OT Do you sing and play bass in your band?

[shamus63]

I have no interest in singing...my bass and corner of the stage is all I need.

And a beer.

 

[Datta]

I have a good voice (so I've been told), but I find it very tough to sing and play with a band.

However, I found it easier if I accompany myself, playing solo, especially if it's one of my tunes, and actually have fun with it.

The trick is to play the songs with parts that work for me- some are fine. The problem is that my bandmates want me to sing specific songs, and sometimes I just can't sing and play certain songs on bass at the same time.

Heaven for me would be to play with a 2nd guitarist who doubles on bass.

When I do sing, it is much easier to sing lead than harmony- unless I put my bass down, and that'll happen the same day Hell freezes over.

 

[Datta]

I have the coordination of a one legged penguin on the ice... singing is a bad, bad thing. It isn't that I couldn't (I actually have a decent baritone singing voice) I just can't (and keep holding the bottom down). That chewing gum and walking thing has me beat too!

Is that because we use more of our brains than guitarists when we play, or that we have less to spare to start with?

 

[kdphysio]

I sing backing 'harmonies', but i stand back WELL back from the mike!!!

 

[Duarte]

I cant sing but can hold down a FUNKY BOTTOM, which is what's important I reckon.

 

[Alvabass]

I normally sing background vocals. I'd like to sing lead and I know I can do it in tune, but I haven't been blessed with a nice voice . Anyway, I recently made my debut singing Roger Waters' part on "Comfortably Numb" and it seems that it was very well received. Anyway, no need to be a great singer to sing that.

For another experience, check out this TalkBass thread.

 

[Straight UP]

I sing back ground harmonies.. But like the rest of the guys in the band I'm right up on the mic. No hiding..
I have a real tough time splitting the brain to do both things (play the bass and sing).
I find though that singing works better when I know the bass part inside out and do not have to think about it. while singing my parts. It is when you start thinking about both that you get into trouble..
But I think we should all be doing it more ..

As well we should move from the back row to the front row with the other players. Sure some of us like the fact we can hide back in the back row but it is when you are in the front row you get the biggest adrenilin rush & your sences become hightened.. (as well as shaking and sweating) I just love it and only stay in the back now if there is absulutly no room up front. Be bold play your bass up front..

 

[jlepre]

As well we should move from the back row to the front row with the other players. Sure some of us like the fact we can hide back in the back row but it is when you are in the front row you get the biggest adrenilin rush & your sences become hightened.. (as well as shaking and sweating) I just love it and only stay in the back now if there is absulutly no room up front. Be bold play your bass up front..

Well said!

 

[backagain1]

... Vocalists are a dime a dozen...

Funny, that's what I've always said about guitarists. I find good vocalists harder to find than guitarists.

backagain1

 

[Duarte]

Good bassists are even harder to find I reckon.

 

[SharonG]

Is that because we use more of our brains than guitarists when we play, or that we have less to spare to start with?

....some questions are better left unanswered.......

 

[jlepre]

....some questions are better left unanswered.......

C'mon answer the question...

 

[SharonG]

I'd like to think it's the former...

I'm goin' with my brain is busier!