playing the bass as a street musician

knowing a fair amount of bass could i just go on the street with an amp and get really high and just start playing random stuff not real songs just as if i was practicing, dressed really cool and crazy and get money? like would anyone give me money if i am just tinkering with it making stuff up and having fun?

 

you need a permit.. probably..

 

In addition to the 'red-tape' ramifications orison is pointing to, I wouldn't think that simply getting high and noodling on the bass would get anyone's POSITIVE attention. I am a bassist of 12 years and I personally can't stand hearing people just noodling on the bass solo. It is just not a good solo instrument IMO (there are rare exceptions, but they are pretty uncommon), and is best utilized along with at least a drummer and another instrument that can lay down harmony (such as a guitar, a piano, or other keyboard).

It might be fun for you to do such a thing, but it probably wouldn't be much fun for anyone else. I am not saying that in a 'mean' way, but just telling you from my own BASSIST experience that people don't even notice the bass to begin with. And then, add on the fact that you are just goofing around with it, not playing anything structured, and most people will find a new way to walk to their office in the morning.

Pursue your bass skills at home, alone, or with a band. You can release all of your creativity there, without worry. Look forward to the future when you have the chops to form an actual band that people will PAY to see!

Best of luck.

 

Follow your heart and love what ya do! As a bass player, though, you would certainly do well to find other musicians to play with, see below comment for inspiration otherwise

etkearne - Check out Victor Wooten, about as fine a bass player as I've ever seen.

Solo instrumentalism becomes most impressive when there are layered lines of melody on top of a smoothly played rhythm. That is, on a bass for example, thumping out a nice rhythm on the low string - and playing a "lead"/general melody (whatever you wanna call it) with the higher strings. Rules are meant to be broken, new ways of thinking is what this world needs

The bass is actually an incredibly versatile instrument with a great range - very high frequencies can be generated with proper technique (or processing, possibly both!), and the low frequency grooves possible are a nearly essential element for most genres. Proper amplification is essential - to cover a great range cleanly a great option is a large PA speaker. A self amp'd PA speaker can make a great instrument amp in general, giving a very true sense of what the musician is doing. For bass special consideration must be taken to ensure the speaker can handle the lowest notes required by the bass.

Study, practice, perform . The fun had in the process comes through the strings, into the pickups, through the cabling, and is amplified for all to enjoy.

 

I am well aware of Victor Wooten. And while I appreciate his talent, I personally find most of his work (except when he is playing with a BAND) to be boring. It just isn't my cup of tea. It doesn't mean I am "old-fashioned" or anything. It is just my opinion, and the opinion that a majority of musicians share. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew the general opinion of the majority of people.

 

I would suggest that Abstractpeace may do well and should assume being searched.