I launched The Gigging Bass Player a few months ago, and I’ll admit that I haven’t posted here nearly as much as I had planned. However, the slow trickle of new readers and comments has inspired me to get back to it.
I just want to make sure everyone (ok, all seven of you) knows my irregular and infrequent posting schedule has nothing to do with a lack of interest or commitment to maintaining this site. It’s just that I hesitate to post unless I have something REALLY compelling to say. I think I just need to learn how to balance being regular and being perfect. But enough with the excuses . . .
I’m discovering that there’s an audience of bass players out there who are interested in more than just the usual shop-talk about their favorite gear and favorite players. That’s good, because gear-talk bores me, and there’s really only a handful of favorite bass players that I’m interested in discussing.
The bass guitar is a powerful instrument which stirs powerful emotions. And we bass players are passionate about our instruments and our craft. That’s what I’m hearing from those who’ve posted comments, and that’s what inspires me.
After all these years, I still can’t wait to get up on that stage and make everything shake with my low-frequency assault. Freakin’ love that shit. I think you all feel the same way.
Thanks to everyone who’s stopped by to check out The Gigging Bass Player. And thanks especially to those who’ve commented. As I said before, your thoughts, opinions and experiences are vital to this blog. So don’t be shy. Speak up and tell me about yourself. Or tell me what you’re interested in reading about. And I’ll do my best to deliver.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
We are our own worse critics!
Don’t try to be perfect, just try to be you.
I am playing a show this Friday, and Saturday. I find myself developing a bit of stage fright again which is odd but fitting for “back int he saddle again”. Does any one experience this at time? Not the excitment but the fact that since we are our own worse critics we sometimes question what it is we are doing at that time. I find myself critizing myself while I am playing and although no one notices anything I notices small things – but i’m doing it while I am playing.
I like being my own worse critic, it helps me better myself in all aspects of playing. Do any of you struggle with your inner demon? It isn’t the fact I don’t have confidence in my craft or skill but I can’t seem to silent that voice in my head.
check out my band – myspace.com/drailedinstlouis
I try to make the bass stick OUT – TONE BABY TONE!
i hear ya loud and clear deedz …. i remember not too long ago i was struggling with a lead part i do … felt bad … really bad … was slappin and my finger got caught under a string …. messed me right up …threw me way off …went for a four finger strum and missed totally …. thought holy shit … changeup needed … right now … what the hell am i gonna do …. bothered me for a few weeks actually …. was talking to our guitar player bout it and kinda whinin at practice …. he pulls out the video he had running while we were playing ….he sais dude what the fuck u complaining bout … its awesome …. i loved it …fit perfect … i still think i could have done better but i must agree … it was pretty damn cool
Seeing something after the fact really puts things in perspective. I tend to not realize what is going on until after the fact and after I see the videos. it’s a drug I just can’t get enough of.
I feel you. I have moments like that quite often. I find if you don’t just dismiss them they can get the better of you. It sort of escalates and can foul you up big time. For me it takes refocus, focus on the beat and get back into it. That keeps your mind from interfering with your soul. Just an opinion.
Jack
i think u hit the nail right on the head there jack … sometimes thinking is the worst thing ya can do …during some of my best freestyle sessions i feel llike i am watching my fingers do their thing and thinking wow that was cool ..and when i consciously try and do it again it isnt quite the same.. lol …and as for the mistakes … we need them … most times they take me to a new direction that i may not have discovered any other way