Are Bass Players People, Too?

September 30th, 2007 · Posted by Jeff · 3 Comments

The answer is a definite no. Well this guy (Victor Wooten) is from another planet, that’s for sure.

But on a more serious note, I am joining the fight for bass players’ rights. Who else is with me? They sure do not get the credit they deserve. Think about it. I know that my playing is affected a great deal by the players I am surrounded by. It is going to be a lot easier for me to get into that “zone” if I am jamming with a badass bassist who is pushing me to my creative limits and forcing me to explore new musical territories. By surrounding yourself with great supporting roles, you often find your greatest inspiration and motivation. I sure as hell am not gonna let myself be shown up by the bass player. Well, if he was Victor-like I would definitely be honored to play with and support him.

A good bass player is vital if you are serious about taking your guitar-oriented project to the next level.

Who knows, you might even consider switching over to bass and exploring it as a solo instrument to really develop a unique niche for your sound.

In any case, it is a good idea to study the intricacies of the bass guitar. Just because the bottom four strings are the same as the guitar, the instrument is utilized in such a different way. By delving into bass techniques and learning how to really “groove,” you can really unlock some cool musical ideas that can be translated into helping you find your unique style.

Here’s a good place to start:



Bass Players are people, too. If you see one, do not be afraid or look at them with disgust. Go feed them some crackers or give them a banana. I hear they like fresh fruit.

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Tags: Guitar Lessons · Mental & Creative Lessons · Technique/Physical Lessons · Uncategorized

3 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Stian Thoresen // Aug 6, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Hilarious.
    More seriously,it is by far the less interesting article you wrote.
    Ok buddy,I’ve got some aliens for you.Extended-range Bass players.
    I’m not talking about 5 or 6 strings,but 7,8,9,up to a fretless twelve.I mean,not a 6-strings with doubled strings,but 12 independent strings.
    A friend of mine plays on a 9-string tuned, from bottom,to F sharp,B,E,(the 41.2 Hz one)A,d,g,c,f,b flat,with 28 frets…
    Now that is really another world.

    Best/Stian

  • 2 Jeff // Aug 7, 2009 at 12:37 pm

    You have any videos of your friend?

  • 3 Stian Thoresen // Aug 8, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Sure!
    Search on YouTube for Eric Czar,you may find him playing on 7 strings (only) but it’s worth being heard!
    If you want extremes,like 11 or 12 strings(fretless) ,search for Jean Beaudin(two-hand tapping master,with humor),then for Yves Carbonne.
    There are two other players you may like:Hadrien Feraud,a young prodigy who already played with Bireli Lagrene,and the awesome Dominique DiPiazza,who has an incredible right hand technique even guitarists envy.
    I hope those bassists will give you ideas!

    /Stian

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