What does it mean to be a good bass player?
First it’s important that we distinguish between a good bass player, versus a good performer, or a good band mate etc… Lots of things add to the value of a band member; attitude, equipment, stage presence, followers, appearance… But none of those things count much when asking the question “What is a good bass player?” A good bass player can be as ugly as sin, might not own a car, might have cheap gear, might be a mean old cuss, or an arrogant young punk… It comes down to how well he can implement his musical ideas on the strings of his bass, and how well he (or she) does this while playing in an ensemble. Below is my list on the topic. I'm not saying you have to nail all of these to 100% to be considered a "good" bassist, but the closer you get the better! If you think of other qualities needed in a good bassist, please add them in the comments :
*If you can accurately manifest your melodic and harmonic ideas through the sound of your bass, you are a good bass player (the quality of those ideas is entirely subjective).
*If you can create a wide variety of tone through various right and left hand technique, and then use the appropriate tone for the genre you are playing, you are a good bass player.
*If you can perform in a variety of musical styles and sound equally well versed in them all, you are a good bass player.
*If you can read music and perform the all notes with the inflections indicated by the composer, you are a good bass player.
*If you can listen to a fairly intricate bass line (say the Lemon Song) and learn it by ear, you are a good bass player.
*If you can “fake” your way through a tune you’ve never played before and not only please the audience, but also please your band mates (and yourself), then you are a good bass player.
*If you can listen to the other members in your ensemble, compliment them, and put the overall sound of the group before the sound of your own instrument, you are a good bass player!
(please upvote and resteem as you see fit, thanks!)