Topic: Bass guitar (Read 14856 times)

Zaarin · « **on:** 24 May 2006, 02:00 »

Lately, I've been messing around with our Ibanez PF acoustic, getting a grasp of regular guitar, teaching myself. I'm considering learning to play bass, and was wondering if anyone could recommend me some bass-centric bands, just so I can see how the instrument can be used in varying capacities.

So far all that comes to mind is Joy Division. Peter Hook ist God. When I first listened to JD, I actually mistook him for the lead guitarist.

Apologies if this thread comes across as a bit daft.

quietnow · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 May 2006, 02:53 »

i always really liked cake's sense of bass, but if you're just learning i doubt you'll be able to play along.

bobthecheese · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 May 2006, 04:13 »

yeah... the bass gods of the world would have to notice Flea (Chili Peppers) and in a different style altogether, Matt Freeman (Operation Ivy, and Rancid).

Both excelent at their trade.

If you want easy stuff, May I suggest "The Strokes"... My brother's favourite insult at the moment is "You could play bass for The Strokes!"

Misereatur · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 May 2006, 06:14 »

Jaco Pastorius.

That is all you need.

Thrillho · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 May 2006, 06:32 »

If you're going to learn bass, let me tell you one thing:

Don't take shit from guitar players about bass being easy next to guitar. As one who has made the transition, I can tell you that while having a rudimentary grasp of guitar is helpful for playing bass, they are different instruments with different uses, and you shouldn't take any crap. You learn yourself three chords and you could probably play 20 songs by your favourite bands on guitar. Try and get a guitar player to do a song by the Chili Peppers and see where it gets them.

Luke C · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 May 2006, 07:34 »

I quite like te bass lines on many Pink Floyd songs especially 'Money'.

valley_parade · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 May 2006, 08:09 »

Quote from: bobthecheese

and in a different style altogether, Matt Freeman (Operation Ivy, and Rancid).

*nod* Check out "Maxwell Murder". He throws down a pretty sick solo.

AceGun · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 May 2006, 08:23 »

just watch John Entwistle in any video of The Who live. He'll show you how it's done.

onewheelwizzard · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 May 2006, 09:01 »

Scott Reeder from Kyuss is incredible. Get "Welcome to Sky Valley."

I'm serious. Required listening.

Thrillho · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 May 2006, 12:09 »

Quote from: Luke C

I quite like te bass lines on many Pink Floyd songs especially 'Money'.

Waters is actually a surprisingly good bassist, although he tends to overdo the A octave thing.

Rubby · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 May 2006, 13:40 »

I have become a bass player for my friend’s band Babysnakes out of necessity and I’ll tell you as well that it’s not easy. I’ve been playing guitar for about 8 or 9 years now; I’m not sure of exact numbers because it’s been a while, but I’ll just say that it’s long enough to be confident in my skills. But when I have to jam with people on bass, so much more necessity is placed on really getting to the bottom of the song and figuring out what it really feels like.
I don’t just mean the low end frequencies of the song, but the underlying theme and mood. You can make a song instantly moody by droning a root note, or you can make it bouncy by playing little twiddles on the upbeat. It’s taught me a lot about arrangement and structure and I would recommend it to anyone who seriously wants to hone their song writing skills.

Aneurhythmia · « **Reply #11 on:** 24 May 2006, 13:45 »

Quote from: Misereatur

Jaco Pastorius.

That is all you need.

No, wrong.

Misereatur · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 May 2006, 15:01 »

Jaco Pastorius totally changed they way I think about bass, and the way I think when I play. Every bass player should know his work.

Plus, I was going to recommend this thread.

Kai · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 May 2006, 15:11 »

Quote from: DynamiteKid

If you're going to learn bass, let me tell you one thing:

Don't take shit from guitar players about bass being easy next to guitar. As one who has made the transition, I can tell you that while having a rudimentary grasp of guitar is helpful for playing bass, they are different instruments with different uses, and you shouldn't take any crap. You learn yourself three chords and you could probably play 20 songs by your favourite bands on guitar. Try and get a guitar player to do a song by the Chili Peppers and see where it gets them.

QFT.
Seriously, I play guitar mainly, and the bass is much harder than these guys will tell you. Fact of the matter is, these guitarist only THINK they can play bass. They're actually fucking terrible.

a pack of wolves · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 May 2006, 10:15 »

Quote from: tommydski

er, joe lally form fugazi and basically everyone in girls against boys.
i'm pretty sure they all used bass at some point.

Hell yes. Mike Watt is the daddy though, just get the Minutemen's 'Double Nickels On The Dime'. Shellac, Black Eyes and Unsane all have some great bass, and if you want to hear it being used in a less traditional role check out Lightning Bolt, Palehorse and the Flamingo Massacres.

pat101 · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 May 2006, 13:22 »

Bass in a less than traditional way? Death From Above 1979 comes to mind, only because they have no lead guitar.

valley_parade · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 May 2006, 13:32 »

Always wondered what it'd be like to have a band with two bassists instead of guitars..y'know. Like one guy playing rhythm and the other playing lead.

Hmmn.

amok · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 May 2006, 14:40 »

It's been done, I forget the name of the band but it sounded pretty weird. Kinda works though.

Aneurhythmia · « **Reply #18 on:** 26 May 2006, 16:04 »

Magma?

Thrillho · « **Reply #19 on:** 26 May 2006, 17:52 »

Peter Hook plays like a lead player.

Or rather, like a baritone guitar player, I guess.

Zaarin · « **Reply #20 on:** 26 May 2006, 23:11 »

Alright, thanks for all those suggestions, I'll look into them.

As for actual instruments, I was at the shop today, eye-ing up the selection of basses. One that caught my attention was a pretty, cream-coloured Fender Squire bass, I think it was a Precision Bass copy, $350AU.

I've heard from guitarist friends that Squire guitars are alright for beginners, but not particularly good for "serious" musicians, does this ring true for basses, also?

Misereatur · « **Reply #21 on:** 27 May 2006, 03:39 »

Yes, he was right, though you can find a good Squire bass (the 80's prodoction line has incredible basses). But mainly its an OK guitar. Plus, before you buy anything, play on the bass for at least 10 minutes. This is importent because you'll get a feel for the bass and see if its comfortable to hold, if you like it's sound ect ect..

Thrillho · « **Reply #22 on:** 27 May 2006, 05:20 »

I think Squiers get a bad rap, I've been gigging with a Squier Tele for a year and a half without a single problem.

However, with basses it does make a lot more of a difference, in my experience.

Misereatur · « **Reply #23 on:** 27 May 2006, 06:25 »

It might also be good to buy a bass with a thick neck (Rock Bass comes to mind). It would be a killer on your hand the first few months, but then you'll get used to it and your fingers would be to stretch a lot more.

Thrillho · « **Reply #24 on:** 27 May 2006, 12:16 »

Quote from: Misereatur

It might also be good to buy a bass with a thick neck (Rock Bass comes to mind). It would be a killer on your hand the first few months, but then you'll get used to it and your fingers would be to stretch a lot more.

This is a wise move, because stretching is something a bassist needs, dexterity as well. Unless you just plan on chugging root notes your whole life.

But even then, if you even want to just do an octave you need to be able to stretch your pinky or third finger two frets up.

Kai · « **Reply #25 on:** 27 May 2006, 14:47 »

Whoever mentioned the guy from The Minutemen, totally concur. Also: Husker Du has some pretty awesome bass riffs.

IronOxide · « **Reply #26 on:** 27 May 2006, 14:52 »

Fretless and upright are much harder to learn, but much cooler in the end.

Misereatur · « **Reply #27 on:** 27 May 2006, 15:35 »

I played my friend's Yamaha fretless bass all summer. It was pretty awsome, a bit difficult to get used to (I kept missing notes and going out of tempo). But after a few weeks I was hooked.
I'm thinking about buying a nice Yamaha freted bass and de-freting my Jazz Bass (and taking out the pick-guard.. total Jaco worship).

will: wanton sex god · « **Reply #28 on:** 27 May 2006, 19:00 »

definintely dont listen to pastorious

Kai · « **Reply #29 on:** 27 May 2006, 19:38 »

What's wrong with Pastorious? He's a damned good bass player and although being pretty cocky (has everybody heard the story about Geddy Lee punching him in the face? totally awesome), he's an awesome guy who makes neat music.

mainmanmazz · « **Reply #30 on:** 28 May 2006, 05:43 »

If your looking for basses in Australia Billy Hyde all the way.

timehat · « **Reply #31 on:** 28 May 2006, 06:33 »

Quote from: Aneurhythmia

Magma?

Seriously.

Sanitycult · « **Reply #32 on:** 29 May 2006, 19:30 »

Yamaha makes good basses, I really enjoy Fender Basses as well, and just cause its a squire doesn't mean it's not a bass, ya know? Danelectro can hook you up wit a baritone if you wanna go inbetween guitar and bass, but I definetly recomend Epiphone basses, especially the SG basses, they feel real nice. I can't beleive nobody has said this yet, but you should listen to:
1. Primus/Oysterhead 2. Rush 3. King Crimson and as mentioned previously Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Kai · « **Reply #33 on:** 29 May 2006, 19:55 »

See, I try to not reccomend Primus/Les Claypool stuff to beginning bassists just because a beginner trying to slap bass is a death trap.

And I totally will PM you the story.

Kai · « **Reply #34 on:** 29 May 2006, 20:04 »

Yeah. I love Primus, but I try to use it as little as possible. THe only times I do use it are when it would actually fit to do it, or when it's a fancy little fast riff that I can't get very well fingering it, and then I do it ever so subtely. Because slapping, when done wrong sounds abyssmal.

will: wanton sex god · « **Reply #35 on:** 29 May 2006, 21:48 »

i donno, i just hate pastorious not as a guy but i bought an album by him and it totally did the oppposite of inspire me. not htat ait isnt amazing, its just like god.
stop

Hat · « **Reply #36 on:** 30 May 2006, 00:55 »

Kai, if I don't know the story of Geddy punching on with Jaco, I am not sure I can go on.

Misereatur · « **Reply #37 on:** 30 May 2006, 03:04 »

Kai, PM that to me too, I never heard of it.

The Hammered · « **Reply #38 on:** 30 May 2006, 04:16 »

Hell, just post it.

Kai · « **Reply #39 on:** 30 May 2006, 05:44 »

Alright, so Jaco is hanging out someplace, and Geddy Lee is there. I don't remember the exact reason, but I know it made sense to me at the time. So Jaco starts bragging about how amazing of a bassist he is, because he was a cocky bastard. Geddy Lee starts getting annoyed at his self indulgence and whatnot. Now, Geddy Lee, before joining Rush, used to be a bare knuckle boxer/fighter, and can still throw a pretty mean punch. And he does. Right in Pastorious' face.

I'm trying to find where I heard this story. Google is being an ass with me, but I know I heard it somewhere.

(I totally just copied and pasted this from the PM's because I am a lazy fucker)

Mark7 · « **Reply #40 on:** 30 May 2006, 05:59 »

Can I just say that I approve of anyone who has Klaus Dinger as their avatar. :tup:

That is all

redbeardjim · « **Reply #41 on:** 30 May 2006, 06:37 »

Kai, I have me some doubts as to the accuracy of that story. Geddy joined Rush (or the band that would become Rush) when he was like 15 or 16 -- doubt he had much time to squeeze a whole lot of bareknuckle boxing in between trying to figure out how to play Cream songs, and, you know, algebra class.

Plus the idea of Geddy Lee as a boxer just sends me into a fit of the giggles.

Sanitycult · « **Reply #42 on:** 30 May 2006, 08:35 »

I have doubts too, but Geddy Lee kicking ass always makes for a good story! I bet he and Our Lady Peace could beat up half the american bands at the (random music awards show)/(week long concert with pretentious sounding name.)

TheMike · « **Reply #43 on:** 30 May 2006, 11:54 »

upright bass ftw

Aneurhythmia · « **Reply #44 on:** 30 May 2006, 12:05 »

Quote from: TheMike

upright bass ftw

"ftw" is such a stupidly over-used cliche.

TheMike · « **Reply #45 on:** 30 May 2006, 16:19 »

not only did you quote the post above yours, but you redundantly added the words "stupidly over-used" even though they are the meaning of the word cliche.

and don't point out the obvious/be an annoying prick who points out whenever something is cliche, that is what noobs do.

and now for some DONGZ!

don't mess

Misereatur · « **Reply #46 on:** 30 May 2006, 16:21 »

Being on topic ftw

Kai · « **Reply #47 on:** 30 May 2006, 16:22 »

Oh the Drama! Oh the Dickery! It makes a faint little Victorian girly like me swoon

Aneurhythmia · « **Reply #48 on:** 30 May 2006, 17:10 »

Quote from: TheMike

not only did you quote the post above yours, but you redundantly added the words "stupidly over-used" even though they are the meaning of the word cliche.

and don't point out the obvious/be an annoying prick who points out whenever something is cliche, that is what noobs do.

Cliches don't have to be stupid by any means. And sometimes it's necessary to point out the obvious. Sometimes it's necessary to point out a cliche. Sometimes it's okay to be a noob. And sometimes it's a damn fine thing to be an annoying prick.

Unless the question is, "What are the terms of success in this contest or competition?" or you're a sports commentator, "x for the win," is not a meaningful contribution.

And to end the cycle of worthless posting:
I think upright bass is dynamically and timbrally interesting, but lacks a lot of the versatility of its electric counterparts.
(At first I typed electric counterpoint. Way to go, Steve Reich.)

Misereatur · « **Reply #49 on:** 30 May 2006, 17:16 »

Quote from: Aneurhythmia

Cliches don't have to be stupid by any means. And sometimes it's necessary to point out the obvious. Sometimes it's necessary to point out a cliche. Sometimes it's okay to be a noob. And it's never necessary or good to be an annoying prick, especially on the internet.

Annoying internet pricks ftl

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: Bass guitar (Read 14856 times)

Zaarin

bobthecheese

AceGun

Zaarin

mainmanmazz

timehat

Sanitycult

The Hammered

Sanitycult

TheMike

TheMike