Introvert? Extrovert? Which vert are you???

[NathOBX]

Definitely an Introvert, Extroverted behavior is something i had to learn, definitely used alcohol as a crutch to do this for a long time, but I can switch it on sober now. I do require the recharge time alone. I have a friend and sometimes band mate who is one of the most animated (and talented) front men you will ever have the pleasure of watching; off stage he is soooooo introverted to the point that he rarely goes out to see other bands because crowds give him the willies.

 

[mikewalker]

"convertible"

 

[lermgalieu]

I agree. There are many things about my introversion I used to think were weaknesses. They were just differences I needed to learn to use to my advantage.

A good example is with networking. I'm still not great at "wowing" people at social gatherings and getting them to want to be part of my team, but I am really good at forming close relationships with people who are willing to go out of their way to help me when needed. That's how I've gotten just about every good gig I've gotten in my life. Others get them through being a lot more out going.

When I was younger I thought the "winners" in life were all the out going ones. I understand how inaccurate that thinking was, today. Extroverts have just as many challenges as introverts. Just different ones.

They get arrested a lot more, too .

One thing I don't like about it is when I get overwhelmed. Often happens when someone is talking and I get this suffocating feeling like "will they EVER shut up?" and I have to do my best not to run away or TELL them to shut up lol.

 

[Indexed]

Introvert. INTJ.

 

[skygzr]

Being in a band gives me permission to put on an extroverted persona now and then. Lots of performers are like this.

 

[Ostie]

I’m definitely an introvert, always have been. But I can ham it up when I have to. The guys in my band say I’m the best public speaker, but it’s not natural for me. My wife says I never look like I’m having fun on stage. Actually I am, I’m just concentrating on my craft. I’m listening to what the others are doing and trying to work my parts in musically. “Smile occasionally” she tells me.....

In reality, becoming a musician was the best thing I ever did, personality wise. It gave me the confidence to get up on stage and be in control of a crowd. I never had that power until I became a musician. It didn’t hurt that some ladies love the tortured artist types.....

Offstage I’m very shy and quiet, kind of a nerdy academic type. My career was as a historian, if that tells you anything.....

 

[lbbc]

I am an extroverted introvert on stage. I am wireless...run through the crowd, stop and sit with them and sometimes drink their drink (if I get the vibe it's ok). Other than that I am relatively quiet.

 

[McG]

An Extro here. Not wildly outgoing. I won't be the guy dancing on tables at a party. But quick to make friends with strangers and LOVE being in the spotlight. Ever since my first school play in the fourth grade I've loved being on stage.

 

[Koog]

Extrovert on stage. Reasonably gregarious off stage. But....when I like my space, I like my space.

 

[DeltaTango]

Introvert. I like being around people but after a while I can’t wait to get my alone time.

 

[Plectrum72]

I'm a for-sure introvert.

Being an introvert and having a shy/receding personality are two separate things. Introverts generally have no problem being the center of attention, interacting with people or being a leader-- when they need to. The intro/extro difference is what happens after of all this interaction.

Extroverts will feel energized by being around a bunch of people, and are ready to continue (where are we going, now?). Introverts, by the end of the day, feel a strong need to "get away" for some quiet time in order to re-energize.

Extroverts thrive on interaction with others-- the more people the better. They have a hard time being home alone without communication with others. On the other hand, introverts thrive on solitude or meaningful interactions with just a few people. They can be happy spending the whole day with themselves and not talking to anyone.

I think this post covers it. I'm an introvert and need to get away from people by the end of the day (or week). I find social situations to be mentally/emotionally draining. However, I have no issue being the center of attention or taking charge and will actively seek it out if the situation requires it.

 

[B-Lo]

Introvert. INTJ.

Same here except swap the N for S.

I can put on my extrovert mask when needed.

 

[dkelley]

yea, never heard the term, but teh 2nd poster called himself an omnivert.

yep, that's me. I'm incredibly shy about certain things that are really impractical to be shy about.

I'm often very very quiet and just want to be alone.

However I'm funny and like to be the center of attention, if it's in a good way.

Shallow, totally LoL, but that's the truth.

I am always trying to be the star of my bands... although when paid I'm a (former) successful session player/hired hand who quietly does exactly as he's told when it's the job.

I'm rarely life of the party, although give me caffeine and I change personality radically into an outgoing, sometimes loud, confident, entertaining person who occasionally doesn't know when to shut up or will say something inappropriate and things to awry.

I'M A BASS PLAYER

 

[oZZma]

 

[micguy]

Borderline introvert. The fact that I can woodshed for hours on my own (introverted behavior) is a major asset to my musical skills. The fact that I can work with others, well, if you're a bassist, you have to be able to do that too, as we're not typically solo artists.

 

[DirtDog]

Extrovert = gets energy from crowds
Introvert = gives energy to crowds

Most folks are truly one or the other. I love performing, hamming it up like the best of em. But soon afterwards I must get home and be by myself to recharge. I realized only about ten years ago that I’m introverted.

I’m an introvert but I too can get up stage and perform wit the best of them. I spent a couple of years being a frontman, too.

I’d describe introversion more as your energy being sucked out of you by a crowd. And that crowd could be as something as benign as a meeting.

 

[J-Mags]

In real life, I'm an extroverted introvert. I'm a loner by nature, and somewhat shy, but I don't like to be left to my own devices for too long without interruption. As a musician I've generally been fronted the band, and though I'm not a classic frontman, I scream and yell, talk to the audience, play guitar solos, and work really hard to create a vibe between me and the audience.

I'm much more contained on bass. I like being in a bit of a bubble with the drums a lot of the time, but I still like to sing, even though I'm no longer the frontman, and my voice is loud and not conventionally beautiful, as they say.

 

[dr doofie]

total introvert.

being in a band gets me out in public places but since i’m on stage i have limited interactions.

same with worship team at church.
being on the platform keeps people from sucking the life out of me

That last sentence is too true.

 

[glocke1]

In the 'Motivation: Why do we do it?' thread, a few fellow bass players described themselves as introverts... and it got me thinking.

In my daily life, I am largely an extrovert. I consider myself social and gregarious. However, onstage, I MUCH prefer the bass space; hanging in the back, laying down the groove, and supporting the band. Occasionally, I am asked to play lead guitar or sing. I'm happy to do it because I love music & performing. But I find it adds a little anxiety, as it puts me more 'out front'.

So my question is, is there an overall tendency for bassists to be more introverted and guitarists/singers to be more extroverted? (Notice I said 'tendency' because there are always exceptions).

How would you describe YOUR personality? Do you think your personality-type played a role in choosing your instrument?

Overall? An introvert...Im probably on "the spectrum" of autism I'd be to be honest.

Im literally just a guy who likes to play some bass and I really don't care for all the other crap that comes with wanting to do that (meaning "the hang"/the booze/dope, etc). All that stuff I just consider a huge waste of time and generally try to avoid it.

 

[The Owl]

A sociable introvert. I like being with people but can only do it so long and I have to have some alone time to recharge.