2 Bassists???

[rivergrl]

I really want to join as band, but im not very good yet cos i havent been playing for long. Therefore, the band i wanna join is ideal cos the others are about at the same standard as me and then we can get better together and no one overshadows anyone else/no one holds someone else back etc... Also, they are the only other musicians i know who arent already in a band. This is the only opportunity, that i feel im going to get. The only thing is, they have the odd idea that they can have 2 bassists! Is this possible? I cant help thinking that this is a terrible idea! Shall i go with this, not be in the band, or tell them that they'll be **** like that?

[bugman]

Yes, it is possible and can be quite cool sounding. However, I've never heard of a band who has 2 full time bassists. I've only heard of the a guest bass player playing with a band. One plays a solo/melody/fills while the other keeps rhythm like an ordinary bass player. If you like any Dave Matthews Band music, buy Live in Chicago and listen to "#41" and "The Maker." ...or just download them. They feature Victor Wooten.

[fingerpickingood]

The way i see it:

It can and has been done, but its rare that its done tastefully. (Victor wooten can do anything and make it tastey http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif)

Anyways, They would really have to work together in order to make it work. They cant be playing the same thing. They have to play different melodys or create background textures. I think most "average skill" bass player would find this not only hard, but quite annoying.

If you friends can pull it off with out the music sounding like mush, more power to ya. Im just saying its not an easy thing to do.

[This message has been edited by fingerpickingood (edited January 24, 2002).]

[StoneDragon]

I don't know... I can't see where two bassists playing the same part would be much different than two guitar players playing the same part.

If they start competing with each other, though... it could get ugly. Bass locking in with drums is what gives music drive. Two bass players stepping all over each other doesn't sound like my idea of a good time.

[bugman]

Hey Stone, I'll rip part of a song to mp3 that has two bass players going (one's rhythm and one's playing a melody/solo...i think..I'll have to listen for a definite) and put it in an online music locker.

[Pendito]

We've done it by some clever arranging. The song/music should allow for it though. A basic harmony on the melody can be weaved through. One bass works with the drummer for a logical section (verse) while the other does a harmony. Then switch roles. You can also play the same thing but octave(s) apart for very short sections (riffs). Listen to the music of Jaco Pastorius and Sting. Also listen to Jazz - they use piano (keyboards) cellos and other types of bass to fill the basslines.

[Teddy]

Ned's Atomic Dustbin had two bassists.

[zappatude]

rivergrl, you said "this is the only opportunity, that I feel I'm gunna get." Don't bet on that. There will be, if you have desire, plenty of opportunities ahead of you. You also asked 2 bassists is this possible? It's music, anything is possible. I say go and jam. Have fun, learn everything you can and keep practicing. If it becomes crapy with these guys then move on. Who thought anyone could front a rock band playing a flute!!!

[TheDude]

Spinal Tap pulled it off with 3 bassists on "Big Bottom" Not what i'd call the most tasteful use of multiple basses, sure was funny though, heh.

[StoneDragon]

I was gonna mention 'Big Bottom'... but every time I started typing, I'd start laughing too hard to finish the message.

[TheDude]

what a great movie http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by TheDude (edited March 06, 2002).]

[GuitarzanMan]

It depends on your personality, if you want to share the spotlight or play with another bass player to build your confidence, it will work out for awhile. I think over time you are going to want to express you own bass playing and not have to follow what someone else is doing. It will end up being like two people trying to talk at the same time. Guitar players are different since one can play rythym and one solo. Whatever happens...Keep the bottom bangin'...:)

[wazman]

Just give it a try and see how you like it. If it isn't for you, at least you'll have the experience of playing with other people and getting used to different styles of playing and different personalities - that will benefit you in lots of things.

[thunder_bird]

By the way this thread was posted in 2002 im sure this guy won't need this advice anymore.

[supercobra]

Probably two bassists won't be viable for a gigging band. -but that dosen't mean you shouldn't try it. If nothing else, jamming with the other players will be good for your chops.

In any case, don't get dismayed. Us guitar players are a dime a dozen, but a good bass player is hard to find. Even if you don't stick with that particular outfit, you will likely find another one if you hang around and keep playing.

[Slipstream]

I'd be interested in hearing some bass counter-point. rivergrl - got yer ears on? If y'all got together it would have been a long enough time to get tight. So, what's the happs?

[Pick_Master]

i sayy GO FOR IT