The first band I played in recruited me simply because I was hanging out with a friend and they needed a body to play bass. If they already have songs, the guitarist will generally teach you the basics. If you're playing for some run of the mill alternative/post-grunge band, not much will be expected of you.
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt." - Some guy with a snazzy hat.bass is more dominant in funk.example
bass is used as a back up or another "beat keeper" instrument like drums.
edited 31st Oct '11 10:16:06 AM by vanthebaron
Untitled Power Rangers StoryIt's pretty mixed from what I've seen, though picks do work well in rock and metal to get the more hard, percussive edge you need.
And I object completely to the idea that bass doesn't sound good on its own. Albums by jazz artists like Evan Brewer and Victor Wooten make it clear that the solo bass can be a beautiful instrument, right up there with solo guitar and piano.
Charlie Mingus is a personal favourite and he was primarily a bassist. Obviously he had his own orchestra, but he got some pretty interesting sounds from his instrument.
And, of course, how can one speak of melodic, lead bass playing without mentioning the mighty James Jamerson?
Speaking of bassists, has anybody ever heard of Norman Watt-Roy?
I thought playing pickless was what you were supposed to do for the bass.
Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.Lies.
I am listening to a beautiful song that is bass only. They are rare, but they exist.
I'd share it with you but it's difficult to find for free, so here's somebody's cover:
The tone and manner of this is very different. It is also not as smooth and gentle as the original.
EDIT: No wonder—it's the one dude who flipped out and wanted all his music removed from Homestuck.
edited 1st Nov '11 9:14:55 PM by annebeeche
Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.
Initial Reaction: "Wow, this is pretty cool, how do people find this stuff?"
After going to video page and reading description: "Oh course...Homestuck."
I really should check that out eventually, but the fanbase intimidates me. Eh, I'll check it out someday anyway.
Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.I'm sorry about the fandom (some of them scare me a little too), but Homestuck truly is an amazing comic—everything about it is creative and moving and beautiful. I was tentative when I tried it out, but I am really glad I did.
edited 1st Nov '11 9:16:30 PM by annebeeche
Banned entirely for telling FE that he was being rude and not contributing to the discussion. I shall watch down from the goon heavens.Well hey, I had the same reservations about Avatar The Last Airbender and now I'm a huge fan of that, so hey, it can't hurt.
...oh, and THE BASS IS COOL.
Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.Bass is most satisfying when played in a group I think. But it can definetely be used as a solo instrument, if the bassist is capable enough technically and as a composer. I'm at work so i can't really post videos of some of my favorite, but i will try when i get home.
I personally do a lot of soundscape and looping stuff. Tons of delays, harmonies, and modulation effects. Amazing what kinds of sounds you can get from this instrument.
edited 2nd Nov '11 6:51:51 PM by Monoceros
Is there a good bass on the market with a body style similar to the Gibson Explorer
?

I've had a thought of learning bass guitar from time to time. My only mental block to going through with it is—
"Bass is an instrument that doesn't really sound good by itself."
I've learned guitar and piano (and self taught a bit of harmonica) and those instruments one can play by themselves and have a good feel of completeness for the piece. Even drums are conducive to good solo. But a bass, to me, sounds awkward on its own, unless you're mimicking Seinfeld licks or trying to make an amateur porn, two things I'm not planning on doing any time soon.
So what do you think? Should I find a band (and I doubt most bands are willing to sign up a noob) or just play cello music with the bass?