If you're looking to play an instrument for a band, especially a rock band, choose wisely. While musicians do tend to consider the tangible attributes of a chosen instrument, many times the intangible elements are overlooked. Tangible considerations are obvious and may include things like the physical equipment required and the role that a particular musical instrument generally plays in a band. Intangible considerations are less obvious and certainly include things like status, expectations, mindset, and even image.
The musical instrument that especially warrants care about the intangibles is the bass, and in particular the electric bass guitar in a rock band. If an aspiring musician - especially one who is transitioning to the bass from another instrument such as guitar, keyboards, or drums - overlooks the expectations of a bass player, he may regret his position. While an obvious intangible attribute of the bassist is that he holds a supportive role in the band, the bass player needs to delve deeper into what should be the proper mindset of the musician who occupies the bass chair. Within the context of a band, let's now consider the bass player's status, expectations, mindset, and image.
The bassist can hold any status that other instrumentalists may hold within the band. This internal status is up to the bassist and other band members. However, the bass player's status outside the band is subject to perceptions that constitute his external status. It is common for followers of the band to perceive the bass player as a minor contributor to the band. This perception is based on mainstream music audience's general lack of understanding as to the role of the bass player. If a musician craves the attention of the spotlight, perhaps the bass will not provide satisfaction to the musician.
Functional bands require its bass player to be the ultimate team player, no matter how advanced the bassist's chops may be. While a terrific bassist can have a lead role in a band, he must always adapt to changing or evolving requirements. Fellow band mates expect the bassist to support the foundation of the band's sound even at the sacrifice of the bass player's self-expression.
The proper mindset of a successful bass player is critical. The bassist must understand that while the bass is arguably the most influential instrument in a band, most casual listeners of music and observers of the stage performance do not recognize the importance of bass. He needs to be steadfast in his role and accept that accolades may not always come his way. People who choose this instrument must appreciate the depth of bass playing. That is, the bass is more than hearing the notes played; rather, it is feeling the notes and understanding that the rhythm, harmony, and even melody can change the band's sound - especially at the most subtle levels. Successful bass players "embrace the bass."
While image has virtually nothing to do with quality music, it does factor into band dynamics. There is no right or wrong image. However, the bassist must understand that oftentimes there is the perception that you are "just the bass player." There will be focus on the singer and guitarist, and as such these players may put forth effort into cultivating their images. The lead players may get more attention, and even more credit than the bass player. But if the bassist accepts the general impression of his role, frustration with image issues will be tempered.
These rarely discussed intangible elements of playing bass are predicated on the social status of the bassist in the music community and promote an understanding of the "pecking order" within a band. If you can accept these points, then the bass guitar may certainly be the right instrument for you.
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