Why Do We Play Music?

BECOME A PATRON: / joshfossgreen
What would this KZbin channel be without occasional philosophizing? This time around I’m encouraging us all to ask ourselves this question “why do I play music.” Gently inquiring along these lines has been really helpful for me in all my career-related decision making, as well as helping me to stay focused on my love for music instead of getting lost in the grind of being a working musician.
Let me know if this is helpful, and what’s your current answer to this question?
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[@kentfossgreen3992]

It's true, Plan B was to become an Amish duck farmer. Lucky for you I was never forced to resort to it! I play music because it's all I ever wanted to do. Didn't matter that my enthusiasm was not always shared, it's always been something on a whole other plane from everything else. Of course, the bad gigs or less-than-inspiring bandmates can drag it down but somehow the power of music always shines through and makes me feel truly alive. On a side note, I still have to work to not be "that guy" who's complaining about the less than ideal situations we find ourselves in sometimes, but I've learned that that pretty much never leads to positive outcomes.

[@kwt7667g]

"I play music because it's all I ever wanted to do. Didn't matter that my enthusiasm was not always shared"" I feel the same way; I just wish it didn't take me 50 years to figure it out before I started playing.

[@AdamNeely]

Hey Josh! How do you teach music to somebody if you feel like music is totally subjective? If music is subjective, is it even ethical to teach (telling somebody what to do?) I don't ask that flippantly, its an important question in aesthetics and philosophy of art education, and one that I think about a lot!

[@joshfossgreen]

Hey Adam! It's something I think about a lot too and I don't feel like I have a fixed answer to either question. I want to clarify what I actually said, which was "there's an incredible amount of subjectivity in our field" and "there are very few parameters (of an objective nature)", not "music is totally subjective." To me there's a big difference, because I don't think music is 100% subjective. Also since it's become to clear to you and all watching that I was referring to your "how not to suck at music" videos, I want to also clarify that I didn't mean to rag on you or the format as something "bad," just something I personally would feel uncomfortable with producing myself. I watch a lot of your videos and appreciate all the knowledge and thoughtfulness you bring to them. This is far too interesting a conversation to have in detail via KZbin comments, but I do want to say a couple things: 1 - There are couple different ways to think about subjectivity, I guess for this purpose we could label them individual and group/collective. Individual subjectivity being "who's my favorite bass player," group/collective subjectivity being along the lines of "what makes jazz good jazz." Collectives of course are just collections of individuals, but still seems different. So a musical genre like jazz, for example, is a collection of (relatively) agreed-upon parameters that establish that particular aesthetic/genre (i.e. if you want to sound jazzy you need denser harmony than triads). It's the ontological "goodness" or "correctness" of those parameters that I'm saying is subjective, not "jazz is whatever you say it is. man." And also, importantly, however we define those parameters of "this is jazz" will inevitably get totally befuddled by the next genius that pops in and defies the "correct" parameters. 2 - I don't think teaching and telling someone what to do are necessarily the same thing. They can be, but they can also not be. And personally I feel like I teach a variety of ways, i.e. the way I present a video for consumption by multiple people is different than how I'd guide someone 1-on-1. What I attempt to do 1-on-1, and sometimes in videos like this one, is to help people move forward on wherever their musical path wants to go, acting more as a guide/assist than dictating direction. So actually I would say in answer to your second question, even if music was TOTALLY subjective (i.e. there was absolutely no external referant in the universe for the "good" (which I don't believe)), I think there would be an 'ethical' way to teach just by guiding someone forward in their musical desires. Okay this is officially my longest KZbin comment ever, hope anyone who took the time to read it found value in it. And Adam, if I'd realized how transparently I was making reference to your channel I would have taken more care with my words, so thank you for your thoughtful questions even though I sounded a little bratty in the video. - Josh

[@markbass354]

Josh the reason I play bass is I love the way it sounds , it gives me pleasure. Over the years things have changed , Im now 61. When I was 23 I was in a rollover car accident the roof collapsed on top of my head. I walked away without a scratch but I have chronic pain in my cervical spine. While playing bass or learning something new during that time period I feel no pain. So the reason I play bass now is it helps me deal with my chronic pain of 26 years. Im hurting while I type this so I better go , thanks for all you do.

[@joelocascio3910]

Hey Josh! I started playing bass in Jr High where I was part of the school orchestra. That was back in 1969! Eeeek & Yikes! lol Whenever I listened to music, and look back at all the great music being produced back in the 60's & 70's! And the only thing I would hear is the bass driving the songs and making people want to move! Since I didn't care for dancing, I was moved to play bass! Just to say "oh yeah? Well I make the dancers dance!" Always loved it! Cant play regular guitar because all I would do is break strings! I played my friend's Les Paul Custom, once, string broke in under a minute, and was kindly asked to give the guitar back, never to play it again! I had a knack for figuring out songs by ear and once I was confident in my bass playing ability, I was hooked for life! Had a brief 30 year hiatus from playing due things like jobs, college, career, marriage, parenthood etc but I never lost the love of the sound. For my 50th birthday my wife gave me a Fender Precision Deluxe and Ive been playing again! That was 10 years ago, no internet courses, just the books and cd's and Im enjoying it again! Thanks for being one of those great teachers of the instrument that we all love revere!

[@joshfossgreen]

Thanks for sharing Joe, glad you're back to playing and having fun!

[@chrislaing7108]

I play music because I love hearing music. Playing it is like the Ultimate Reward for being a music lover. I'm no pro (I'm a mature student in biology) but it's a real passion. I'm a guitarist but I just got a bass, hence being on your channel, I also have a mandolin, and I have a banjo on order too - this is another reason I play music, to push myself! Playing on multiple instruments challenges me and keeps me on my toes, also forces me to improve on my primary instrument. It's really subjective as you say but I'd like to think people play because they have passion and love for the music and their instrument(s)

[@jerry5955]

Watching a ton of videos as I am about a week out from getting my first bass. Anyways, fell upon this video. I think you hit the nail on the head with more than just music. Anyone that has a passionate hobby that turns into more than just a hobby, gets into this rhythm of thinking. That initial step into "more than just a hobby" (which for me was terrifying --- the 'am I good enough') is what I keep falling back on. Re-reflecting on it during harder grindier times really drove home the desire for self-improvement and the trying to master the "craft" attitude. It left me blowing off the negativity associated with the daily grind. I think it reflects a lot in your tutorials as well. Especially on the "what am I practicing?" video. You are really a great teacher btw. Overcame a lot of anxiety about getting into playing music because of these vids. Once I get my bass, bassbuzz is my first stop. Not sure if you will see this comment since it is in a 2018 vid but if you do, Keep on keepin on as Joe Dirt might say :D

[@markoldfield8831]

I was 14 when I bought my first bass. Honestly I bought it with the desire to have other people hear me play and think 'oh wow such a cool rockstar over here'. So there wasnt much romance with me playing the music and loving it. I put down the bass because it didnt give me what I was looking for (validation). Then at some point I wanted to learn naked in the rain by rhcp and I found you. Somewhere along the way, as I got better I realised that I finally was playing the music for myself and not with this idea of what the 'others' would think of me. My bass is always there on my bed ready to be played now. So thanks for aiding in giving me in finding my love for art and self expression. Your vids have taught me to appreciate something outside of myself. Yeah cheers I guess

[@joshfossgreen]

Awesome story, thanks Mark!

[@jaspert2532]

Thank you, Josh. I really enjoyed your words this morning. I'm not sure why I play, but do know that the time I spend playing my bass comprises the most mindful and centered moments of my day. Music has absolutely become my daily meditation.

[@muffevans5667]

57 soon and playing 45 of them, still learning and that won't stop. I started because a local band rehearsing in the youth club let us play their instruments. I picked up the bass and fooled around, bassist said I was a "natural." I proved him wrong as soon as I got a bass. I think now he meant I could actually fret a note or two. I've been in bands and bands and agree with Kent that it's hard sometimes to not be "that guy" but the love and intense passion has never faded. Now bringing the low end to the Dub Thieves and loving every gig of it. My favorite thing now is playing with our excellent drummer and being in "the zone". There is Nothing to compare that to.

[@imracherss]

Really enjoyed how honest this video was. I really like this idea of a more "philosophical" discussion video. I've been in the same band for quite a while now, and have spent a lot of time and energy on it with relatively little return. I can only really communicate why I'm willing to do this by saying that I love it. I love music, creating things, and sharing these experiences with people. Maybe one day my band will take off in some way, but even if it doesn't, I'll be glad for the experiences that music has given me.

[@imracherss]

Also, I've had that "driving home at 3am questioning why I keep doing this" experience many times, and in a weird way that makes me appreciate what I'm doing more.

[@NoonyDeloony]

I play because it thrills my soul. It's the equivalent of the "New Shoe/ New Car" smell, only in adrenalin enriched, shivering euphoria right in my chest. I'm not particular adept at playing but the few songs I can play well make my hands feel possessed by some sort of celestial skill. My mum asked me this morning when I mentioned I'd seen an upright bass I'd like to buy "But why do you want one? Are you in a band or something?" I was floored. I felt quite sad she felt that way about something that gives me so much joy and that in turn made me start questioning why I was bothering when I'm "not even in a band", then I thought, to other people, it literally doesn't matter why I play, my bass matters to me and my mind, and if I don't play everyday I always feel like I have committed some infidelity of a sort.

[@zoek.4117]

Jo McCormack Bottom line, something I learned many years ago, is that parents may not understand or approve or appreciate. No matter how much we may want them to...& yes, initially what we perceive as a form of rejection stings BUT, when you bring that upright bass home, you might find yourself with a new focus. When I purchased my upright, I checked with the local symphony orchestra to see if any of the bass players were teachers. I found a wonderful woman teacher who helped me with the purchase of my bow (the upright I bought didn't have one) & then once a week I had my classical technique & music studies with her. The other most important thing I did was purchase Charlie Mingus' books of instruction. Be prepared for an okole-whooping because he was & is the Master & "took no prisoners". If your heart skips a bit with your electric, be prepared for a life-changing experience with your upright. Find a nice comfortable stool, perfect height so that you don't always have to stand. The joy of being a bass player with both upright & electric is now you can play every genre of music. Not every instrument is so easy to use in every modality. Have fun. Your mom will come around when she recognizes the phenomena in your life. Don't try to talk it.... just walk it. MUSIC IS THE MAGIC, THE POWER OF LOVE PEACE HEALING COMMUNICATION. Write a song for your mom, a bass solo, no words, just music, title it with her name.... surprise her with it. And continue with JF .... FOR SURE! I have every bass lesson video he's made...! a couple of his "Captain Banana" Post a video for everyone to2

[@robdiepenbroek4382]

I figured I needed something to stimulate my 50 plus year old brain, 3 years later I find the theory to be like a fun puzzle. I'm still having a heck of a time getting the sounds I make to match what I am thinking of, but I feel a slow but steady improvement, and hope that some day I'll be able to attain some level of competence and actually produce something that can be called music. Blues today, prog metal some day?

[@dans_place]

I am a 30 year bass player .... your videos have challenged me and pushed me to new places musically ....:-)

[@qpwoq]

Josh, I've been coalescing from a first rib resection surgery, they're trying to make me a new girlfriend with the rib they took out. It's been about 2 months now since the surgery and it's been hard to be alive. I normally play guitar but my left arm/hand isn't strong enough to play all the chords so I've settled on bass for a while. When I get home from work all I want to do is sit down with my bass and play around. It helps me lose track of time and lose track of the pain, which right now is all I want in life. Thank you for making these videos. I love your sense of humor. You make me want to be a better musician. I really appreciate the free pdfs with tabs in each video. Take some of my money, I'm now a patron.

[@joshfossgreen]

Glad bass is helping you, and thanks!

[@ajdayton101]

For me it's an escape. It focuses my mind on something other than the troubles of the day. I have grown up with all kinds of music, between my older brothers, my dad, and my friends music is a strong commonality. To take the time to break it down, and chose an instrument to play just takes that love of music even further. Great vid Josh.

[@alalag]

Well, I play because I love to make stuff, and by far the thing that has been like almost natural to learn is music, never got a good grasp on art or theater, and it's simply a never-ending challenge to perfect the technique, to learn more ways to convey an idea, to try this and that and the "what about we do that but with this there" it's just a great experience, also to play with other people, and at last, because when you bust your ass to do something good and not just "well enough to go" and people notice you put effort and tells you is just gratificating

[@elcidsolorzano]

Thank you Josh!

[@AA-mc5il]

well josh i dont know why most of the days i just play cuz there is some things that i cant express without music but when i do have that desire and will to play i feel like i can change the world or maybe direct ppl where to and how to open(or close if needed) themselves and for me to be my trueself or my whole form and cuz for me music its not a language its a different dimension that musicians live in and have to be connected from time to time or always and forever!! i play sax,clarinet tnx for the vid and for the talk :)

[@robertvanvuuren2079]

Your conversation hits the spot! I first picked up a Bass four years ago at the age of 63; I quickly became addicted and when I saw your question in my Inbox I thought: 1. Because I love the instrument and the noise it makes!!!! and 2. Because it makes me feel like Batman! I just dig Bass Guitar!! PS: Your lessons have been of such value Josh; I am grateful! PPS: You have something of the hippie about you too!! :)

[@joshfossgreen]

Peace and love, baby. ;)

[@alanstjohns]

You're a stand up in a bass player's body

[@chucksteneck]

Loved this philosophical video, and it prompted me to write a little something, as my son & I have been watching your channel for a while now. My son is 12 and has been playing bass for about a year now, and loves it! He has tried guitar, sax, harp (yes harp, we rented a lyon & healy harp that was taller than him), and then he found the bass! He saw a youtube video of a kid playing star wars on the bass, and then the Davey504 vid of the Mario Bros game theme, and wanted to give bass a try. We found him a nice Yamaha TRBX with active electronics and a nice Eden amp. He LOVES it, and is almost done with the second Mel Bay book. His teacher has been teaching him how to do jazz stuff, and the basic I IV V progressions, also some Bob Marley and recently we got him Rocksmith to keep things exciting. Also his brother is a drummer of 8 years, so I feel like we have a nice Victor Wooten kind of family thing going on here, lol. We got to meet Victor when he was at a local college last year, and his philosophy is off the chart, wow!! He spent 10 minutes talking about A432 Tuning and how his brothers are super into stuff like that, and we should come down to his summer camp if we want a full dose of it, hahaha. I too have always loved bass guitar, the moment that really 'got' me was watching a laserdisk of Joni's Shadows & Light Concert, and seeing Jaco's bass solo with his looper. OMG that solo is engrained in my brain for eternity, I can listen to it a thousand times and still be so excited about it, not to mention his bass work on Coyote! Playing any type of music absolutely stimulates a certain part of your brain, that constantly wants more of 'that stuff'. Life is all about being connected and synchronicity, and playing music is a manifestation of that in the flesh and bones world! We just got my son the RC-1 and he has been looping and experimenting, and loving it. Anyhow, I think I'm rambling on, but thank you for this, and all of your other great videos! I'm actually trying to learn that riff you have of Jaco's from Teen Town, and even though you play it so simply, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, slow but sure. On that last measure does the (9) parenthesis around the (9) mean that it's hammered on? Or is a hammer a horizontal ( ? Or is that a slide? Anyhow thank you Josh for all you do, (oh we loved that music theory vid with the intervals too BTW), and maybe soon I'd like to sign my son up for skype bass lessons with you, if you still do that? Thanks again, take care, Chuck

[@joshfossgreen]

Hey Chuck, thanks for the ramble! :) I don't quite remember about the Jaco lick, but usually a parentheses in sheet music means a ghost note. I do still teach over Skype, but I only work with adults in that format (for a number of reasons). What I might recommend instead is my beginner course, you get a lot more Josh for your buck and there's a bunch of fun playalongs. Some of it might be too easy for your son, but it could fill in some gaps in knowledge too - joshfossgreen.com/b2b

[@gaetanoielpo3940]

I've been playing the electric bass for just three months. I've always liked music in all its forms but I have to admit that the bass frequencies of the electric bass fascinate me particularly. In the end I think I play the bass because I just love it! Great video Josh!

[@gavinmackinney8484]

Hi Josh. This is a great topic for discussion. I think about it a lot and I think that is because there are so many styles and instruments that I play and so many more that I want to play. I was fascinated to learn that it is likely us humans evolved the ability to sing before we could talk and that singing was like a way of grooming (hugging/massaging) a whole tribe or clan at the same time. That we have bonding of empathy through the shared emotions of music. So even before we had stories to share knowledge and make sense of the world, we had music to make us feel like we are part of a group and that our feelings matter. But there are also more personal reasons why I play music (rather than sport, for example). Maybe having some talent at playing music means I can get an ego boost out the self satisfaction of making sounds that are both pleasurable to my own ear (and sounds that made me feel good when I first heard them) and get an ego boost when people say wow - that sounds good! Or gee you’re talented!

[@Killianoso]

The reason I play bass is because there is a personal reward to it. I spend my time on several things every day(E.g. School, gaming, socializing and playing bass) and I realised that the largest reward comes from playing my bass. For instance, whenever I succeed at playing a certain riff or understand a certain theory I feel so much more personally rewarded than getting a good grade on my exam. Whenever I get to finish a concert(or gig,if you will) with succes, this reward is even greater. So, to answer you question: the personal succes. P.s. Keep up the great teaching. I can (about safely) say that 60% of the stuff I know today is thanks to your awesome videos! Don't ever worry about talking too much, I think it makes the videos more personal(We get to take a look inside your soul....) P.p.s At the moment I'm still trying to nail the Sir duke bass line you put in one of your pentatonic videos

[@muffevans5667]

Shit man, I wanted to say exactly that...

[@johncarrod4277]

More questions than answers eh? I suspect starting to play bass in early teens is a result of all those hormones rushing about. We play due to our response to sound and wanting to contribute to that. But I think the bottom line is wanting to be appreciated (loved perhaps). Nothing beats someone coming up to you after a gig, and saying,' great bass playing mate!'. And the wife, having complained about playing that thing every night, saying 'I'm proud of you'. So musicians make a lot of money eh? I know some do but I've always had to have a day job. I'll play any where any time just for the love of it!

[@joshfossgreen]

Thanks for all the great comments everybody! I'm not surprised to hear that we all basically play bass/music because we love it!

[@OlettaLiano]

Playing music is all about being creative for me. I play bass, guitar, synthesizer, and I also write novels, and short stories. I get music or words running through my head and I have to let it out or I'll go totally mad. ;)

[@danb2622]

Thanks, Josh, for all your work, and this frank discussion! This is a great topic. For me, I found great enjoyment, even profound fulfillment, in creating, even when I was a little kid, and I was deeply drawn to the immediate effect of music on my moods and mental imagery early on in life. I had a fantasy when I was probably five or six years old that one day I wanted to be a "great composer". I took up trumpet in elementary school, but by high school my brother turned me on to the bass (I didn't even know what a bass was!). I took to it immediately. My fingers are a bit big for the guitar, and bass always seemed like the ideal place to be in a band. I love working closely with drummers (though my drummer is very good and he really does deserve a better bass player - hence my new year's resolution to improve!), and I love coming to a piece and thinking "Time to give this music some backbone!" Bass is the most powerful place to be, and even though it's only four strings, the challenges it offers invites a lifetime of exploration. Bottom line, for a creative soul, it's an addiction, and I intend to keep feeding the habit for the rest of my days.

[@MichaelBLive]

I love to write and collaborate. A good song reaches me like nothing else. So I keep writing hoping to some day provide that for others. And like you, I just love playing bass with other musicians.

[@KeepTheGates]

I don't have time to give my answer as to why I play and why I think others play, just chiming in to let you know that I liked the video, since you asked.

[@matthewbrian8119]

This is a really cool video, because I’m a harmonica player and I play to myself a lot I want to play out more.

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

I play to keep me sane; even if I play the same music or songs over and over again. I play to refuse this world's garbage heaped upon my already troubled life. I play because I can't imagine life without playing any instrument (voice included) to produce the magic of music. I play. I live. I don't play. I'll die.

[@joeysisk5619]

One thing Adam Neely said about his “How not to suck” videos is that his plan was to try to fill that role that a teacher fills when giving criticisms in a 1 on 1 lesson. Also he touches on the subjective nature of music in one of his Q&A videos. I can though see why they would leave you with a weird feeling though. I think I had a similar reaction when he first brought up the idea. I do really like them now because his advice tends to be useful for more than just the one instance he is addressing(for example he really stresses keeping your wrists straight). Anyway, I loved your video! Useful and meaningful thoughts well delivered.

[@Leiria65]

I never say it or, tbh admit it to myself because I kind of feel like it sounds pretentious but ultimately Im persuing artistic expression. Not gonna go into details about my life but Ive always felt like a means of expressing myself, be heard "speak", vent and all that type of stuff. Sadly after about 5 years of heavy practising Ive never been able to find someone to play with, which has obviously messed with my motivation. I sometimes go a couple of days without playing and feeling like all the music that inspired me turned boring and sometimes I randomly get in this state where music sounds exciting again and I cant wait to get a bass in my hands again, but most of the time its just forcing myself to play because I still believe Ill find a way to get back in the spirit I had earlier on

[@belajarngomik]

Im 37 yo and just started plaing bass on august 2018... few months ago... actually im a comic book artist and animator... And im getting tired with my daily job... so i need a new hobby... and you know what sir... its good to play instruments... :-)

[@acmullane]

Cos inthe hierarchy of communication we have lost telepathy

[@freedomprophet9264]

Yo, (2019) and recently asked "How does playing guitar 'serve me'?" Found this video, found that your comment. It hit me pretty hard, seems like I don't have to go too deep to find a reason to play/write/compose/record.

[@cassivellaunushonestus4927]

Everyone I knew wanted to plat guitar or drums and that seemed cliché. I strive to be different.

[@Meejateacher]

I play because crying, screaming and howling out loud like I did as a baby is generally looked upon as a bit weird whereas doing it via a musical instrument is seen as cool arhhhwhoooooooo!!!

[@aarondavis4341]

Well I don't play bass to be cool that's for sure(of course we all know bass IS THE COOLEST INSTURMENT!) Well I'll try this a 3rd time without filling the comment section. The reason I play bass is it's the only time I feel comfortable being me after a long hard life of being bullied,addicted it was bass guitar that pulled me out if my gutter. Statistically speaking I should have died or killed myself years ago,it's because of a JOHNSON 4 STRING BASS IM STILL HERE,WHEN IM PLAYING BASS (EVEN JUST ALONE IN MY ROOM ) I DONT CARE WHATS GOING ON IN THE WORLD,IM IN MY CUCOON OF BASS VIBES DOING WHAT I LOVE MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF, MY AMBITION FAAAARR EXCEEDS MY TALENT BUT I DONT CARE,AT ONE TIME I WANTED TO BE FAMOUS AND ALL THAT,NOW IM JUST HAPPY TO BE ALIVE AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO PLAY BASS ,LIKE YOU JOSH IF I DONT PICK UP MY BASS EVERYDAY IT JUST DONT FEEL RIGHT. BASS IS LIFE AND THATS EXACTLY WHY I PLAY IT AND WILL BE BURIED WITH A BASS WHEN I DIE. ENOUGH TALKING ITS TIME TO FIRE UP THE PEAVEY AND JAM!

[@arthernandez5514]

Have you had to revisit this topic five years later?

[@kahwigulum]

"If I go a day without playing, it's really weird.", said every bassist ever. Unless it's John Myung who doesn't speak. He may be compensating for his lack of vocal chords with his long hair. But every other bassist has communicated that at some point. Keep up the great vids Josh!

[@joshfossgreen]

Thanks! :)

[@ClintonSinclair]

I think I like most dudes started because we wanted to impress girls

[@guystryche]

Talking shit about Adam Neely eh? jk you are both great!

[@mrmorado1489]

To reduce chaffing.

[@mrmorado1489]

I saw Ryan Martinie in Mudvayne's dig video and it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Then the dude from Papa Roach threw his bass behind his back in the Between Angels and Insects video. I like the idea of creating. Oh and vibration being the basis of the universe or some such.

[@TheBlackHole123]

Off topic but what do you do for work..good vid

[@joshfossgreen]

Hey Lincoln, it's not that far off topic! I play and teach music full time, have done so for the past many years.

[@TheBlackHole123]

Josh Fossgreen awesome man you should try vlog I think ppl including myself would like to know you past music you seem pretty cool

[@joshfossgreen]

Thanks for the idea Lincoln, I tend to be private about my personal life on this KZbin channel, but maybe I'll try to find a comfortable way to share it that isn't the 'vlog-every-minute-of-everything' approach that seems to be so popular these days.