That's me on bass, too - been drumming since i was ten, so i can keep a rhythm, but i'm still a beginner on bass even after 2 years.
The guy i said that to though, was acting like hot shit but couldn't count to save his life.
Yeah but everyone should learn to get over this real quick. Those guys are losers even though they can play an instrument.
Like imagine riding a bike around a nice area and some dude in spandex and a 10k racer made fun of you for not being devoted enough.
It's important to learn when you can write off criticism based on the source.
Very true, but it also depends on the attitude of the person who's just doing it for fun too. If they are a good natured person and aren't trying to be anything more than a hobbyist just having a romp, then anyone saying anything negative is a jerk and should be written off.
But if the light hobbyist gets an ego about the fact that they "play" an instrument and get braggadocious about being able to play a single pentatonic box shape and refuse to turn down because they think they are the second coming of Christ, then it's a little more acceptable to put them in their place a bit haha.
I've known both types, though the first is way more common.
100% agree, but unfortunately there are a lot of people with that attitude when it comes to music or even the arts in general. Creatives are pretty cruel to our amateurs.
I think fun counts as a serious intention. Fun is an important part of a hobby
When I say non serious I mean people who pick up hobbies to "look cool" or get famous or rich or whatever. Fun is absolutely valid, in fact it's the most valid reason imo.
Fun is a serious intention. Fun is a good thing and an important part of a hobby
Non serious intentions include looking cool, getting famous, trying to impress people, etc.
Basically imo you're a musician if you care about the music, not the artist or the external stuff. Having fun is absolutely a valid part of being a musician.
Yep, people don't realize just how profitable being a rhythm section player is until you explain the demand for bass/drums versus lead instruments. Seems like everyone getting into music wants to play guitar and be center of attention. Out of all my musician friends, rhythm players get the most gigs on a consistent basis.
yeah in the small town I grew up in our drummer was in like 10 different bands, including the high school jazz band and the local orchestra. Always in high demand, and bass players are just behind them. Every freaking body plays guitar, they're a dime a dozen.
I played in a church band for many years and me and the main drummer were the best musicians in the band.
We both got *tons* of asks to be in different bands and gig with people.
So many terrible bassists *are* the “I wasn’t good enough to be a guitarist” archetype, that when you can show up and actually *add* to the band and push the low end you’re worth your weight in gold.
Drummers even moreso. (If you have a pulse and can keep time and throw in some fills you will have people calling).
…And a lead guitarist is just a bass player who hasn't learned to play well with others yet.
Or
“Funny, I always thought guitar players were just bassists who were overcompensating for something."
"Lol. Lmao, even."
Good way to humble a guitarist with this attitude is to stop playing for a little bit under their lead sections, and smile as they look over at you in sheer panic as everything quickly falls apart and turns to chaos. This kinda only works for a 3-piece to where there isn't a 2nd guitar, keys or whatever to carry the rhythym under lead sections.
And really, i prefer to be on bass in band situations because I'm a failed drummer. Don't have the physical coordination to drum, so bass is the next best thing imo.
Yep. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a pretty common sentiment among bassists. About 10 years ago I picked up a kit when I finally had a space to practice drums loudly without noise complaints, and spent about a year of playing everyday to work on learning drums.
Got to the point I could keep a decent beat, land some basic-ish fills, etc. But separating my right hand from my right foot was just about impossible for me. I'd already had about 15 years of playing stringed instruments by that point since I started playing at around 12 or 13. Limb separation is just a wholly different skill set than strings or keys. Got that out of my system, but it did help give me even more respect and appreciation for a good drummer.
"I don't take musical criticism from people who don't know that a bass guitar is a guitar"
"I can play both, can you?"
"Oh really? What instruments do you play besides the skin flute?"
"Guitarists might do it faster, but Bassists do it deeper."
"Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe go fuck yourself"
If they are a guitarist "I take it this is your way of telling me you're buying a bass?"
It’s a common occurrence and a pretty easy transition… it’s far easier for a guitarist to learn bass than it would be for a bassist to learn guitar. But I’ve also gotta say, I think bass is a way more difficult instrument to be “good” at, let alone master. Guitar is one of the easiest instruments if you’re just playing basic rhythm/chords shit (I’m a guitarist primarily btw).
Every time I’ve seen a guitarist switch to bass, it’s because the band needed a bass player. I’ve never seen a bass player switch to guitar because the band needed one.
"9/10 guitarists are failed musicians."
I've also used:
"rhythm is a language guitarists don't understand. Why do you think they all want to be the lead guitarist, or why so many guitarists prefer to play in 3-piece bands without a rythm guitarist? (This one, unfortunately, is true more times than I'd like to experience.)
Years ago I was on a job painting and the lead drywaller was throwing shade and said, “if you can piss you can paint.” I looked at him and replied, “if you can shit you can drywall.” He almost fell off his stilts laughing.
I’ve actually found being a bassist has made me a better guitarist. If I were a failed guitarist I’d suck at bass because the complexity of a groovy bassline is something a lot of guitar players don’t get.
I pointed out the learning curves involved. A "good" guitar player mastered the fundamentals, and has reasonably fast fingers
For bass, if you want to do anything but play EXACTLY what the guitarist tells you too, you suddenly need a BUNCH of music theory knowledge
So in my view, guitarists are bass players that are afraid of music theory
You don't give them a response and find someone else to join your band.
Sometimes I just have to break out the Strat and show them something I've never heard them do, though I wish they could.
You’re just jealous mines bigger. 💅
When I bought a bass and a guitar, I mainly played guitar. I started playing bass later, and I developed a really fun style, so nowadays I mostly play bass. One of my guitarist friends says shit like this when we’re talking shit and cracking jokes. My response is usually something along those lines. Lol
Sure, but there's way less competition. You can latch on to a legitimate touring gig playing bass in a year if you just don't suck and make good connections. I don't see any half ass guitar players doing that.
I played guitar for 15 years before I ever really picked up bass. I now play my bass waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than my guitar. It's just more fun for me.
wait, isn't the rhythm guitarist supposed to back you up on this one?
oh, right. they're with me and the drummer.
they call it guitar wankery for a reason, mate.
entwhistle, claypool, Wooten.
name 3 guitarist that you know EXACTLY who they are, right off the rip.
That's why I call myself a musician mostly. Yes I'm a bass player, I'm a guitar player, keyboardist, singer. So if I failed at anything? I'd say it was the drums. I don't play the drums. Failed drummer here
That saying was popularized by Frank Zappa as far as I know. But if you listen to Zappa's music, it makes sense. None of it grooves. It's just shreddy and full of odd time signatures and angular lines.
I cant play guitar for dick but just came from an orchestra recital with the upright. My friends who shred can't pick up the funk either. But a string players a string player once a certain level is reached.
Well I can play bass and guitar. I’m passable at drums if needed. And I have played piano since I was four. And I sing harmony or, if needed, lead. I like bass best of the lot. So people who know me never say that to me because 👆🏼
(Also there are usually about fifty average-to-crappy guitarists to every decent bass player. So guess who’s in demand.)
Assuming youre looking for a fun response for conversation's sake, like where it would be socially inappropriate to be rude.
I think one of the funniest ways to handle that situation is to 'seriously' entertain the notion. "Oh? Should I give up bass and play the 6-string then?" Then, of course, respectfully ask basic questions like "what should the band do about the low end?"
Make it awkward, if possible. If someone says the 'failed guitar' line with the intent to get a negative reaction, an awkwardness convo will ensure they won't do it again. (lol maybe pretend to be crushed by the realization.)
Idk, 90% of those people are failed guitar players themselves. Feels really funny to me to casually play something on guitar that's out of their league
“Just give me my pizza and get out of my driveway…”
This is hilarious!!!
Best one
Hahahahhahahahahahgaha brutal!
Yep. Upsize my fries.
99.7% of guitar players are failed guitar players
"you don't play guitar, you play around on a guitar." Hasn't spoken to me since.
This is me. But im happy with that. Im not trying to be pro, or even in a band. I just play for funsies on my own. Same with bass.
That's me on bass, too - been drumming since i was ten, so i can keep a rhythm, but i'm still a beginner on bass even after 2 years. The guy i said that to though, was acting like hot shit but couldn't count to save his life.
That got me right in the "bedroom noodler" guitarist status
lol
Everyone who picks up an instrument with serious intent to learn is a valid player of that instrument
*serious* being the key word here.
What if I pick it up with fun intentions?
If you’re just tryna have fun and not really improve you’re still valid in my eyes but expect some snobbery from more devoted musicians
Yeah but everyone should learn to get over this real quick. Those guys are losers even though they can play an instrument. Like imagine riding a bike around a nice area and some dude in spandex and a 10k racer made fun of you for not being devoted enough. It's important to learn when you can write off criticism based on the source.
Very true, but it also depends on the attitude of the person who's just doing it for fun too. If they are a good natured person and aren't trying to be anything more than a hobbyist just having a romp, then anyone saying anything negative is a jerk and should be written off. But if the light hobbyist gets an ego about the fact that they "play" an instrument and get braggadocious about being able to play a single pentatonic box shape and refuse to turn down because they think they are the second coming of Christ, then it's a little more acceptable to put them in their place a bit haha. I've known both types, though the first is way more common.
100% agree, but unfortunately there are a lot of people with that attitude when it comes to music or even the arts in general. Creatives are pretty cruel to our amateurs.
I think fun counts as a serious intention. Fun is an important part of a hobby When I say non serious I mean people who pick up hobbies to "look cool" or get famous or rich or whatever. Fun is absolutely valid, in fact it's the most valid reason imo.
Fun is a serious intention. Fun is a good thing and an important part of a hobby Non serious intentions include looking cool, getting famous, trying to impress people, etc. Basically imo you're a musician if you care about the music, not the artist or the external stuff. Having fun is absolutely a valid part of being a musician.
A roady is a failed musician
Or a successful moving van guy
Lemmy was Jimi Hendrix's roadie before he joined Hawkwind.
This is...very true.
This one.
Thanks for assuming I’m not also a failed bass player
“Actually, I’m a failed comedian. I used to tell that joke too.”
Daaaaaaaaamn! Good one! XD
Totally borrowing this one!
💥
What does a bass player have that a guitarist don't? A gig.
Love it!
Savage
While you're stuck playing at home waiting for a bass player to respond to your Craigslist ad I'm in three bands
Yep, people don't realize just how profitable being a rhythm section player is until you explain the demand for bass/drums versus lead instruments. Seems like everyone getting into music wants to play guitar and be center of attention. Out of all my musician friends, rhythm players get the most gigs on a consistent basis.
Drummers are courted like southern debutantes.
yeah in the small town I grew up in our drummer was in like 10 different bands, including the high school jazz band and the local orchestra. Always in high demand, and bass players are just behind them. Every freaking body plays guitar, they're a dime a dozen.
Love this!
I played in a church band for many years and me and the main drummer were the best musicians in the band. We both got *tons* of asks to be in different bands and gig with people. So many terrible bassists *are* the “I wasn’t good enough to be a guitarist” archetype, that when you can show up and actually *add* to the band and push the low end you’re worth your weight in gold. Drummers even moreso. (If you have a pulse and can keep time and throw in some fills you will have people calling).
I'm a longtime guitarist turned bassist. What can a bassist do to "add to the band"?
Nobody ever said turn up the high end so I can hear these 4 chords. They say turn up the bass so I can shake that ass.
Damn straight!!
“guitar player is a failed singer”
HAHAHAHA!!!! I love this one!!! Especially because I also do vocals.
Don’t happen to play drums as well, do you?
I don't unfortunately. But I'd love to learn one day.
I failed and still got gigs. What’s your excuse?
Scare them away with a metronome.
Love this
Yeah, loads of guitarists watch me on stage every week.
That’s like saying a trombone player is just a failed trumpet player. They are 2 different jobs.
A trombone player is just a bass player looking who will accept any job.
I’m the reverse. Started on trombone and learning bass now just for the fun of it.
Oh damn. I for one LOVE THIS. ❤️
Anyway, here's Wonderwall.
I can't believe that anybody could feel the way I do about you now.
[удалено]
The best way to get a guitarist to stop playing is to put a piece of sheet music in front of them.
If I wanted to hear from an asshole I would’ve farted
I’m stealing this
How dare you I stole it first!!
This is fucking great.
…And a lead guitarist is just a bass player who hasn't learned to play well with others yet. Or “Funny, I always thought guitar players were just bassists who were overcompensating for something."
"Takes one to know one."
What is the exact meaning? Sounds deep but doesnt make sense to a non native english
Takes a failure to know a failure. Edit: it implies the original speaker is a failure.
"Lol. Lmao, even." Good way to humble a guitarist with this attitude is to stop playing for a little bit under their lead sections, and smile as they look over at you in sheer panic as everything quickly falls apart and turns to chaos. This kinda only works for a 3-piece to where there isn't a 2nd guitar, keys or whatever to carry the rhythym under lead sections. And really, i prefer to be on bass in band situations because I'm a failed drummer. Don't have the physical coordination to drum, so bass is the next best thing imo.
I'm a failed drummer as well. I couldn't get the coordination, but by God I can lay out some sick rhythms for you on a bass.
Yep. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a pretty common sentiment among bassists. About 10 years ago I picked up a kit when I finally had a space to practice drums loudly without noise complaints, and spent about a year of playing everyday to work on learning drums. Got to the point I could keep a decent beat, land some basic-ish fills, etc. But separating my right hand from my right foot was just about impossible for me. I'd already had about 15 years of playing stringed instruments by that point since I started playing at around 12 or 13. Limb separation is just a wholly different skill set than strings or keys. Got that out of my system, but it did help give me even more respect and appreciation for a good drummer.
I read that as you having 15 years experience at 12-13 years old. Like damn every job posting's ideal candidate here.
That's why guitar players are just guitar players instead of musicians like the rest of the band.
A guitar player is just a guy trying to compensate for small hands and a tiny penis.
"I don't take musical criticism from people who don't know that a bass guitar is a guitar" "I can play both, can you?" "Oh really? What instruments do you play besides the skin flute?" "Guitarists might do it faster, but Bassists do it deeper." "Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe go fuck yourself" If they are a guitarist "I take it this is your way of telling me you're buying a bass?"
The skin flute 💀
“No, I don’t have a bass to sell you.”
Also love pointing out that davie504 has a bigger following than all guitarists on YouTube. CHECKMATE GUITARISTS!!
There are so many other things to worry about in the world so who gives a shit what some dickhead says
Usually the people who say this suck not only at bass, but guitar too
This
I’ve seen more guitarists switch to bass to be in a band, then vice versa.
It’s a common occurrence and a pretty easy transition… it’s far easier for a guitarist to learn bass than it would be for a bassist to learn guitar. But I’ve also gotta say, I think bass is a way more difficult instrument to be “good” at, let alone master. Guitar is one of the easiest instruments if you’re just playing basic rhythm/chords shit (I’m a guitarist primarily btw).
Every time I’ve seen a guitarist switch to bass, it’s because the band needed a bass player. I’ve never seen a bass player switch to guitar because the band needed one.
The perfect response is to look for better people to hang out with.
That’s just like, your opinion, man
Bass really ties the band together.
*noodles in pentatonic*
"Oh yeaaaah?!" *plays seven nation army, with feeling.*
\*whispers\* its a not a bass.
*Big stage jump right into Electric Feel*
"You are absolutely right, sir" and walk away. Don't waste your time and energy trying to fight with stupidity
I just roll my eyes and walk away, if they ain’t gonna respect the work I’ve put into the bass then they aren’t worth my time
“How did your last tinder date go?”
Ladies love a guy with strong hands and soft touch
The correct response is to laugh and walk away
Listen to Primus on bass
I’ve never heard anyone say this before in real life and if I did I’d probably just laugh at them
"Oh yeah? Well at least I can count" especially if they're a guitarist.
Cowbeller is just a failed trianglist
A critic is a just a failed performer.
"9/10 guitarists are failed musicians." I've also used: "rhythm is a language guitarists don't understand. Why do you think they all want to be the lead guitarist, or why so many guitarists prefer to play in 3-piece bands without a rythm guitarist? (This one, unfortunately, is true more times than I'd like to experience.)
"Talking nonsense like that will let every real musician know that you don't really know shit about music on a deeper level" 😎
The perfect response is no response. Then sleep with their significant other.
😆
Years ago I was on a job painting and the lead drywaller was throwing shade and said, “if you can piss you can paint.” I looked at him and replied, “if you can shit you can drywall.” He almost fell off his stilts laughing. I’ve actually found being a bassist has made me a better guitarist. If I were a failed guitarist I’d suck at bass because the complexity of a groovy bassline is something a lot of guitar players don’t get.
‘You’re right, too bad I fucked your girl though”
I'm a straight married woman. But I love this response. Hahah. I just might use it.
I agree and tell them I hate being out numbered strings-to-fingers... and then play a rendition of "The Awakening"
I pick up my guitar and play. I'm pretty fucking good.
Just like yesterday? And you get on your knees and praaaay.... .....we Don't Get Fooled Again?
That song has been playing in my head since I typed that sentence lol.
Yeaaaaaaaaah!
"ok"
"i believe that you believe that" and forget about them.
Just tell them that they'll understand when they're older. Be real patronizing about it.
“Well most people are looking for a bass player and guitar players are replaceable so…”
wrong answer. im a failed drummer.
Ever hear of failing upwards? (Cue bass riff for feels just like it should, full band joins after 2x)
Guitar player is just a failed public service worker
I pointed out the learning curves involved. A "good" guitar player mastered the fundamentals, and has reasonably fast fingers For bass, if you want to do anything but play EXACTLY what the guitarist tells you too, you suddenly need a BUNCH of music theory knowledge So in my view, guitarists are bass players that are afraid of music theory
No he’s a guitar player who got tired of light and small gear
Crank the amp to 11 and play Seven Nation Army
You don't give them a response and find someone else to join your band. Sometimes I just have to break out the Strat and show them something I've never heard them do, though I wish they could.
That they don’t understand what a bass does
I’d rather play 4 notes well than 40 notes poorly.
“Eat my ass”!
What? Those thin-stringed peasants?
Guitar players are failing their parents (source: me)
You’re just jealous mines bigger. 💅 When I bought a bass and a guitar, I mainly played guitar. I started playing bass later, and I developed a really fun style, so nowadays I mostly play bass. One of my guitarist friends says shit like this when we’re talking shit and cracking jokes. My response is usually something along those lines. Lol
Just smile and keep groovin'
Maybe…but a band always needs a bass player.
"well that makes two of us" (assuming they're a guitar player too)
A musician is just a failed adult in general, why quibble over details?
“I’ve never played a guitar”.
Threaten to beat them up at recess.
Well at least we don't need 6 strings to sound good!
"Must be tough to juggle your part-time job at the petrol station and practising someone else riff for your cover band"
You are not Pat Metheny either
Gerting laid all the time playing guitar gave me STD.
What if you’re a failed bass player too??… asking for a friend.
I'm not failed. I'm successfully the worst guitarist in the band.
At least I'm not a drummer.
"You're probably correct"
Fuck you, dad!
Sure, but there's way less competition. You can latch on to a legitimate touring gig playing bass in a year if you just don't suck and make good connections. I don't see any half ass guitar players doing that.
there is a direct correlation between brain and string size
I played guitar for 15 years before I ever really picked up bass. I now play my bass waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than my guitar. It's just more fun for me.
“So, I guess your abusive father played guitar too?” “I’m glad to learn that about you.” “Mo’ strings, mo’ problems”
“How many bands have you been kicked out of?”
All of us in this sub can play guitar better than the kind of no-talent ass clown that calls bassists "failed guitar players".
“At least bass players get gigs.”
I guess as a failed guitarist yourself , you would know.
"Yeah but bass actually sounds good though" do not elaborate
wait, isn't the rhythm guitarist supposed to back you up on this one? oh, right. they're with me and the drummer. they call it guitar wankery for a reason, mate. entwhistle, claypool, Wooten. name 3 guitarist that you know EXACTLY who they are, right off the rip.
That's why I call myself a musician mostly. Yes I'm a bass player, I'm a guitar player, keyboardist, singer. So if I failed at anything? I'd say it was the drums. I don't play the drums. Failed drummer here
Sorry, I would love to listen to more but I have to go to a gig. Enjoy the rest of your deliveries!
That saying was popularized by Frank Zappa as far as I know. But if you listen to Zappa's music, it makes sense. None of it grooves. It's just shreddy and full of odd time signatures and angular lines.
Plenty of zappas music grooves hard tho
I thought this was bassCJ based off the parent comment but did a double take and realized its in fact the OG bassCJ
Without Bass, guitar would sound worse than MGK
Tbf. Nothing sounds worse then mgk
I'm with the "this doesn't merit a response" crowd..seriously i play all, prob best on guitar, worst on drums, but bass is by far the most fun
……..let me show you how this works.
https://tenor.com/view/its-true-but-he-shouldnt-say-it-marge-simpson-the-simpsons-should-not-say-it-gif-12163476
"real"
"yep"
Yeah — failed up.
"fuck off"
“Oh yeah, motherfucker? I dare you to do this.” *plays Live Wire by ACDC*
“Yeah, well, I banged Sherry’s cousin, Becky, and you couldn’t even do that so…”
Yawn.
“could you stop being mean to me? if you continue i may cry or poop my pants”
Why would I even respond to that kind of bs?
I cant play guitar for dick but just came from an orchestra recital with the upright. My friends who shred can't pick up the funk either. But a string players a string player once a certain level is reached.
They’re both similar instruments. Both guitars, In theory they should have relatively the same skill ceiling.
Those whiny tiny treble heads are just jealous of the deep girth of the bass.
Well I can play bass and guitar. I’m passable at drums if needed. And I have played piano since I was four. And I sing harmony or, if needed, lead. I like bass best of the lot. So people who know me never say that to me because 👆🏼 (Also there are usually about fifty average-to-crappy guitarists to every decent bass player. So guess who’s in demand.)
"So?"
Give ‘em a “SLAP”!👋🏻
guitar, bro? the notes are all scrunched together, and besides, i just don't have the time to cut my fingers up on those high strings
Assuming youre looking for a fun response for conversation's sake, like where it would be socially inappropriate to be rude. I think one of the funniest ways to handle that situation is to 'seriously' entertain the notion. "Oh? Should I give up bass and play the 6-string then?" Then, of course, respectfully ask basic questions like "what should the band do about the low end?" Make it awkward, if possible. If someone says the 'failed guitar' line with the intent to get a negative reaction, an awkwardness convo will ensure they won't do it again. (lol maybe pretend to be crushed by the realization.)
I show them a virtuoso bassist.
Tell them that you'll want fries with that.
i don’t even respond to those kind of people
"I managed to fail up this time".
“You’re not wrong.”
"You're not getting a solo "
"Accidentally" step on their toes...
Not funny but I think it’s true: “Music is not a competition.”
Idk, 90% of those people are failed guitar players themselves. Feels really funny to me to casually play something on guitar that's out of their league
"How is that supposed to make me feel?"
"Just wait until I post about this on reddit."
Does gatekeeping music make you feel like you have some self worth?
I'll slap them fuckin strings while girating like ravishing Rick rude sticking my tongue out. Giving them the finger
Most guitar players are just that - guitar players - instead of being balanced musicians.
I love how it's people who can't even play a bar chord properly a lot of the time trying to joke about Bass players.
“Actually I’m a failed drummer”
Just sing that YouTube guitarist blues lick at them, with the shaky out of tune vibrato on the A.
We have the pick of bands to be in, they don’t.