Asking For (and Getting) Feedback

Q: As bass players, we often find ourselves in situations where we do a job for others, be it taking the bass chair in a singer’s project, subbing in a band, teaching, giving workshops, etc. I often find it difficult to get appropriate feedback for my job. I like it when people are happy with my work, and I also like it when I am given the opportunity to learn from my mistakes or wrong choices. Often, however, I have the impression that the people you work with don’t exactly tell you what they think, even when you ask them. Sometimes you just start wondering and speculating when they don’t (or do) call you back. Sometimes, too, it feels unfair because you feel that you could do a much better job if they just told you what was wrong. Could you share some of your experiences, or even strategies about this?

A: I’m sure that this will bring a lot of comments below, brace yourself!

Two thoughts happened simultaneously when I read your question:

A) The bass is the wrong instrument for anyone needing recognition or positive re-enforcement of any kind.

B) You might be worrying too much.

Generally speaking (and genre dependent), you’re job is to not be noticed to some extent. Especially in the pop realm, which would include country these days, if the singer or anyone else notices you, it is because you are either over playing or doing something wrong. With that in mind, not getting feedback might just mean that you are indeed doing a fantastic job and have nothing to worry about. I’d say that is certainly true if you are also continuously rehired by those bands.

I take it as a compliment when a singer gives me a compliment along the lines of, “That was so easy! I didn’t even know you guys were there!”

Now that I’ve said that, I’d like to also say that this particular way of thinking might be outdated as it’s been proven over and over again that the bass can take a prominent and musically supportive role.

Don’t assume that people aren’t willing to give critical advice unless you seem like the kind of guy who might not be able to “take it”. Some people, it’s true, have softer egos and take things too hard when someone tries to give them helpful advice.

But those people typically don’t last very long in the group either, so again, if you’re hired back and working steady with these groups, I think you may be over thinking things. It sounds like everyone may just happy with your playing!

My advice to you would be this:

  • Continue to leave yourself open to critique and comments.
  • Worry less about how everyone else feels about your playing and use your own musical sensibilities as your guide.
  • Record rehearsals and gigs, critique yourself, strive to make yourself happy with the music (not just your playing, but the music).

I guarantee that if the music sounds good to you, it’ll sound good to them as well (and if it doesn’t, that just means that it might not be a good musical match).

Readers, what’s your take? Tell us about it in the comments.

Have a question for Damian Erskine? Send it to [email protected]. Check out Damian’s instructional books, Right Hand Drive and The Improviser’s Path.

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Leave a Reply to Blyss Isthe Sonofabass Cancel reply

  1. Agreed. I’ve often said that our job is to bridge the lead guitar, the vocal melody, the rhythm guitar, and the drums. We’re the peanutbutter that holds it all together. Yes, I love my “Lead Bass” moments, prog rock, jazz moments where we are recognized, but the role of subtelty is an egoless one that requires our own pride to know we’re on…or off. There’s a reason so many producers and engineers were bassists in past lives. We hear the song, not just our part, and do what’s necessary for the song! Keep thumpin!

  2. THIS is a great, practical article.

  3. So, would you say Les Claypool follows these guidelines? How about Geddy Lee, or Flea? I disagree with what you’ve state. I think the bass does take prominent roles in bands. I think it depends on the band and the style of music you’re playing.

  4. <=========== Only care what other bass players think….lol.

  5. In talking with a rather prominent music contractor, I’ve come to learn that musicians, in general, are a rather passive-aggressive lot. If they don’t like you, they won’t say a word. They’ll simply tell the contractor that they don’t want to work with you…or “fire that guy”…or perhaps the biggest sign: the phone stops ringing. You just have to rely on your own intuition and pray that you meet someone who can pull you aside (if necessary) and give you a few pointers.

  6. This is spot on. The greatest compliment I’ve ever gotten was from an MD who said “I want to hire you, because I don’t have to worry about anything when you’re there.”

  7. Very interesting and thought provoking article. I DO agree with the “No News is good news” philosophy to an extent. But I also like people who are vocal about their opinion, I’d rather know than not know. There is a great deal of truth to the philosophy that the best bass player is one that you don’t notice unless you don’t not hear him… if you think about it it DOES make sense. :) If you don’t hear that glue that bridges all the gaps, whether you know what it is or not, you WILL notice that. Like for instance if your Bass cuts out in the mix. So really you ARE being noticed without being NOTICED. We DO matter.

  8. Wow, thank you for this wise and most unexpected of responses! There’s still much to learn..

  9. I have often asked the leader what I could improve on. It shows interest in the band and in the situation. It also shows that you are professional and wish to do a good job. It is way to create a link. However, you have to be ready for the answer because if he mentions something and you don’t adress it, it is a huge step backward. But asking for feedback, I think, is very important if you ultimately want to do develop as a player. Plus, recording everything is a must. You will be amazed at what you hear when you listen as a listener, not as a person actually playing the part in the moment.

  10. One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever been given (from a friend, band leader and overall top notch musician) was “Great job today! You disappeared.”

    • I might add that, while they think we go unnoticed, we never really do. Often, in the Praise & Worship environment I play in, the song will get quiet and I’ll drop right out. I can always see the congregation’s reaction when I come back in. That’s the feedback I find important. :-)

    • I also play in a Praise and Worship environment and I rarely hear any feedback if I play along with the chord chart. However, any deviation from the chart good/bad I have noticed the comments start to come my way. Most P&W bassists aren’t bassists they are guitar players that bought a bass and they don’t fully understand the role that we play in the band; So when a Worship Director hears a difference they start talking.

  11. Something I learned in my younger days – if you’re working with players who are older or more experienced, they generally don’t give “feedback”or do a lot of backslapping, because they are used to playing with people on the same level; they assume if you are on the gig, you are one of them. If they DO say something, then you know there is a problem. Also, the issues on a pro level tend to be more about professionalism than bass playing – things like showing up on time, being easy to work with, having working gear, not excessively subbing out the gig, etc. Even if you are 100% professional, there will still be people who don’t call you back, and you can’t find out why. Just accept it and focus on the gigs that you DO get called for.