playing older classics (lots of RnB) and looking forward to bass gigs, and will make a change from my guitar bands.

I'm just about to (finally) get to grips with playing a 5 string and have just started working on getting my sight reading up to scratch. I usually play guitar or bass in the school musical (we hire in a band of all the peri music teachers - they take it quite serious), and it'll make life a lot easier if I can read the score instead of going away and learning everything.

Cheers
John P.

Edited August 26, 2007 by ZPQ

[mike257]

wow, it's amazing seeing the range of styles and approaches everyone has, we've really got all the bases (basses?) covered here!!

i'm 23, stingray addict, although my T-40 is slowly becoming the favourite. mostly fingers, but sometimes feel the need for that tone that you only get with some full on picking. mostly play heavy-ish alternative rock stuff, although since my band split, i've been doing stand-ins and recording sessions for all kinds, from classic rock to full-on metal (and controversially playing my gui**r a lot too).

i guess i'm a pretty straightforward player really, i try and do just what the song needs, and nothing more... if that's a simple groove, or something a bit more melodic, i'm happy either way. i'm not really fond of technical w***ery... my big inspiration starting out was Tim Commerford of RATM, those enormous grooves powering everything along is just what I love about the bass.

Haha, and a paid up, card carrying member of the 'watch the bass drum' club

[metalmaniac]

Hello,

18 years old.. playing 5 years.

Play alot of different ways.. love my 4 strings fretted for a good bit of thrash metal (Very much influenced by Cliff Burton as a 13 year old), My fretless for Technical Thrash/Progressive metal (sadus, opeth, scariot)

Also Primus/Les Claypool various stuff.

My 6 string for progressive metal,
play around in jazz with a mate on my fretless 4

Also alot of tapping being dabbled around in atm with my 7 string and 6 string.

Although with my band im pretty solid bassist although I do tend to play very leading basslines to contrast the Lead Guitar and not just copy it.

A fine balance of keeping the music going with the drums from underneath and not just following standard patterns over and over.

[ashevans09]

[quote name='paul, the' post='50863' date='Aug 26 2007, 12:50 PM']I take it back, you ought to own the moon with those GCSE results. Congrats.[/quote]

Cheers mate

[andrew]

Hullo.

I'm 41, a self taught rocker/mocker and i started playing bass when i joined a band in 1987.

since then have played in a few local bands to varying degrees of lack of success (not that ive ever been in it for the money anyway :-).then after a few years lay off after hanging my bass up i Started playing again just two years ago for a new band and now ive got the bug again!


As far as bass playing style goes i don't know anything about theory or scales reading music etc, but I make up my own basslines and my main strength is to improvise on the spot and jamming etc, and my weakness is remembering how the bloody songs go! When first starting out I always used a pleccy but now only use one if the song is too fast for my fingers.the basses ive had are an ibanez roadstar II, an aria pro II mad axe, and now a fender mim jazz.


Some bass players I admire, to name but a few - Paul McCartney, Lemmy, Steve Garvey, Greg Norton, Jah Wobble, Joe Lally and Mike Davis.

[51m0n]

What ever it is its got to be funky...

37 Male, playing for 17 years (OMFG!) but just back from a few years off getting a 'proper' career.

Played everything from Big disco/funk bands to avante garde Japanese noise band inspired style stuff. Needed to use just about every technique to do that diverse a selection, except I am utter plop with a pick

Slap pop tap double thump fingerstyle (3 finger plucking mainly) - and I cant resist a bit of Les style strummy slap too.

Influences:-

Bootsy, Vic Woo10, Les C, Flea, Michael Manring, the Meters' guy, Bootsy and Bootsy

Fav B-line of all time - probably Soul To Squeeze by RHCP, unbelievably funky and melodic at the same time.

Oh and I am just soooo rusty now that I darent play in front of anyone at the moment - its just embarrasing, but give me a few months eh!

[darwin]

I'm 34 playing since I was 17, gigging almost continuously since 18.

I'm self taught and play four string, fingerstyle - I've never got on with a pick.

I'm not very technical or flash, it's not my style really but I confident in what I do and keep everything nice and tight. I've got a good rep locally as a good solid bass player and have no problem getting into bands.

I've got tinnitus now but I'm hoping to carry on with my custom plugs (so far so good !)[b] I just love to play - end of story !.[/b]