[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference napalm::heavy_metal

Title:HEAVY_METAL - Talent Round-Up DayDay
Notice:Rules-2.*,Directory-7.*,Roster-3.*,Garbage-99.*
Moderator:BUSY::SLABB
Created:Wed May 04 1988
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1238
Total number of notes:65616

218.0. "What is a drummer's/bassist's job?" by ANT::SLABOUNTY (I like njection but'd rthr be blown) Tue Aug 30 1988 04:31

    One of our discussions Sunday was about drummers - what is their
    job in a band (not any particular type of band, but a band in
    general)?

    Should he/she just be a person who hits the skins in order for the
    rest of the band to keep in synch, or should the drummer be some-
    one who is real great and stands out due to expertise in the field
    of originality and/or speed?

    And does the type of band matter, or is it the same for all types
    of bands?

                                                       GTI
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
218.1The few the proude...THE DRUMMER!WILVAX::BOURQUEBLACK MIRAGETue Aug 30 1988 06:4617
    MY topic, lets begin...
    
      Im not gonna be just some spencer way out in the back of the
    stage SO Call "hittin my skins" and every drummer feels the way
    our job is the back bone of the band..WE! set the timming,Tempo
    A band should each a equal share in personal time w/the audience.
    
      every gig I do & Did It was that way..
    but then again it may depend on what type of band it is...
    I mean I see no use in My double Bass if I was in a Polish
    Polka band...Or Slim Whittman look out.Double Bass is gonna improve
    your so called music........Just_my_opinion___Lets_hear_more_from_
    Drummers.
       Tama_man_say_If_You_cant_play_the_right_way_Then_pack_your_drums
       _and_fade_away_____O'Tey!
                                     Jim
    
218.2Drummers, no one like em!MARKER::BUCKLEYMickey D. > a Quayle in the Bush!Tue Aug 30 1988 10:4051
    
    My opinion:
    
    1) Drummer is responsible for keeping perfect time. Tempo should
       not speed up or slow down. 
    
    2) Drummer is to WORK with the bassist in setting up a solid groove.
    
    3) Drummer should listen to what is being played on top of his groove
       (guitars, keys, vocals), so that if and when he decides to add
       a fill, it will complement the music, not degrade it.
    
    Reasons:
    
    1) If the tempo isn't solid, the groove is nowhere.  See my note
    on producers who can't stand drummers without perfect timing.  Drummers
    should mimic the precision of a metronome, or a drum machine (take
    yer pick).  There is nothing worse then a band with a drummer who
    draggs the tempo down at the chorus then speeds up at the bridge.
    If I was producing a band and the drummer couldn't keep time, I'd ask 
    him to quietly pack his drums while I program the drum machine.
    No use the the WHOLE band sounding band on the count of one lame
    musician.
    
    2) The reason I hate Neil Peart is the same reason I hate Yngwie.
    Neil, while being a great player, sparked drummers everywhere to
    overplay.  They put rolls and fills in where they're not needed,
    and more so, they think of themselves as an individual, rather than
    working with the bassist to be a team.  A drummer's job is to be
    solid (bassist too), not to show off flashly licks. If you have
    a problem playing simple parts due to a lack of ego, then become a 
    lead vocalist or guitarist, then you'll be in the spotlight.  Less
    is more!
    
    3) relates to reason #2.  Too many drummers I know are in their
    own world.  Wake up and listen to the ensemble! I heard a drummer
    last night who was horrendous!  He had a 9 toms, and two bass drums.
    This guy couldn't handle a Bonham set, he was in over his head with
    this thing!  What a mess.  he was throwing all his cool licks in,
    and it threw the bassist off, which threw the guitarist off, which
    threw the vocalist off. They sounded like sh*t and it was mostly
    the drummers fault (although I blame them too not for having him
    in the band in the first place).
    
    Anyone see Jonathan Mover with Joe Satriani????  His solo wasn'ty
    fast licks, double bass madness, rolls faster and faster.  His solo
    was a series of highly syncopated grooves, which had real soul to
    them.  A few people I know comments `he wasn't that awesome, he
    didn't even play play' Please, give me a break!!!!
    
    
218.3you took the words right out of my mouth...HAZEL::STARRYou ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine!Tue Aug 30 1988 11:119
Buck - you hit it perfectly!

Actually, you almost repeated word for word what I argued for on Sunday.
The drummer's job is to keep time and to play within the context of
the band. It is not to show off his technical ability at every turn.
I'll take a drummer who can give me a solid 4/4 count over a flash/speed
player anyday!

cat
218.4Bang those drums!SYSENG::MCLAUGHLINTue Aug 30 1988 12:5726
    
    I agree that a good drummer is the building block of a good band.
    Without a real good drummer, you'll never be able to hit that certain
    groove that makes the audience and the band themselves say "wow
    we are cooking now".  What impresses me about a drummer is not
    necessarily how fast he is or how many drums he can hit, but whether
    the things he does are in good context with the song.  Like when
    you're watching the drummer and he throws in this great roll, that's
    right in time with the rest of the band, and you think to yourself,
    "that's exactly what I would have done there (if I were a drummer)."
    
    Another thing that impresses me about a drummer is when he can keep
    the same beat throughout the song, but do it in a variety of ways.
    Like he may start out on the high hat, then switch to the ride,
    then throw in a couple of tom beats here and there, and still keep
    that same groove going. Seeing someone like that is awesome because
    it keeps the music interesting.
    
    I saw Joe Satriani at Berklee a couple of weeks ago and I thought
    the drummer was killer.  In fact, that was probably the three best
    musicians I have ever seen on the same stage together. The whole
    show was mind blowing from beginning to end.
    
    Well I've rambled enough.  Keep on groovin'. Long live Bonzo!!
    Sean 
    
218.5What did he say?SYSENG::MCLAUGHLINTue Aug 30 1988 13:249
    
    Re:  .1    Sorry to be a whiner, but the total disregard for 
    punctuation, sentence structure, and the English language in 
    general make your reply very hard to read and understand.
    I'm sure that you had some good points to make, but I'll be
    damned if I know what the hell they were.  
    
    Sean
    
218.6Don't forget the show...NINJA::COOPERI got the tone, He's got the bone !Tue Aug 30 1988 17:148
    I think (I know) what impresses me in a drummer is what was covered
    in the previous replies.  Solid beat and all that jazz makes a good
    drummer, for sure.  What makes a good drummer, IMO, is one who can
    do all that and be a great showman (and overcome sitting way in
    back), ya know, lots of stick trix and jumping around.  I like a
    stage show as well as great music.
    
    jc
218.7Oh yeah, one more thing...NINJA::COOPERI got the tone, He's got the bone !Tue Aug 30 1988 17:154
    I love Neil Peart a lot, but he has no show, except in the way he
    plays...
    
    jc
218.8A recognisable sound of drumsLAVA::LALLIWho's come to slay the Dragon ?Wed Aug 31 1988 03:169
    
    You might think Neil Peart is doing too much BUT, he's one of the 
    few drumers you can recognize just by listening.
    
    Not that bad :-)
    
    The way he plays in Rush is the rigth way. IMO
    
               Didier "Mystic Rhythms"  
218.10What A Drummer Means To MeRAVEN1::JERRYWHITEBig Brother's watching youThu Sep 01 1988 12:5512
    Like I said in an earlier note, to me, a drummer's job is to lay
    down the canvas for the string shakers to paint on.  When a drummer
    tries to put too many fills and rolls in, it makes the tune an audio
    mess.  Besides, a simple beat is easier to twirl sticks too, which
    is a must.  A goos drummer must show patience when it comes to adding
    the flashy stuff ... you certainly don't want to step on a guitar
    player's lead (this is a felony in some states ....)
    
    
    
    
    				Mr Scary II
218.11drum roll pleaseSALEM::BUTKUSThu Sep 01 1988 14:0913
    
    
     From what I have gatherd so so far about what a drummers job is
    in this file is that he should sit down and play a solid rythem
    so the guitarist can look awsome,but I haven't heard anyone say
    the drums should be used as a lead instriment I get tired of hearing
    the drums of todays music becuase they don't stand out,listen to
    the Paraniod album By Black Sabbath,that's how drums should be used
    not just as a rythem. IMO
    
    				M
    				 B
    
218.13It's a Drummers World out there!RAVEN1::WHITBYShe'sgotthebestseatinthehouse!Thu Sep 08 1988 02:0427
    
    
    	IMO,
    
    	To me drummers are something that most string players could
    	probably do with out if need be, BUT seein's how most string
    	can't stand the sound of a lonely guitar in steps the MAIN
    	MAN, as we all know Africans do quite well without any strings
    	or electricity, so in affect drummers are there to make the
    	band what it is, personality wise. But what a drummers job
    	consist of in todays kinda world is to be right on time, a 
    	little tricky, and most of all to me creative! And the part
    	about have a bass player and drummer together is the essentials
    	of a strong band. That's why I'm hopin' that the bass player
    	we have now stick together in band(s) as long as time permits.
    	But the part about drummers havin' to keep the time without
    	makin' a couple of mistakes is utterly impossible, at least
    	that's what I got out of  previous comments. Sure everybody
    	strives to be perfect in what they do but then everybody has
    	their moments of flubbin it. Personally I despise the technical
    	side of music just for that reason, Perfection, there is no
    	such thing. Perfection is only in the eyes of the beholder!
    	It's the FEEL one has for the love of music that makes a song
    	or band what it is. But like I said........IMO ;')

    
    	Hollywood........If we were all perfect, we would'nt be here!
218.14;-)SUBURB::DALLISONwelcome to the jungle.....Thu Sep 08 1988 04:447
    
    How many peeps out ther enjoy listening to drum solos ??
                                   
    I find them boring and repetitive - even by the likes of the great
    Tommy Aldridge, they are just  not meant to be !!!
                                   
    flames on a postcard to........
218.15my opinion on drum solosHAZEL::STARRYou ain't nothin' but fine, fine, fine!Thu Sep 08 1988 10:2410
>    How many peeps out ther enjoy listening to drum solos ??
                                   
I enjoy drum solos....


It let's me have time to go the bathroom! 

8^)

cat
218.17SUBURB::DALLISONwelcome to the jungle.....Thu Sep 08 1988 11:525
                                          
                                          
    I can appreciate the technical aspect of them, they are just boring.
                                                    
    ZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............    
218.18That solo was SO LowRAVEN1::WHITBYShe'sgotthebestseatinthehouse!Thu Sep 08 1988 22:5110
    
    
    	I agree.....solo's are only good when put in a song that goes
    	with the song. This style of doing 1/2 hr. solo's is pretty
    	stupid unless you have the stage theatrics to go with and an
    	example would be Tommy Lee's cage....now there's somethin'
    	you would'nt want to go take a leak and miss.
    
    
    	Hollywood.............Drums, it's a way of communicating! ;')
218.19Tommy Lee ZUMA::MINARDIFri Sep 09 1988 08:216
    
    
    	Tommy Lee: whether you think he's great, or think he's not
    you had to love that drum cage show... 
    
    /Motorbreath...Tommy Lee always puts on a great show
218.20A RUSH FanSALEM::DACUNHAFri Oct 21 1988 10:1031
    
    
                      I think .11 is on the right track!  Sure... a
    drummer  has to keep time, but then again, I would hope that EVERYBODY
    in the band is keeping time.
    
                      Drums should be played like any other instrument,with
    a part all it's own.  Drums are tunable so why not write parts for
    them?  Neal Peart is probably #1 on my list!!!  Of course you gotta
    have the kicks that complement the melody.
    
                      Someone mentioned Rush songs and 4/4 timing........
    
    
    
    
    
    
                             HA!!!
    
                      I don't know many drummers who would even try to put
    a 4/4 beat to that stuff.  It just wouldn't work on most songs!!!
                                                                   
                      One guy in the band can,t be playing lead and
    another playing bass and another playing drums.....everybody plays
    the song.  
    
    
    
                         Good drummers are the BALLS !!!!!!!
    
218.22PFLOYD::ROTHBERGAwaiting the hour of reprisal . . .Sat Oct 22 1988 02:4216
                
                Re: .21
                
                BULL*HIT!!!!
                
                4/4???   Are you nuts???  Try listening to Cygnus
                X-1 or half of their earlier stuff!  Peart rules,
                and he plays plenty  of  other stuff besides 4/4.
                I even remember seeing a 17/8 signature somewhere
                in one of their songs.
                
                - Rob (who *loves* NeilP)
                
                
                
218.23What's in a beat ...RAVEN1::JERRYWHITEDon't worry, be >>HEAVY<<Sat Oct 22 1988 07:5110
    re: Pete
    
    4/4 ?  Get real Lucille, Pert's beats aren't something you can tap
    out on the steering wheel at red lights.  Mystic Rhythms isn't a
    song, it sums up his style.  I don't consider steady playing being
    a show-off.  Besides, it can't be 4/4, there's only 3 people in
    the band, that would make it 3/4 or 4/3 wouldn't it ?? ;^).
              
    
    				Scary
218.24PFLOYD::ROTHBERGAwaiting the hour of reprisal . . .Sun Oct 23 1988 02:007
                4/3, huh???
                
                B')
                
                Neat trick, that.
                
218.25Yipe !ASAHI::COOPERFor The Devil Sends The Beast With WrathMon Oct 24 1988 08:2312
    Agagagagagagag...
    
    Peart roolz... Seriously !
    
    What blows me away, is live, the guy just sits there, and all these
    wilds licks are coming out...Makes y a wonder if he's the one 
    playing !  I mean Ricki Rocket can't sit still, and he can't play
    in Neil Pearts Sandbox...
    
    Just an interjection from a southern gentlemen.
    
    ;^0
218.28one more about PeartRAVEN1::WHITBYI'm here,you're here...Let's Party!Tue Oct 25 1988 03:3415
    
    
    	Peart is definetly the man to beat, when it comes to 
    	originality, style, tempo, off beats or whatever on an
    	acoustic set of drums. Sure there's probably the session
    	or studio or what have you kinda drummer that can do all 
    	his stuff but I think he's the one that opened a few thousand
    	eye's as to what the possibilities are and can be out of an
    	average drummer. Does everybody agree? ;')
    
    	And didn't Palmer win the Senior Open Classic down in Florida
    	this past year?  :')  x 1000
    
    	Hollywood..........think of it "Heavy Metal Golf"
    
218.29HM putt putt.RAVEN1::JERRYWHITEDon't worry, be >>HEAVY<<Tue Oct 25 1988 06:417
    Speaking of Palmer, maybe the Cookster was refering to Carl Palmer,
    not Arnold.  Nevertheless, Carl probably isn't much of a golfer
    either .... 8^)
    
    
    				Scary
    
218.30Relocated ...ANT::SLABOUNTYHello 'mother' ... want another?Tue Oct 03 1989 11:1222
          <<< HELPME::DISK$LCUSER:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Heavy Metal >-
================================================================================
Note 444.45                          Mr. Big                            45 of 57
FSTVAX::GALLO "Racing in the street."                14 lines   2-OCT-1989 09:49
                          -< Just my humble opinion! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    
    	This notes been a long time coming...
    
    
      	Don't get me wrong, I like Mr. Big, but when is Billy Sheehan
    going to turn off all those effects boxes and start playing solid
    "supporting" bass? I realize that effects can be useful for a
    bass player, but all the time? IMO, He's a great bassist, but he needs
    to learn something about being a supporting player. 
    
    MrB. (Donning his flame-proof asbestos suit) :-).
    
    
218.31...ANT::SLABOUNTYHello &#039;mother&#039; ... want another?Tue Oct 03 1989 11:1314
          <<< HELPME::DISK$LCUSER:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Heavy Metal >-
================================================================================
Note 444.51                          Mr. Big                            51 of 57
ASAHI::SCARY "Pretty neat username, huh ?"            7 lines   2-OCT-1989 23:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If ya want "supporting bass" listen to Crue, and Niki Six will give
    ya all the 1 note thumps you can stand.  Shehan is a very creative
    player, and I think this band is the perfect frame to display his
    talent .... yep, I like 'em ...
    
    
    				Scary
218.32...ANT::SLABOUNTYHello &#039;mother&#039; ... want another?Tue Oct 03 1989 11:1425
          <<< HELPME::DISK$LCUSER:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Heavy Metal >-
================================================================================
Note 444.53                          Mr. Big                            53 of 57
FSTTOO::GALLO "Racing in the street."                17 lines   3-OCT-1989 08:31
                             -< B.S. How True :-) >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                    
    
    	Re: .51 (Coop)
    
    	Sorry, Coop, I said I *like* 'em. The tunes are good, Gilbert
    plays well. I just don't like the role that B.S. (great initials
    :-)) has created for himself. There is a really nice slow tune on
    the album that *starts* with a bass solo. Gimmee a break. I read
    in an article where B.S. says that this particular solo was really
    needed for this song. Right! My personal opinion (as a bass player)
    is that bass players in R n' R bands should be supporting players,
    not soloists. I don't know if this is a particularly popular opinion,
    but it's mine..
    
    MrB. (AKA Mr. Bassman)
    
    
218.33...ANT::SLABOUNTYHello &#039;mother&#039; ... want another?Tue Oct 03 1989 11:1415
          <<< HELPME::DISK$LCUSER:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Heavy Metal >-
================================================================================
Note 444.54                          Mr. Big                            54 of 57
VCSESU::COOK "Grimace musically"                      7 lines   3-OCT-1989 09:08
                  -< Like, everyone should be mediocre, man. >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    re .53
    
    	With that attitude, you'll never get anywhere. Every player should
    	be a lead player to an extent.
    
    	/prc
218.34...ANT::SLABOUNTYHello &#039;mother&#039; ... want another?Tue Oct 03 1989 11:1530
          <<< HELPME::DISK$LCUSER:[NOTES$LIBRARY]HEAVY_METAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -< Heavy Metal >-
================================================================================
Note 444.56                          Mr. Big                            56 of 57
HAZEL::STARR "Always took candy from strangers..."   22 lines   3-OCT-1989 09:55
                         -< a band of soloists? yech! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Every player should be a lead player to an extent.

No way!!!!! 

A band should preform as a BAND, not as a bunch of individuals! in most band 
situations, it calls for most of the musicians to play minimalistic. A good 
drummer is there to keep the beat for the band, not to show off his own 
talent. Same with a good bassist and guitarist! 

If you have all lead players, there's no cohesiveness, and the music quickly 
gets boring.

> Like, everyone should be mediocre, man. 

That's hardly what was said! But mediocrity (and good and bad) is all in the 
eyes of the beholder. Technique is not at the top of the list in things I look 
for in band members. Its the ability to work within the context of the band. 
Even if that means the drummer does nothing but sit there and play rhythm box, 
or the bassist sits on one note - if thats what his job calls for, and he does 
it good, then he's a good drummer/bassist!

cat
218.35FSTVAX::GALLORacing in the street.Tue Oct 03 1989 11:4519
    
    
    re: .-1
    
    	Thanks, I couldn't quite express what I meant and Cat expresses
    the way I feel perfectly.
    
    	This is a good topic. How about some opinions about the Bass
    players role. We've heard lots of great comments about drummers,
    it's the bassman's turn :-). 
    
    Re: Coop vs Scary
    
    	Oops, sorry 'bout that. For some reason I associate the node
    ASHAI:: with Coop.
                                 
    
    MrB.
    
218.36MARKER::BUCKLEYSnake status - 22 inches and growingTue Oct 03 1989 11:568
    Try and tell me that 1/2 the playing on Eat Em & Smile WASN'T
    supportive!!  When Vai was off in never-never-solo-land, Sheehan was
    right there keeping the groove there!  Billy sights bass playing like
    that done in bands like AC/DC to be very important in terms of playing
    the groove.  I think Billy does a good job of supporting the groove,
    and then stepping out here and there for a solo spot.  You gotta
    remember though where he's coming from...in Talas, HE was the soloist
    and the guitarist kept the rhythm going. 
218.38ANT::SLABOUNTYYou&#039;re a train ride to no mportanceTue Oct 03 1989 12:2514
    
>> If you have all lead players, there's no cohesiveness, and the music quickly 
>> gets boring.
>
>    	They don't do leads all the time, but they have the ability to. Get
>    	my point?
 
    		I was just gonna say that.  Keeping the beat for most
    		of the song is fine, but u need "lead breaks" from all
    		the band members at one time or another.  If not, then
    		THAT'S when the music gets boring.
    
    							GTI
       
218.39ANT::SLABOUNTYYou&#039;re a train ride to no mportanceTue Oct 03 1989 12:2813
    
    	Cat:
    
    		Wouldn't it be monotonous for a drummer not to put
    		in fills, etc., and just keep the beat?  I think so.
    
    		And are u also suggesting that guitarists shouldn't
    		do solos?  Or is that the exception to the rule?  And
    		if so, then I guess the band is basically playing 2nd
    		fiddle to the guitarist?
    
    							GTI
    
218.40the band is everything - individuals are secondaryHAZEL::STARRAlways took candy from strangers...Tue Oct 03 1989 12:4722
> Wouldn't it be monotonous for a drummer not to put
> in fills, etc., and just keep the beat?  I think so.

I wouldn't know, not being a drummer. As a rhythm guitarist, I am constantly 
doing the same three chords over and over throughout a song. I doesn't bother 
me at all - in fact, I enjoy it! But that's me - I'm sure it depends upon the 
individual.

> And are u also suggesting that guitarists shouldn't do solos? Or is that 
> the exception to the rule?  

Yes, guitars (and sometimes keyboards) do tend to be the exception to the 
rule. Isn't that fairly obvious when listening to most rock albums? And I 
happen to like that format.

Don't get me wrong - I think there are places for all the musicians to shine 
(and it doesn't have to be in a solo!). But IMO, no one should think that any 
individual is more important than the band. Solos and stuff like that have 
their place - but it has to be within the context of the music (which is 
pretty much what Pete said a couple replies ago).

cat
218.41ANT::SLABOUNTYYou&#039;re a train ride to no mportanceTue Oct 03 1989 13:1560
    
    >> Wouldn't it be monotonous for a drummer not to put
    >> in fills, etc., and just keep the beat?  I think so.

    >I wouldn't know, not being a drummer.
    
    	I'm talking about a listener's standpoint ... not the drummer's.
    	It's boring hearing a drummer keep a beat and not do ANY fills,
    	and it's probably the same way to the drummer himself.
    
    
    >> And are u also suggesting that guitarists shouldn't do solos? Or is that 
    >> the exception to the rule?  

>Yes, guitars (and sometimes keyboards) do tend to be the exception to the 
>rule. Isn't that fairly obvious when listening to most rock albums? And I 
>happen to like that format.
 
    	Yes, of course it's obvious ... but my question is "Why does
    	"showcasing" hafta be limited to guitarists/keyboardists"? 
    
    	I also love guitar work ... solos, etc., but I can also app-
    	reciate a good bassist (Steve Harris and Billy Sheehan have
    	been mentioned, and I agree).  They have just as much right
    	to "showcase" as the guitarist.  Heck, Billy plays the intro
    	to "Addicted ..." right along with Paul Gilbert ... if Billy
    	turned his bass controls down and the tone up the bass would
    	probably sound just like a 6-string!!
    
    >As a rhythm guitarist, I am constantly 
    >doing the same three chords over and over throughout a song.
    
    	Don't take this the wrong way, but isn't that the rhythm guitar-
    	ist's job?  Maybe not "the same 3 chords", but whatever chords
    	were decided to be used in the song?
    
    	And as I write the last paragraph, I realize I'm re-asking the
    	question that this note is trying to answer ... but bear with
    	me:
    
    		Lead guitarist - some rhythm, "fills", solos
    		Rhythm guitarist - rhythm
    
    	Am I making my point?  The rhythm guitarist's "job title" is
    	more clear-cut than the other members', in that the title seems
    	to dictate exactly what the person should be playing ... rhythm.
    
    	The bassist and drummer and more difficult, because nothing
    	in their "job title" says that they hafta stick to a concise
    	beat through the entire song.  Enough to keep everyone else
    	on track, but when they're confident that the other band mem-
    	bers won't screw up ... they can throw in a "walk up the neck"
    	or a "trip around the roto-toms".
    
    	See my point?  I hope so, 'coz I can't think of anything else
    	to say.
    
    							GTI
    
    
218.42FSTVAX::GALLORacing in the street.Tue Oct 03 1989 13:3329
    
    
    	Re: Last Few
    
    	Nobodys saying that all bass players and drummers should do
    is straight 4/4 beats. My point is that a bass player can be 
    creative in a supportive way. Examples for me would be Bruce 
    Thomas from E. Costello's Attractions and Garry Tallent from
    the E-Street band. Both these guys play solid supporting bass 
    while at the same time being quite creative in the context of
    their respective bands. You don't have to play a-mile-a-minute
    riffs to be "creative". 
    
    	I'll agree that a lot of a bass player or drummer's role
    depends on the band. But, there are a lot of bands out there
    with a style like Mr. Big (why can't I remember any right 
    now :-)) and the bass players from these (unnamed) bands 
    don't feel compelled to show off their chops on virtually 
    every tune. On the Mr. Big debut, B.S. seems to "show off"
    an awful lot. 
    
    Re: Buck - Eat 'em and smile
    
    	I'll take your word on it. The only song I heard from EEAS was
    "tobacco road" and I only head a verse or chorus or something. Did
    B.S. use all of those effects when he was with DLR also?
    
    MrB.
    
218.43ANT::SLABOUNTYYou&#039;re a train ride to no mportanceTue Oct 03 1989 13:497
    
    	Listen to "Shy Boy" off of "Eat 'Em and Smile".
    
    	Unbelievable.
    
    							GTI
    
218.44ASAHI::COOPERScouting...The great adventureTue Oct 03 1989 16:248
    Alan,
    
    Just a nit, but I don't consider you a rhythm guit player...
    You play some lead right ?  That makes you a co-lead player.

    Right 
    
    ?
218.45me? lead guitarist? hmmm....interesting....HAZEL::STARRAlways took candy from strangers...Tue Oct 03 1989 16:5114
>    Alan,
>    Just a nit, but I don't consider you a rhythm guit player...
>    You play some lead right ?  That makes you a co-lead player.

Well, yeah - I play lead on a half-dozen songs or so.......

BTW - good example of role reversal is in The Who. For the most part, it seems 
that Townsend's guitar playing keeps the rhythm, while Moon is all over the 
place. So now you have guitar giving the rhythm and the drums doing the 
'soloing'. Certainly not true in all cases, but moreso than in most bands.....

Of course, what that proves, I have NO idea! But I thought I'd mention it! 8^)

cat
218.46CHEFS::DALLISONCocked and LoadedWed Oct 04 1989 04:459
    
    I hate the phrase "lead guitar" and "rhythm" guitar.
    
    It sounds so sort of egotistic. If the band has two guitarists why
    not just have both billed is "Guitars".
    
    Just some thoughts.
    
    -Tony
218.47Bass = Base?JANUS::FAGGTOO LOUD?? Your problem...Wed Oct 04 1989 06:0232
    To me the primary role of the bassist (together with the drummer) is to
    provide the firm foundation that the rest of the band can work from.
    This is essential, and we've all heard cases of a band falling apart
    because the bass player and drummer have lost synchronization.
    
    That does not mean that the bass player should be playing single note
    copies of bass drum patterns. Far from it (but if that is what a band
    wants, I'd suggest they go by a synthesizer with a sequencer).
    
    It's a question of striking the balance between the single note plod
    and the "another lead guitar, but one octave lower" sort of thing. 
    
    For instance, you could hardly call Lemmy a one note plodder. Then
    again, it is incredibly solid (like a Sherman tank).
    
    The sort of Bass playing I like can be found on Black Sabbath's early
    albums. During the main part of a song, Geezer really hits the riff
    keeping everyone together. During the guitar solos he goes off on a
    solo of his own, but it remains solid and helps to fill out the
    emptiness left because there is no rhythm guitar (NIB of the first
    album demonstrates this). 
    
    Even during the main part of a sing, Geezer would add little frills
    around the edges when the guitar wasn't doing a lot (listen to Wheels
    of Confusion from Vol 4 and you'll see what I mean).
    
    Mark King is another interesting player to listen to (particularly in
    his early work with Level 42). I know he's not a metal bass player, but
    demonstrates the mixture of rhythm and melody well.
    
    IMO.
    	Keef.
218.48ASAHI::SCARYPretty neat username, huh ?Wed Oct 04 1989 07:2710
    Being your typical egotistical LEAD guitarist, it's easy to say
    that the bass and drums are the canvas on which guitar player paints
    (kinda profound ain't it ...), but there are also plenty of places
    where a bass player can ramble around while the guitar players are
    steadily chunking away on the chords.  Whatever fits, sometimes
    it will, sometimes it won't.
    
    
    
    				Scary
218.49MARKER::BUCKLEYSnake status - 22 inches and growingWed Oct 04 1989 10:302
    I thought it was cool on the old Ozzy albums where Rhoads was credited
    with:  All Guitars
218.50my 2centsSALEM::PARKERThu Oct 05 1989 14:149
    I think the key factor here is the groove. If you can whip in some
    riffs/fills than go for it, i think it sounds great as long as you
    don't lose the groove (basic foundation). The perfect example of
    flat vs.  flash is listen to a ted nugent album ( bass and drums
    real exciting alright yawn) then listen to racer x live. That is
    the definition of flash all over the place that never loses the
    groove.
    
             dave
218.51My thoughtsLUNER::BIRDSat Aug 24 1996 13:3322
    	OK, this particular note hasn't had a reply in seven years, but I'm
    gonna put in my own two cents.
    
    	Speaking as a bassist myself (who used to play guitar), I'd have to
    say that the role of a bassist and a drummer is to create a rythm or
    even mood of which the guitar or keyboards can accent to create almost
    a magical tie between band members. It is possible for a song to have
    too much "spice" ,and that is the problem I have found with alot of
    bassists, they really want to be a lead guitarist. In some cases I
    believe that the bass can sound as a lead instument, but not when the
    their is another instrument playing a seperate lead. Rush is a good
    example of this factor.  Getty Lee may seem to be playing a lead during
    Alex's solo, but if you really listen he is actually hitting the root
    and adding a little "spice". This is exeptable only because their is
    only three band members. Geeza Butler was also a good example of this,
    then again Geddy Lee was influenced by him. I don't know that is only
    my interpretation of what a bassist and a drummer are supposed to do in
    a band.
    
    
    					Jim
    
218.52some minor viewsSUBSYS::MSOUCYMon Aug 26 1996 06:3215
    
    Not playing an instrument but listening to a lot of different bands I
    would have to say that they are the backbone/rhythm end which should be
    tightly knitted together to create a tight groove no matter what they
    are playing. Geddy Lee is one of my favorite bassists, and Les Claypool
    can do some really wierd/funky stuff with his axe also.
    
    I think it is essential that a drummer/bassist work closely together
    and know what's going on at all times, not that most don't, actually
    the opposite. My buddy plays drums (has for years) and when he is in a
    different band he works a lot with the bass player to get into how the
    band plays overall and to work together to get their licks down pat
    when they are out playing.
    
    
218.53Oh well... so much for conventional bass ideas... ;-)DREGS::BLICKSTEINThe moment is a masterpieceMon Aug 26 1996 09:105
    My ideas of the role of the bass player totally changed when I became
    familiar with Victor Lemonte Wooten of the Flecktones (Bela Fleck & the
    Flecktones).
    
    ;-)
218.54EDWIN::HOOKERMon Aug 26 1996 14:124
    The drummer's job is to rule the universe...
    
    that is all..
    
218.55POLAR::RICHARDSONI&#039;m brave but my chicken&#039;s sickMon Aug 26 1996 14:361
    amen.
218.56CADSYS::FENNELLNothing is planned by the sea and the sandMon Aug 26 1996 14:514
>>>    The drummer's job is to rule the universe...
    

Using Paiste cymbals and Tama drums as weapons
218.57Attack of The Russian Dragons!TMAWKO::BELLAMYWhat fresh hell is this?Mon Aug 26 1996 15:142
    Well, as long as they do it without rushing, dragging, or playing too
    loud when they should be playing quietly ... more power to 'em!
218.58Big...Real B I G !!!!STRATA::LAMOTHEDon&#039;t Fear the Reaper&#039;s WifeSun Sep 01 1996 09:3122
    
       The drummers job is basically the following :
    
    
       A. GET BIGGER cymbols than the other guy
       B  Keep extra sticks next to you so you can throw the
           broken ones at the bass_man
       C. Make the bass_man laugh and screw up by taking drumstick with
           your left hand and place it in your nose, while twirling other
           drum stick in Right hand....this always Works...!!!
    
       D. Use the biggest kick drims available...Modify kick (bass) drums
            to get best and loudest Crank IT UP  DB bass sound prior to
          mic amplification !!!
    
       E. Need a Beer tap with mouth feed next to drum kit ....This is good
            at Ralph's diner !!!  may want OPTIONAL bladder controlled
        Close PIN for maximium beer input and minimuim OutPut !!!
    
    /Sax_who_loves_his_Pearl_WorldClass_pro_series