BASS GUITR - Embrace it, play it and encourage all your friends to play bass!
When forming a band it is typical for a guitarist or two (and perhaps a singer) to come together and start something creative. Then they look for a drummer and the bass player comes last. WHY? Sometimes one of the guitarist even takes on the role!
The bass guitar is the musical beat of the rhythm section. The bass and drums work together in a band situation to create the pulse/ feel, tempo and sometimes even define the genre.
Obviously it goes without saying that the singer, guitarist and keyboard players are also important BUT they all get their recognition, as does the drummer but for some reason bass players are far more overlooked and we really don't understand why!
It is a preconcieved idea that bass players only play one note at a time or root notes therefore it is somehow a lesser skill to have, but this couldn't be more wrong. Bass is a complex instrument where octives/ harmonies and the rhythm of the playing makes the song stand out (or not as the case may be). Complex bass lines such as those written and played in Stevie Wonder sonsgs and Red Hot Chili Peppers songs are iconic and make the songs exceptional.
Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers (probably one of the more famous bass players) is an absolute master of his instrument and creates melody, harmony, funk and rhythm with his bass guitar.
