What's up with the bassist shortage
What's up with the bassist shortage
Why is it that so many bands including ourselves cannot find a bassist, there are so many ads on here with no replys. Maybe someone can help me out here because I am beginning to think they don't exist anymore!!!
Last edited by kara on Tuesday Dec 04, 2007, edited 1 time in total.
Kara UNIT509
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bassist_25
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- Location: Indiana
A lot of people say that bassists are hard to find and guitar players are a dime-a-dozen. It's been in my experience that GOOD guitar players are just as hard to find as any other musician. There a a ton of mediocre guitarists out there, but the truly gifted ones are quite elusive.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
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HurricaneBob
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There are bass players out there (somewhere), but they don't get the
"glory" that guitarists get. I believe more people are drawn to guitar because of this. I play BOTH and equally enjoy them. Maybe discuss
getting a "mediocre" guitarist to try switching to bass. It takes getting used to, but it also can be quite fun and show some versatility as a MUSICIAN. For those of you who may consider a switch, BASS is cool! Try it!
Good luck in your continued search Kara! Hope you find one.
"glory" that guitarists get. I believe more people are drawn to guitar because of this. I play BOTH and equally enjoy them. Maybe discuss
getting a "mediocre" guitarist to try switching to bass. It takes getting used to, but it also can be quite fun and show some versatility as a MUSICIAN. For those of you who may consider a switch, BASS is cool! Try it!
Good luck in your continued search Kara! Hope you find one.
Naw - we're just either busy, or since we are the gems to find, we are more picky about what we get into. 
Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
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www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
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Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
bass
Go tell Ryan from mudvayne he is just a non talented guitarist. He is the main feature of the band. You here of primus and everyone knows Les claypool. A good bass player is harder to find than a guitarist. Everyone just settles on a bass player cause there aren't as many.
Remember that if you have 2 guitars in a band, one typically plays rhythm. You have to have a bass player who can carry the "rhythm"
with the drummer. I've also seen alot of great lead players who can't play rhythm worth a shit! Good bass players are hard to find, but they
can be CREATED! Work at your craft, and if you are dedicated (and
reasonably talented) you may surprise yourself and become a good
bassist. Lose the GOD syndrome guys! Bands need a full compliment
of instruments in order to be a band. That's why they are called "Bands",
instead of guitar duos, trios, and the like. My point, don't be afraid to try
new things. You might like it!
For all of you looking for a bass player, keep your options and minds
open. You'll eventually work it out if you are truly committed, because
this is what serious bass players are looking for anyway!
Players won't travel far or go out of their way without commitment.
Also, with gas costs these days it better be worth their while. Money
tight! Money tight!
with the drummer. I've also seen alot of great lead players who can't play rhythm worth a shit! Good bass players are hard to find, but they
can be CREATED! Work at your craft, and if you are dedicated (and
reasonably talented) you may surprise yourself and become a good
bassist. Lose the GOD syndrome guys! Bands need a full compliment
of instruments in order to be a band. That's why they are called "Bands",
instead of guitar duos, trios, and the like. My point, don't be afraid to try
new things. You might like it!
For all of you looking for a bass player, keep your options and minds
open. You'll eventually work it out if you are truly committed, because
this is what serious bass players are looking for anyway!
Players won't travel far or go out of their way without commitment.
Also, with gas costs these days it better be worth their while. Money
tight! Money tight!
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jim bagrosky
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hey
I disagree with having a guitarist play bass just for the sake of having a bass player. Just cause someone can play bass doesn't mean they're a BASSIST. There's a lot more to bass than just following the guitar and the bassist and the drummer is whats holding the whole band down. They have to be precise with every kick hit and bass note.
For example: My old bassist - Adam Zimmer is a bass player. He can play straight or slap the the shit out of it like a pimp to a cheap whore. Never needed a 2nd guitarist with him around.
Our current bassist has been playing for 15 years but is actually very limited on a six-string. He fits very well in "the pocket" and shines through when its tastesful and he understands his role and the real logic behind being a bassist.
Don't settle for 2nd best is my advice, you'll be a lot happier once you have that bassist that helps the drummer build a foundation for the rest of the band.
For example: My old bassist - Adam Zimmer is a bass player. He can play straight or slap the the shit out of it like a pimp to a cheap whore. Never needed a 2nd guitarist with him around.
Our current bassist has been playing for 15 years but is actually very limited on a six-string. He fits very well in "the pocket" and shines through when its tastesful and he understands his role and the real logic behind being a bassist.
Don't settle for 2nd best is my advice, you'll be a lot happier once you have that bassist that helps the drummer build a foundation for the rest of the band.
I wish I was a good bass player. 
Jae Smith
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
Root and The Fifths
www.rootandthefifths.com
www.facebook.com/rootandthefifths
www.twitter.com/rootfifths
www.pabands.com
Hell yes ... it took us over a year to find Paul ... I think too many people are under the misconception that an OK guitarist would be a kick-ass bass player. Bassists play bass because they're bass players, not because they weren't good enough to play guitar.
We roll with one guitar, too, and I hear ya, Jim, if we had a crappy bassist, those leads would sound awfully empty.
Bass is not a secondary piece of the puzzle; it's just as vital as every other aspect of the band ... almost important as the frontman ... lol
r:>)
We roll with one guitar, too, and I hear ya, Jim, if we had a crappy bassist, those leads would sound awfully empty.
Bass is not a secondary piece of the puzzle; it's just as vital as every other aspect of the band ... almost important as the frontman ... lol
r:>)
That's what she said.
No, an o.k. guitarist will not automatically make a kick-ass bass player
I agree with you Rob!
Reminder, if............ you work at your craft, you just might become
a good bass player. (even if you switch over from guitar)
Also, remember it takes ALL of the members to make a good band
not just one great/outstanding member. These types of bands don't
last! They become solo artists, with "hired" musicians to back them.
The term for these folks should be an "act" not a "band". Don't get me
wrong, I like a multitude of solo artists. But, a "band" is a group of
people with a common goal/ground in mind. Bands work for the good of
the band, not the individual! There is no "I" in band.
Jim: I think you misinterpreted my previous post. I played bass professionally for years, and play guitar as well as some keys, etc., etc. I've had to fill different roles at different times to help "The Band". All I'm saying is that for most "local" bands there are ways to alleviate your bassist problem if people are willing to sacrifice a bit for the band (and work at their instrument!). You can find what works best for you. I also have played with bands utilizing only one guitar, as well as having two guitars in others. I prefer 2 (even with a good bassist) because it makes it "fatter".
"Looking for Bass Player"
Pose the question to some guitarists you know, you may luck out!
There are plenty of great bass players that would not make good guitarists. Each player has a role to fill, and should do his/her best
to fulfill it.
In short.........We can't all be Claypool, Geddy Lee, Jaco, etc. But,
we can do our job.
Rock On! Don't get stressed! And try to have fun/enjoy your music!
I agree with you Rob!
Reminder, if............ you work at your craft, you just might become
a good bass player. (even if you switch over from guitar)
Also, remember it takes ALL of the members to make a good band
not just one great/outstanding member. These types of bands don't
last! They become solo artists, with "hired" musicians to back them.
The term for these folks should be an "act" not a "band". Don't get me
wrong, I like a multitude of solo artists. But, a "band" is a group of
people with a common goal/ground in mind. Bands work for the good of
the band, not the individual! There is no "I" in band.
Jim: I think you misinterpreted my previous post. I played bass professionally for years, and play guitar as well as some keys, etc., etc. I've had to fill different roles at different times to help "The Band". All I'm saying is that for most "local" bands there are ways to alleviate your bassist problem if people are willing to sacrifice a bit for the band (and work at their instrument!). You can find what works best for you. I also have played with bands utilizing only one guitar, as well as having two guitars in others. I prefer 2 (even with a good bassist) because it makes it "fatter".
"Looking for Bass Player"
Pose the question to some guitarists you know, you may luck out!
There are plenty of great bass players that would not make good guitarists. Each player has a role to fill, and should do his/her best
to fulfill it.
In short.........We can't all be Claypool, Geddy Lee, Jaco, etc. But,
we can do our job.
Rock On! Don't get stressed! And try to have fun/enjoy your music!
Last edited by Banned on Friday Sep 02, 2005, edited 3 times in total.
My lazy-ass excuse is that I'm a full-time student and I'm whipped beyond all whipped. I guess my lack of dedication results from not having my priorities straight. (Side story: I always used to think of music as just a hobby, then my father explained to me that it is a Language and not just a hobby.)
So, either your dedicated, or it's just a hobby. I sadly have to admit that, to me, it is still just more of a hobby. As a college senior, having hopes of attaining a masters or a great career (not just a job), and a solid girlfriend that I plan on marrying some day, it's difficult to dedicate time to something that society looks upon as a youthful lost cause. I would love to make a career out of bass like a session player or something, but it's hard to believe that that could be in the books for me.
Anywho, IMO, I think bassist are hard to find becuase of the 'just stay in the corner out of the spotlight' feeling that a lot of bassists have. They feel that it's hard to get anywhere on Bass because of one of these two extremes: humbleness (they don't want to be recognized. they wanna stay in the shadows) or ego (they want the spotlight, but they realize that most bassists will never get it like a singer or lead guitarist would)
Good 'ol Vic Wooten taught me a little lesson about that. You can play your role as a bassist and still shine. You can stay in the box while at the same time, stepping out of it.
Sorry about the friggin novels of a posts I've been typing lately! I don't know what's wrong w/ me!
So, either your dedicated, or it's just a hobby. I sadly have to admit that, to me, it is still just more of a hobby. As a college senior, having hopes of attaining a masters or a great career (not just a job), and a solid girlfriend that I plan on marrying some day, it's difficult to dedicate time to something that society looks upon as a youthful lost cause. I would love to make a career out of bass like a session player or something, but it's hard to believe that that could be in the books for me.
Anywho, IMO, I think bassist are hard to find becuase of the 'just stay in the corner out of the spotlight' feeling that a lot of bassists have. They feel that it's hard to get anywhere on Bass because of one of these two extremes: humbleness (they don't want to be recognized. they wanna stay in the shadows) or ego (they want the spotlight, but they realize that most bassists will never get it like a singer or lead guitarist would)
Good 'ol Vic Wooten taught me a little lesson about that. You can play your role as a bassist and still shine. You can stay in the box while at the same time, stepping out of it.
Sorry about the friggin novels of a posts I've been typing lately! I don't know what's wrong w/ me!
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All kinetic, no potential.
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All kinetic, no potential.
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bassist_25
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- Joined: Monday Dec 09, 2002
- Location: Indiana
Re: hey
Jim, Ron should "sticky" this post on the top of the forum because you just hit the nail dead square on the head!!!jim bagrosky wrote:I disagree with having a guitarist play bass just for the sake of having a bass player. Just cause someone can play bass doesn't mean they're a BASSIST. There's a lot more to bass than just following the guitar and the bassist and the drummer is whats holding the whole band down. They have to be precise with every kick hit and bass note.
For example: My old bassist - Adam Zimmer is a bass player. He can play straight or slap the the shit out of it like a pimp to a cheap whore. Never needed a 2nd guitarist with him around.
Our current bassist has been playing for 15 years but is actually very limited on a six-string. He fits very well in "the pocket" and shines through when its tastesful and he understands his role and the real logic behind being a bassist.
Don't settle for 2nd best is my advice, you'll be a lot happier once you have that bassist that helps the drummer build a foundation for the rest of the band.
Often times, former guitarists that pick up bass don't understand the pocket. They never had to pay attention to the pocket. They don't understand locking in with a drummer, playing ahead of the beat, behind the beat, swinging 8th notes, ect. I actually use to turn my nose up at playing Rock music because it's not the most melodically or harmonically interesting music to play on bass, unless of course it's Mr. Big or something. But I joined a Rock band a few years ago, and my playing has improved tremendously because it has let me focus so much on the pocket, getting my timing together, and just being a more solid player. Most of my "musical energy" during a gig is spent trying to lock in a good groove with Randy. I'm constantly listening to not only his kick drum, but also his ride cymbal. I'm paying attention to what's going on as far as toms go so I don't step on his toes during rolls. I've played with a lot of drummers, and I mean A LOT of drummers, so it's great when you get a rythmn section happening and you can lock in and communicate musically so easily.
Another thing that many guitarists-turn-bassists don't have down is their touch. Many use picks, and that's fine (I personally wish I were a better pick player, how bout it Kevin?
), but when they play pizzicato, very often their technique is not well developed. Even with a good amp setting or a great soundman at the board, it's still up to the bassist to project through his or her touch. Not only do they do this with concern to the physical location they pluck (obviously plucking at the end of the fretboard is going to produce a different timbre than plucking by the bridge), but by how they attack the strings. Touch is something that really can't be taught, but rather develops as a player progresses. This wasn't meant as a slam against any of the guitarist-turned-bassist out there. I haven't heard you play, so you may very well be able to groove in the pocket. I'm just giving some insight anything the false maxim that guitarists can just automatically pick up a bass. They're two different instruments. I even consider electric guitar and acoustic guitar to be two different instruments with two different approaches. Hope I didn't come off like too much of a know-it-all.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
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bassist_25
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- Location: Indiana
And Vic's great at that. In terms of technical ability, he's probaly one of the greatest players to walk the face of the Earth, yet he can also just sit back in the pocket and lay down a solid groove. One of my favorites lines of his is a diddy off of Left of Cool called Big Country. He plays some great fretless stuff in there. It's not anything impressive in terms of blistering technique, but he's really saying something musically with it, you know? His solos in that song have some great melodic ideas going on.MOONDOGGY wrote:Good 'ol Vic Wooten taught me a little lesson about that. You can play your role as a bassist and still shine. You can stay in the box while at the same time, stepping out of it.
I've never met Vic, but all of the accounts I heard suggests that he's not only a great bass player, but also a great human being.
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.
I agree with all of the points you guys have made about being a bassist.
I also understand the pocket and groove issue. Also, the point on connecting with the drummer and laying down the foundation. It takes
time to develop this with any group. Not all guitarists could make the transition, But....... some could, that is my point. If they are truly
musicians and dedicated to music, they could learn if the desire is there!
It does take some natural instinct that not all players have, but every musician should be open minded to suggestions and there is plenty
to learn out there in this world. Remember, we didn't just start to play
without every having lessons, etc.
I just wanted to give a "suggestion" to Kara.
I don't play bass anymore. Not my role in my current band. But, I'd
do it again if it were. I love BASS even if I'm not currently palying it!
Guitarists and bass players can feed off each other as well.
There has always been a shortage of bass players. I don't understand
why because it is a vital instrument to any type of music, and is truly
enjoyable to play.
I also understand the pocket and groove issue. Also, the point on connecting with the drummer and laying down the foundation. It takes
time to develop this with any group. Not all guitarists could make the transition, But....... some could, that is my point. If they are truly
musicians and dedicated to music, they could learn if the desire is there!
It does take some natural instinct that not all players have, but every musician should be open minded to suggestions and there is plenty
to learn out there in this world. Remember, we didn't just start to play
without every having lessons, etc.
I just wanted to give a "suggestion" to Kara.
I don't play bass anymore. Not my role in my current band. But, I'd
do it again if it were. I love BASS even if I'm not currently palying it!
Guitarists and bass players can feed off each other as well.
There has always been a shortage of bass players. I don't understand
why because it is a vital instrument to any type of music, and is truly
enjoyable to play.
Last edited by Banned on Friday Sep 02, 2005, edited 1 time in total.
i love playing bass. shit, my guitar hero is a bass player: Peter Steele
i cant seem to stop wanting to play guitar though. we have a bass here, and i do play it and its fun as hell. secretly maybe i want to be peter steele......
i just dont think i could give up playing guitar...but if i did play bass for the band, atleast we'd a have a bass player who can do fast picking. thats what we need in our bass player. for recording, ChaosRisingRice and i will probably split bass duties. i just wish we could find someone!!!! i have a band room at my house and we can play late. the neighbors actually like when we jam...... well, the ones that can hear.
i dont think the shortage has anything to do with people wanting to be guitar god's , hahaha. i think people belive guitar to be cooler than bass, but i dont believe that at all! not many people wake up and say " i think ill play bass"... which is why there is a shortage.
personally, i dont like slap bass at all. i like the way it sounds with a pick. finger playing also doesnt do it for me. im not saying anything about "this is better" so dont flame the shit outta me cause its friday, ok?
its good when bass players and drummers are on each others nuts, but i wouldnt force my bass player (if i had one) to "lock in " with the drums. keeping things seperate and against the "formula" is a good thing. the bass players that play the shit outta the bass (slap finger. pick, whatever) you cant deny, but we all have our preferences. i wouldnt turn a bass player down if he used his fingers and still kept up and really did it right.
light the match, start the fire
i cant seem to stop wanting to play guitar though. we have a bass here, and i do play it and its fun as hell. secretly maybe i want to be peter steele......
i just dont think i could give up playing guitar...but if i did play bass for the band, atleast we'd a have a bass player who can do fast picking. thats what we need in our bass player. for recording, ChaosRisingRice and i will probably split bass duties. i just wish we could find someone!!!! i have a band room at my house and we can play late. the neighbors actually like when we jam...... well, the ones that can hear.
i dont think the shortage has anything to do with people wanting to be guitar god's , hahaha. i think people belive guitar to be cooler than bass, but i dont believe that at all! not many people wake up and say " i think ill play bass"... which is why there is a shortage.
personally, i dont like slap bass at all. i like the way it sounds with a pick. finger playing also doesnt do it for me. im not saying anything about "this is better" so dont flame the shit outta me cause its friday, ok?
its good when bass players and drummers are on each others nuts, but i wouldnt force my bass player (if i had one) to "lock in " with the drums. keeping things seperate and against the "formula" is a good thing. the bass players that play the shit outta the bass (slap finger. pick, whatever) you cant deny, but we all have our preferences. i wouldnt turn a bass player down if he used his fingers and still kept up and really did it right.
light the match, start the fire
Last edited by Banned on Friday Sep 02, 2005, edited 1 time in total.
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4:33
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Food for thought... The following is a transcript from the E! True Hollywood Story series Rock Star Daughters. This section involves an interview with Zappa's daughters Moon and Diva, and they had some interesting comments on bass players, among other people.
Moon: Each person that plays an instrument: there's a certain mentality.... It's an archetype.
Diva: Yeah, normally. What I’ve found normally doesn’t go for all of them, but the majority of keyboard players and bass players feel really neglected in the band and want more.... They kind of have attitudes and... they suck the life out of you, so you stay away. That’s why the drummers, and the singers, and guitar players are rad, ‘cause they know they’re the shit.
Thoughts, anyone?
Moon: Each person that plays an instrument: there's a certain mentality.... It's an archetype.
Diva: Yeah, normally. What I’ve found normally doesn’t go for all of them, but the majority of keyboard players and bass players feel really neglected in the band and want more.... They kind of have attitudes and... they suck the life out of you, so you stay away. That’s why the drummers, and the singers, and guitar players are rad, ‘cause they know they’re the shit.
Thoughts, anyone?
Wow.....
This thread rocks, I don't have anything to add other than read Jim's and Bassist_25's posts again.
Those comments should be printed on the inside of every hal-lenard bass instruction booklet. Oh wait? Do people still use them or did internet Tabs take over?
Justin
Those comments should be printed on the inside of every hal-lenard bass instruction booklet. Oh wait? Do people still use them or did internet Tabs take over?
Justin
www.seventides.net
On a pillow of your bones
I will lay across the stones
Of your shore until the tide comes crawling back
On a pillow of your bones
I will lay across the stones
Of your shore until the tide comes crawling back
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ZappasXWife
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