Long rant about Guitarist's and musical wisdom, blah blah!!!

bubinga5

Just reading fleabasses post on guitarists. What is it with those six string buggers. I know a guitar player who couldnt see past his Godin 6 string. He was so involved in his own sound that he couldnt see the bigger picture,the Music, and in my opinion the music suffered as a result....Of course some of the best musicians in the world are guitarist's, but the fact that they are where they are, suggests that they have a fair amount of insite into what makes good music....Unfortunately the words Wisdom and Humility dont spring to mind when i think of some guitarists i know..

Ive always thought that any instrument you play is just a tool to paint a musical picture. Technical ability allowing,we should strive to get to a point where we dont have to think about the physicalities of playing anymore and concentrate on whats going on around us.

It does annoy me when i hear guitarists or anyone say that the bass is easy to learn. It may be easy to learn, but its very hard to master and takes years of dedication. You only have to watch Mr Wooten to realise that. Anyway who cares which instrument harder. These are just tools for a higher meaning.. #infinity

Excuse the long and boring post, just a few thoughts rattling around in the crainium!!
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Chrishas · Ferret Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 113 Location: Cyprus

Many guitar players consider their instruments better or harder because of the lead role they have in most bands, IMHO, but I really don't care about 'em, I just play music for my own pleasure, If I wanna compare myself to someone else,that someone would be preferably be a fellow bassist, it's well known that its hard to begin in guitar,but once u learn most chords,its piece of cake

Neil Gray · Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:51 pm Post subject:

And I would go so far as to say that the chords are the easy part in learning guitar! It's the strumming and expression that most guitarists struggle with!

As it is with bass. Anyone can learn where to put there fingers, but it takes expression to make the bass talk.

That is the argument I portray when dealing with any musician that would put his or her instrument above another: 'Is it not true that if I were to play the same song, I would put my fingers in the same places as you??? Then why am I not as good as Elton John, or Prince, or Willie Nelson? Or more to the point, you're the one who thinks you're better than others... why aren't YOU?'

This argument highlights to those who are arrogant that it's not about instruments or skill, but about musicianship and individuality. I can outplay most rythm guitarists not because I'm great at it, but because I FEEL what I play. I love it, and I'm passionate about it. That's what people want to hear: PASSION (or at least, it's what people respond to!).

Anyone who thinks that there instrument is better is misguided, anyway. The instrument isn't better or more important... it's what gets done with it that matters.

Guard yourselves, and make sure your instrument offers something that the band cannot do without. It's more than just laying down a groove, the same way guitar is more than just knowing chords. It's a matter of heart and soul; a passion for the language that is music! Do your basslines tell a story of there own? Can people listen to the bass only and know what the song is about?

That's what matters.

When you know this, listening to a guitarist (or pianist, perccusionist, brass or woodwind player) sprout crap about there INSTRUMENT being the best merely makes one smile and withdraw their own contribution from that band.

Don't be shy to walk away from outfits that are not fuelling your own expression. It's the EXPRESSION that makes good music.
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bubinga5 · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:06 pm Post subject:

Mkuk0 · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:26 pm Post subject:

Ahhhhh Neil, you hit the nail.....every time. You are indeed my hero my friend! Cool

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