Here are some of my thoughts on the bass guitar in metal and some other opinions about the instrument,
1. I play with a pick. So what? Any finger-picking elitest out there who doesn't like that, fuck off. Whatever you like best, just use that technique. Don't let any kind of conformity or elitism keep you from doing what you want.
2.As far as bass playing in metal is concerned, I think it's fine to play along with the guitar. What makes bass in metal interesting is the intros, interludes, and fills. It's about serving the song and if you try to come up with something crazy to serve your ego, it may end up sounding absurd when it comes to the style of metal. Most of the greatest bassists of metal (Geezer Butler, Steve Harris, Cliff Burton) play along with the guitar,but also utilize great fills and other techniques. Some bassists say that guitarists are the egomaniacs and don't want to support that by playing along with the guitar. I call it playing along with the SONG. Isn't the guitar playing along with the bass as well?
you got it right, Ox! Maiden's tunes are almost all written on bass, but they all share in making the songs great! glad your not frustrated like that one guy, Thefartz!
scottymoe wrote on Aug 15th, 2009 at 8:55am : you got it right, Ox! Maiden's tunes are almost all written on bass, but they all share in making the songs great! glad your not frustrated like that one guy, Thefartz!
