The Competence of Stuart Sutcliffe as a Bassist: A Perspective on The Bats and The Beatles

When considering the musicianship of the bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, particularly in the context of his time with the German band 'The Bats' and later with The Beatles, a nuanced understanding of his skill level is essential. This article explores the various levels of competency Sutcliffe displayed, as well as the reasons behind his career choices and the context of 1960s rock music.

Stuart Sutcliffe: Competent, not Just Competent

One of the common misconceptions is that Stuart Sutcliffe, though a competent bassist, was not good enough to play the instrument with distinction. However, it is crucial to understand that ‘competence’ in the music world can vary widely based on the context. In a random garage band, an average musician may become exceptional when stepping into a commercial setting with tours and high-profile gigs.

Contrasting Competencies

The Beatles, under the influence of Paul McCartney's virtuosic bass playing, had a unique musical dynamic. It is often pointed out that Paul McCartney was an exceptionally talented bassist, and this contributed significantly to the band’s success. However, Sutcliffe’s skill set also needs to be evaluated within that context.

The Bats - A Short Stint

Despite the idea that Sutcliffe wasn’t competent enough, his brief tenure with the German band 'The Bats' adds an interesting layer to the story. His role with The Bats was temporary, no more than a week, and he was essentially a substitute, stepping in because he could play the bass. This part-time gig cannot be a fair assessment of his general competency as a musician, especially considering other aspects of his involvement with various bands.

Evolution of Musicianship Skills

Sutcliffe’s musicianship improved significantly during his time with other bands. Following a year of rigorous practice, which involved intensive, nightly sessions for about 8 hours, his abilities as a bassist became evident. Contemporary recordings from the period show that he was more than just a competent bassist; he was perfectly adequate. This growth in his skills is a testament to his dedication and talent.

Art vs. Ambition: Sutcliffe’s Choice

It is important to recognize that Sutcliffe's decision to leave the Beatles was not due to a lack of competence but rather to his desire to pursue an art career. His struggle as a musician in the commercial world may have heightened his awareness of his ambitions in art and music. This decision reflects the complex interplay between musical skill and personal aspirations.

Contextualizing Virtuosity

In the 1960s, virtuosity was not the primary criterion for employment as a bassist. Many musicians, despite lacking extensive skill, found jobs because they were willing to play an instrument that others did not want. The famous quote by Donald “Duck” Dunn, a renowned bassist, 'it only has 4 strings… how hard could it be', reflects this sentiment. Thankfully, this attitude has changed, resulting in a surge of virtuosic rock bassists.

Today, the value placed on virtuosity in bass playing cannot be overstated. The development and recognition of such skill levels have led to a significant evolution in the instrument's importance and performance in music.