Hey Drummers....(OK, this time its an On Topic post)

As a bass player, Im from the school of "drummer FIRST before anything"....I go with the drummer- groove and dynamics - regardless of what vocals and guitar/other instruments are doing as I believe this is how a rhythm section is supposed to work. If we go places as a rhythm section to support everyone else is one thing but if the guitar player is cueing for hits/stabs and the drummer doesnt do it, then I dont either. I cue my notes and dynamics mostly from kick(first), snare, and hi hat/ride.... Conversely, I think a drummer should go with his bass player and if its obvious the bass player is missing cues, he shouldnt go with the guitarist/other person (Front Guy/Elvis-ish type acts aside) but maintain that rhythm section unity

I like a drummer with Swiss time, but that can move dynamically. I (personally) also prefer a drummer that has chops but doesnt negate the groove.

My main issue is snare...I play with some drummers who start fartin around with cymbals and their snare starts disappearing... I religiously use the snare as my "groove anchor".......

SO...My question is, what do you look for in a bass player???

one who can keep time first, then groove

I follow the bassist for groove, and the rest of the band for kicks and licks

I like a bass player who naturally syncs up with me without either of us needing to try too hard to find one another, but I'll comfortably settle for any bassist who puts in the effort to match up with me.

A bass player who could also be a lead player. I am really big into "duo" type bands. So, here goes...

In a duo setting both players should have to be multi-instrumentalists, or at the very least, be highly interested in new sonic palettes. For example, in my current duo, we are using loopers, delays, and tonal effects. Both of us. I play experimental synths and the bass player is pretty good at setting up drones. We realize we have a reduced high end, so we have to make up for it with different sounds. It allows both of us to be creative, and the bass player can be heard in the upper registers.

Another thing that is really awesome in a bass player is the ability to improvise on a dime. If I change things up, he should be able to follow. I know of two, right now that do this. I love playing music with them. I am also EXTREMELY tired of listening to older people who are not musicians telling me, or my band, that we need a guitarist and a singer. Bass player sings too. He really does a lot of stuff. Being experimental is the way to go. Can a bass player go in any direction? That's necessary.

Finally, can he FEEL? Groove is important. Does he get excited when he plays his parts. That's what makes a great bass player.

I personally like a bass player who............errrr looks like your avatar.

Feel, groove, locking in, not trying to stand in front of the band (playing-wise), knows what a bass line is and can play for four measures at a time without adding fills.

And I would hope all of that is expected of me, as well!

Pocket and groove. Bass players and drummers should (as the phrase used to go) be tighter than 2 "a" holes put together. They are the feel, the drive, the soul of the whole band. And sometimes with keys as well, but bass and drums are the "thump" that lead the bus. All else are embellishments.

But that being said. They have to use taste and style to really dictate how the song will sound. Both have to have BIG ears, so to speak. Remember an old adage... 90% conservation, 10% persperation. Play the right notes in the right place, and you can burn it down!!!

Articulation so you can hear their notes, big ears to interact/change up when needed, a good vocabulary to speak on the bass with, and a genuine excitment playing bass and getting into the music.

nice tits

Yes, but I would add to that musicality and rhythm. The I will have a bass player to die for.