Why do guys pound on their basses??
- Thread starter BloodRose
- Start date
Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Because some bass players are still neandrathals.
jk/I think it is just for show. I have no idea why it'd serve any purpose.
Because some bass players are still neandrathals.
jk/I think it is just for show. I have no idea why it'd serve any purpose.
crusty philtrum
Vintageologist
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Because they're at war with .... something. Just like so many guitarists are all about instruments that look more like weapons, music styles that are about aggression, death etc, on and on it goes. Such one-dimensional stuff becomes tedious after a while.
It is possible to grow up and realise that music covers a lot more territory than just aggression. But so many just pander to that limited image and style to keep impressing pimply adolescents. I find the whole thing kinda sad.
Because they're at war with .... something. Just like so many guitarists are all about instruments that look more like weapons, music styles that are about aggression, death etc, on and on it goes. Such one-dimensional stuff becomes tedious after a while.
It is possible to grow up and realise that music covers a lot more territory than just aggression. But so many just pander to that limited image and style to keep impressing pimply adolescents. I find the whole thing kinda sad.
Snake Aces
Singlecut Slut
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Bass is a rhythmic instrument. It can be percussive as well. Why did Jimi Hendrix tap his headstock? Why do bassplayers pound their basses? Because, they are musicians who are using their instruments as extensions of their emotions, expressive creativity and artistic vision.
I have a habit of tapping my electric guitars and basses sometimes to the rhythm of the songs I'm jammin'. We all have our things and it's cool cuz it's a form of art. Just go with the flow of your energy.
Bass is a rhythmic instrument. It can be percussive as well. Why did Jimi Hendrix tap his headstock? Why do bassplayers pound their basses? Because, they are musicians who are using their instruments as extensions of their emotions, expressive creativity and artistic vision.
I have a habit of tapping my electric guitars and basses sometimes to the rhythm of the songs I'm jammin'. We all have our things and it's cool cuz it's a form of art. Just go with the flow of your energy.
Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
I pound on my bass all the time... with the floor... then I get kicked out of my band again. Good times.
I pound on my bass all the time... with the floor... then I get kicked out of my band again. Good times.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Doesn't matter since Eddie will overdub the bass anyway.
Doesn't matter since Eddie will overdub the bass anyway.
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Machismo gorn maaaaaaaad!
Attention seeking.
Machismo gorn maaaaaaaad!
Attention seeking.
BlueTalon
New member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Seriously, this is like a pick vs. fingers discussion, except even more pointless. There might be a showy-anger aspect to some of it, but to assume all of it is rage-related us just stupid.
If you pound on your bass, whether with your fist or your hip, you can get a thunder-like rumble -- or, as others have mentioned, if you do it rhythmically, it can have a percussive effect.
If you don't want your bass to make those sounds, then don't pound your bass. But don't accuse everyone who does it of supporting or condoning ragey adolescence.
Seriously, this is like a pick vs. fingers discussion, except even more pointless. There might be a showy-anger aspect to some of it, but to assume all of it is rage-related us just stupid.
If you pound on your bass, whether with your fist or your hip, you can get a thunder-like rumble -- or, as others have mentioned, if you do it rhythmically, it can have a percussive effect.
If you don't want your bass to make those sounds, then don't pound your bass. But don't accuse everyone who does it of supporting or condoning ragey adolescence.
Aasinsilta
New member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
As others have said, it gets a percussive sound out of it.
I don't think either of the examples brought up in the OP are from bands just about aggression. Most of the guys who would pound on their basses are from 80's hard rock/metal, I also recall seeing Rudy Sarzo doing it. In the After Hours videos I believe. But yes, the guys who do this are pure Neanderthals and all they sing about is killing while they play their super pointy basses.
As others have said, it gets a percussive sound out of it.
Kamanda~SD
New member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
My bass player does it purely because he's seen other guys do it....If you know what your doing though and mute the strings well (minus the note you want) you can get a good bang out of it. Or do what I've don'e and sort of fake it...like flick your finger off to the open note while you hit in, better definition that way.
My bass player does it purely because he's seen other guys do it....If you know what your doing though and mute the strings well (minus the note you want) you can get a good bang out of it. Or do what I've don'e and sort of fake it...like flick your finger off to the open note while you hit in, better definition that way.
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Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
In which case, why not simply hammer the desired note à la Chapman Stick?
In which case, why not simply hammer the desired note à la Chapman Stick?
PipeRain
Member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
I've done it, about a hundred years ago. With hot pups, bright strings and a fairly sensitive amp turned up to "Stupid" it makes some pretty cool noise for certain types of music. Mine made a sound somewhat like a large bell tolling but boomier. Sort of like a cross between an intentional harmonic and slapping a note very hard but with way less attack than either. Gave the subs in our PA a heckuva workout. That's the "Intellectual Response". As others mentioned, sometimes it's just cool and that's all the reason it needed.
I've done it, about a hundred years ago. With hot pups, bright strings and a fairly sensitive amp turned up to "Stupid" it makes some pretty cool noise for certain types of music. Mine made a sound somewhat like a large bell tolling but boomier. Sort of like a cross between an intentional harmonic and slapping a note very hard but with way less attack than either. Gave the subs in our PA a heckuva workout. That's the "Intellectual Response". As others mentioned, sometimes it's just cool and that's all the reason it needed.
MkIII Renegade
New member
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Why do drummers twirl their sticks, or point them at the camera? Why do guitarists treat their instruments as giant phallic substitutes? Why do rock singers always try to strut and preen like a young Robert Plant?
These are simply universal behaviors in the rock world. Get used to it.
Why do drummers twirl their sticks, or point them at the camera? Why do guitarists treat their instruments as giant phallic substitutes? Why do rock singers always try to strut and preen like a young Robert Plant?
These are simply universal behaviors in the rock world. Get used to it.
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Why do guys pound on their basses??
Which leads us all back to "why are there so few prominent women guitarists - particularly electric?"
Dumb all over and maybe even a little ugly on the side.
Which leads us all back to "why are there so few prominent women guitarists - particularly electric?"
Dumb all over and maybe even a little ugly on the side.
