Bass in music

[TheLaofKazi]

Bass is extremely important in music, every instrument/note/range/whatever is.

It plays a huge role in forming the tonal and rhythmic foundation a song. The bass sets the root note, and can change the direction/feel of a song because of that.

Even in music that isn't bass heavy, the lowest notes or the instrument that has the lowest range really directs and drives the song.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Everything in moderation, you want to hear you are the most important part of the band and all the other members want to... chances of silliness showers are high.

When everyone's skill comes together in a harmonious work of art then you have a proper song, and not just individuals trying to jack off in your ear.

 

[LightningBanks]

Ive listened to songs without bass played by friends when their bassist isn't there...not the same.

Bassist is like the underdog in alot of peoples eyes. Sure its not as popular as its guitar bretheren, but without it, songs wouldnt be the same. Its like pop artists without their song writers and music makers (oh I went there XD)

But Im a budding bass enthusiast, when I have enough money, Im planning to get a bass and start learning.

 

[Jason Danger Keyes]

Bass is more about filling out the sound than standing out. If you've ever heard a song with no bass, it sounds severely lacking.

 

[FilipJPhry]

Best bass players alive:
Cliff Burton(Metallica), Flea(Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tim Commerford(RATM), Dee Dee Ramone, and Geddy Lee(Rush). And the biggest one: PAUL MOTHERFUCKING MCCARTNEY!
For their definitive bass albums, it's Kill 'em All(Metallica), Stadium Arcadium(RHCP), Battle of LA(RATM), Road to Ruin(Ramones), and Moving Pictures(Rush). For the Beatles, ANYTHING!

If it weren't for these guys, the bands above would be nowhere as successful or good. Listen to YYZ from Rush. The bass rolls and solos in that song alone would convince anyone that the bass is a great instrument. Any good band just needs a decent bassist. A great band needs a bassist with near-Chuck Norris skills.

EDIT: Cliff Burton and Dee Dee Ramone are dead! How did I forget that?

 

[Scrustle]

Usually I don't notice bass, but I don't like that. Music can still be good if the bass isn't obvious, but I often feel like it's potential is being lost if it isn't given as much attention as other instruments. I always like it when I can hear the bass clearly.

 

[Zantos]

Everyone has those jokes. I used to get the same thing being "the other guitarist", it's just fun and games. At the end of the day they're all important for the sound you're after.

 

[Jonluw]

Best bass players alive:
Cliff Burton(Metallica), Flea(Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tim Commerford(RATM), Dee Dee Ramone, and Geddy Lee(Rush). And the biggest one: PAUL MOTHERFUCKING MCCARTNEY!

May I recommend you look into Richard Bona?
(And Jaco Pastorius, but he's dead.)

Spoiler: Richard:

Of course, there's always the problem that not everyone is into jazz...
But if you give them a chance, you might just find them wowing you with their technical skill as well as their feeling.

And why didn't you mention Les Claypool?