bassist
Quartet's lowest player
A bassist is a musician who plays bass—either the double bass (upright bass) in jazz and classical settings, or the bass guitar in rock, pop, and other contemporary genres.
The bassist laid down a solid groove for the whole song.
The term usually implies someone for whom bass is their primary instrument, not a guitarist filling in.
Plucking strings directly
- slapOpen-handed blow
- pickPointed breaking tool
- tappingRepeated light striking
- fretlessHaving no fingerboard dividers
harmonics · slides · vibrato · muting · popping · legato · staccato · glissando
Open-handed blow
- popFizzy drink, regionally
- bootsyParliament's star bassist
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- groovySixties slang for cool
stank · pocket · parliament · chic · octaves · fingerstyle · envelope · wah
Thin flexible lines
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- preampInitial signal booster
- pickupsOpen-bed work vehicles
frets · fretless · tuners · bridge · nut · neck · body · strap
Narrow cut or routine
- pocketFabric compartment in clothing
- pulseArterial blood throb
- timingArt of choosing moments
- downbeatNegatively toned or dispirited
backbeat · syncopation · drummer · timekeeper · subdivision · feel · swing · drive
For a symphony ensemble
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
- arcoPlay with bow
- pizzicatoString-plucking technique
bowing · rosin · principal · section · sightreading · audition · concerto · conservatory
fingerstyle
Plucking strings directly
fretless · harmonics · slides · vibrato · muting · popping · legato · staccato · glissando · hammer
slap
Open-handed blow
- popFizzy drink, regionally
- bootsyParliament's star bassist
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
groovy · stank · pocket · parliament · chic · octaves · fingerstyle · envelope · wah · thump
strings
Thin flexible lines
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- preampInitial signal booster
pickups · frets · fretless · tuners · bridge · nut · neck · body · strap · cable
groove
Narrow cut or routine
downbeat · backbeat · syncopation · drummer · timekeeper · subdivision · feel · swing · drive · tempo
orchestral
For a symphony ensemble
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
- arcoPlay with bow
pizzicato · bowing · rosin · principal · section · sightreading · audition · concerto · conservatory · stool
electric
Powered by current
- fenderProtective wheel housing
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
pedals · distortion · pick · fingerstyle · flea · stage · tour · riffs · headstock · strap
upright
Vertical or morally sound
- walkingLocomotion on foot
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- bebopFast, complex jazz style
swing · standup · combo · comping · modal · trio · quartet · standards · changes · vamp
- rock musicrock band, electric guitar, guitar solo, guitar riff, guitar riffs
- Band Lifedrums, guitar, electric guitar, microphone, amplifier
- jazz clubbandstand, house band, jam session, live music, saxophone
- music jobsmusician, singer, composer, songwriter, producer
- musicianspianist, guitarist, electric guitarist, vocalist, singer-songwriter
- jazz bandsjazz band, big band, swing band, combo, ensemble
bassistsoprano
Highest female voice range
treble · lead guitarist · lead vocalist · lead singer · flutist
bassistlead singer
Band's main vocalist
frontman · lead guitarist · soloist · lead vocalist · frontwoman
- double bassistLargest bowed string performer