Music Factory

Rock fans everywhere would readily admit that the lead guitarist gets most of the critical and popular accolades. In many cases, this is the same individual who handles lead vocals, and the popularity and acclaim increase accordingly. Even drummers are tossed an occasional bone as they are allowed a solo or two on rare occasions. But the true backbone of any traditional rock band is ineffably the bass player.

While guitarists go off on their boundless sonic tangents, noodling aimlessly, bass guitars are left with the task of keeping the rest of the band grounded in a discernable rhythm. Without this guiding presence, the band would be lost in a sea of incongruous racket. Certain jam bands might be able to survive without an outspoken bassist, jazz and rock bands simply cannot.