Walked out tonight

[marnold]

I heard good bass players are hard to find, but that some guitar players pick it up real fast. I mean real fast.

Bass players in general are hard to find, much less someone who actually enjoys it. The key is finding guitarist who understands that the bass is really a different animal. The only similarities are strings tuned to EADG. For some reason guitarists seem to have a really hard time laying down a groove.

I don't know what songs you guys were playing, but a bass player of any caliber should be able to at least fake a I-IV-V without even being conscious. I know, because I sucked and I could do it.

I actually used to get ticked at some of the guitarists I played with because they usually were the band leader. I'd say, "Pick out what songs you want to play so I can learn them." Nothing ever happened. Apparently they figured because they knew those songs already that everybody else should too.

 

[Spudman]

Marnold
I did most everything I could to give this guy a fair chance. I gave him all the songs I do on CD and a song list with the keys. He never referred to his song list ever, couldn't remember keys, made 0 charts of his own and always had excuses why he didn't have the material learned. His bass is in a pawn shop and he's been using my 5 string for 2 months. Not one single time did he say "let's do _____ song because I worked on it and have it down."

In short it's best not to be in business with people that wont do their work.

 

[marnold]

I did most everything I could to give this guy a fair chance. I gave him all the songs I do on CD and a song list with the keys. He never referred to his song list ever, couldn't remember keys, made 0 charts of his own and always had excuses why he didn't have the material learned. His bass is in a pawn shop and he's been using my 5 string for 2 months. Not one single time did he say "let's do _____ song because I worked on it and have it down."

Agreed. I hope it didn't come across that I thought you were doing the same thing that guitarist had done to me. I was agreeing with you . . . in a somewhat backwards way. The "bass in the pawnshop" is a pretty good indication of his stick-tuit-iveness, or lack thereof.

I'd join you, but it's a bit of a drive from Wisconsin to Idaho. Oh yeah, I'd have to borrow an amp too

 

[ZMAN]

Hey Spud: It doesn't matter what great band you look, they all had great rythm sections. You just cannot play in a band that is out of sync. It throws everyone off. A good bass player and drummer are a must, and if they are not "together" it is a fiasco. I would not sweat the firing, and you will be amazed when you get the right guy.
Good Hunting.

 

[Spudman]

Thanks Zman. Ya, I'm ready to start burning rubber but it's hard when I'm suck in a Volkswagen. I'm sure you get my drift.

 

[Duff]

Guitarist learning bass

My son is a bass player. He studied it for a long time. Plays in bands.

His friend, however, is a superb guitar player and just got a SE PRS custom.

He plays in a band as a bass player and he learned it in like 2 or 3 weeks. Heavy head banging metal. That would help I guess, but heavy metal bands usually have outstanding bass players and drummers I have noticed. This kid is 17 and he is awesome after only touching the bass a few weeks ago. He already has outstanding stage presence and a sound that rocks. Maybe he just is a gifted dude.

I can see your point though Marnold. Guitarists get into a groove of their own, different from a drummer or bassist. I am a drummer first and picked up guitar after I retired seriously and take lessons. Recently I went back to playing bass but seriously and take lessons. It comes easy to me. I can get into the groove, probably because I have the drums playing in my head and a great sense of timing and changes and innovating within the drum beat at the right time as to make that really cool combination sound between the beat and the bass. I'm sure you know what I mean, but maybe you have not been a drummer. My friend that taught me drums for years is a pro and after I got my own kit he has actually adopted some of my innovations and beat types. You know how friends are. He would always insist that I played his drums in the right way and wouldn't let me just do my own thing until he knew I was using the right techniques. He is one of those serious muscians we have been talking about and is quite a technical drummer but a great rocker that can improvise on just about anything without rehearsing for ages.

I like this thread.

Good luck Spud. Someone with some motivation would be great for you. I have a feeling you will find a really hot one soon that wants to play, get the rush, and be part of the band.

Duffy