The Phrase for Bass Guitar Players Lacking Skill: 'Bass Guitar Owners'
A level of wit and affection, music enthusiasts and musicians alike often refer to less skilled bass guitarists derisively as 'bass guitar owners.' This term encapsulates a common sentiment about bass players who may own the instrument but lack the proficiency to truly unleash its potential. In this article, we explore the concept of bass guitar ownership, distinguishing skillful bass players from 'bass guitar owners,' and the importance of learning music.
The Evolution of the Term 'Bass Guitar Owners'
The phrase 'bass guitar owners' has emerged as a colloquial term in the musical community, particularly within genre-specific forums, social media groups, and among friends who share an interest in music. This term reflects a nuanced understanding of the bass guitar's role in various musical settings and the skills required to harness it effectively.
Player of a Bass Guitar
A player of a bass guitar should not be confused with just an owner. While it's true that possessing a bass guitar does not automatically make one a skilled player, there is a clear distinction. Bass guitar players, particularly those adept at lead and rhythm playing, showcase a level of skill that sets them apart from those who merely own the instrument.
Big Difference: Skill and Experience
The grand difference between a bass guitar owner and a skillful bass player lies in the depth of their understanding and the extent of their practice. While owning a bass guitar is a starting point, skillful playing involves a comprehensive grasp of technique, music theory, and emotional expression. As mentioned, the term 'bass guitar owner' often implies a lack of this essential element.
Tabs Make Players of the Guitar
TablATURE (or tabs) substitutes for traditional sheet music, providing simplified notations that help guitarists of all skill levels learn songs. While tabs are incredibly useful for beginners and those with a casual interest in the instrument, they can sometimes shield less skilled players from the full range of skills required to become truly proficient. Tabs usually assist in learning chords, scales, and basic strumming patterns, but they do little to develop the musical depth and nuance necessary for advanced playing.
It Has Its Place
Despite their limitations, tabs are an invaluable tool for learning and are widely used, especially during the initial learning phase. Many guitarists, including famous bands like The Ventures, started with tabs and found success. However, relying solely on tabs can limit a player's growth and development. Tabs can help in learning new songs and techniques, but they should not be the sole focus of a guitar player's learning process.
Big Difference: The Path to Mastery
To truly master the bass guitar, a player must go beyond the surface-level techniques provided in tabs. Learning music, such as understanding chords, scales, and the overall structure of a piece, is essential for truly making the instrument come alive. This involves a deeper dive into music theory, practice, and possibly formal instruction.
Early Learning and its Impact
Pioneering bass guitarists like those mentioned in The Ventures' early days were often led by early tablATURE. However, they also had a solid foundation in other instrument skills before diving into bass playing. For example, early exposure to piano or other instruments can provide the necessary musical knowledge and technique to make a more rounded bass player.
Lessons from Early Experiences
Aigner's own journey as a bass player, starting with early tabs but also incorporating skills from piano, offers valuable insights. The first three years of study in piano, starting at the age of 8, laid a crucial foundation for his overall musical understanding. This experience taught him the importance of a holistic approach to music, beyond simply mastering one instrument. These early years honed his ability to understand music, allowing him to continue learning and growing on the bass guitar and other instruments.
Conclusion
While 'bass guitar owners' may own the instrument, the true skillful bass players go beyond this simple ownership. Learning music, gaining a deep understanding of technical and theoretical aspects, and honing one's performance through dedicated practice and possibly formal instruction are crucial for achieving mastery. So, remember, a bass guitar player who truly excels not only owns the instrument but also the knowledge and dedication to use it effectively and expressively.