What, in DrumChat's opinion, would be the Top 3 Attributes of a Bassist?

[Munurmunuh]

I can't decide whether I'm asking this seriously or facetiously, so take your pick 😁

[Mykesbass]

Drummers use sticks, brushes, hotrods, but pick???

[Dad3353]

Knows his plaice
Has good herring
Good bass tuner

[ezbass]

3 minutes ago, Dad3353 said:

Knows his plaice
Has good herring
Good bass tuna

FTFY

[Dad3353]

1 minute ago, ezbass said:

FTFY

 

 'Cos bass is not a fish, maybe..?  

Edited October 24, 2022 by Dad3353

[Trueno]

If right-handed, the bassist who stands to the left of the drummer on small WMC stages, so he doesn’t hit the drummer over the back of the head when he gets into the swing of it. Vice versa for lefties.

[Franticsmurf]

Someone who doesn't perpetuate the common drummer jokes.

Someone who can catch a flying drumstick and return it in one smooth movement.

Someone to have a pie and a pint with during the second movement of the inevitable long guitar solo. 

[Trueno]

The last drummer I worked with praised me for my ability to count to four.

[Dan Dare]

Good personal hygiene, large vehicle to transport the rest of the band, own PA. That's what got me a lot of work back in the day, not any musical ability.

[Grimalkin]

It is well known though rarely spoken that drummers have an undying admiration for Toucans. Indeed, even the most introverted and chronically shy drummer will open right up, if gently coaxed into discourse of Toucans.

[Grimalkin]

Drummers are just happy to have someone to have a bevvy with.

[Grimalkin]

It's an interesting question, there has been plenty of mutual respect between myself and most of the accomplished drummers I've worked with in the past, but I've never thought to ask what they look for in a bass player, timing obviously has got to be there. As for the rest I wouldn't know. I suppose if it grooves then it's working.

 

 

[ezbass]

As for all musicians, someone with good ears, who realises that it’s a group effort and not about just one person. 

[Lozz196]

From the chats I’ve had with drummers I’ve been in bands with they’ve just wanted someone who didn’t get in their way of holding the timing down. 

[Boodang]

1. Turns up with a set of spare strings as opposed to the statement 'I've never broken a string yet!'.

2. Never plays slap.*

3. Turns up with, and does play, double bass.

 

*slap on DB rockabilly style is the exception. 

[Munurmunuh]

4 hours ago, Trueno said:

The last drummer I worked with praised me for my ability to count to four.

 

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

• Beard
• Long Hair
• Beergut

[Downunderwonder]

6 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

From the chats I’ve had with drummers I’ve been in bands with they’ve just wanted someone who didn’t get in their way of holding the timing down. 

My drummer appreciates me holding the timing UP. Hard work sometimes.

[ordep]

The ability to hear and play along to the bass drum pattern. 😀

[TimR]

Very brief sideways glances at dropped beats.

Ability to roll eyes silently during overlong guitar solo.

Sips beer slowly while peering over glass while singer explains to guitarist how many bars of the outro there are. 

Edited October 25, 2022 by TimR

[Wonky2]

1) Being able to illustrate how every next song starts in 3 words or less or with facial expressions alone.

 

2)having a proper grasp on Goldilocks volume , being not too loud and not too quiet……. Jusssst right. 
 

3) being considerably more reliable with timing than they are, but never ever mentioning or suggesting it. 
 

drummers……

I’ve never met one that wasn’t an absolute  crank. Anyone who is prepared to undertake what is only second to a full house move every time they set up to play, isn’t of sound mind. 😂👍

Edited October 25, 2022 by Wonky2

[Ralf1e]

Buys the first round

Buys the second round

Buys the third round

No seriously 

1 Helps the drummer set up the drums and teaches him how to cut the port in his bass drum. Then cuts it for him anyway.

2 Looms over the drummer making eye contact to make sure we are playing nice tight together rythms.

3 Does the same to both the conga player and the talking drum player.

3a Then goes over and looms over the keyboard players to make sure we are all playing in time and in the same key.

3b Teaches the guitarist how a clip on tuner works and gives him a wireless set so as to have less leads all over the place. Then teaches him about bar chords in the hope he will get rid of his dummy er I mean Capo😂🤗

[chris_b]

I don't know what drummers want in a bass player, but what I like to see is a good feel, good timing and a great sound.

 

I guess drummers would vote for at least 2 of those, maybe all 3.

[ezbass]

On 24/10/2022 at 16:33, Dad3353 said:

 

 'Cos bass is not a fish, maybe..?  

What? Who are you and what have to done with Dad?

[gjones]

Knows what song we're about to play, the time signature and if he has to count it in.