What are some alternatives to having a bassist in a band?
Question by : What are some alternatives to having a bassist in a band?
My band just lost our bassist, and not too many people I know want to play bass or even know how to play bass. I was thinking a little bit about alternatives to bassists… I know keyboards or piano could be one, are there any other ones? It sounds kind of empty when there isn’t a bass, and if you’ve heard the White Stripes or Japandroids live, they don’t really live up to their recordings as well as tradition 3 or 4 piece groups (in my opinion). Any ideas?
Best answer:
Answer by Sexy Tuba
You could get another guitarist and have them play at a lower tuning.
What do you think? Answer below!
Reader Comments
Get an octave pedal
Keyboardist on the low notes i suppose might work?
Just record the bass parts electronically
Get an octave pedal for the guitar.
Don’t make a band!
Really depends on your style of music. I’m in a band that plays hard rock with a funk influence and we don’t have a bassist. Live, the sound is filled by a drummer who is VERY heavy on the bass pedal, and our rhythm guitarist has a very full, bassy tone. The sound is still rich. Personally, I think a lot of bands are really obsessed with the idea of having a bassist just for the sake of it; if you can find a good one then go for it but otherwise augment your sound with a keyboardist, or adjust the tone of the guitar(s) in the group of what the guitars are playing. You never know, this sort of challenge could lead you to discover a different way of playing that might suit you better. I’d say try and continue without a bassist before you go and get a replacement. Good luck whichever path you choose!