Am I cut for playing bass?

[Iohann]

Hi everybody,

Here's my sad story.

I make music for many years, I used to go to a musical school to study piano, then learned guitar by myself, then blues harp... etc. etc...

But 1 year ago I've started to play bass-guitar in some gothic band, and I've got a feeling I would be cut for this instrument.

That instrument that I play in the band even doesn't belong to me - it was borrowed from our guitarist.

So now I'm going to (or to put it better - I would like to) buy myself a good bass-guitar... and it will cost much money... but I have a little problem - my wife, who isn't so sure about my bass-capabilities, and who doesn't want to waste a great part of our family budget for some senseless hobby, that I give up (or could give up in her opinion) in a couple of months...

So we decided that I record some difficult piece and show it to more experienced bass-players... And they (i.e. you ) should decide, if I have any horizons or not at all.

So that's my video. I would be thankful for every kind of comments and lashes.

YouTube-Video

[CrashMiller]

You are very talented with the bass, and are well routed with music. I see absolutely no reason why you should "quit" bass, especially if it is the instrument you truly want to play the most. It is not a "Senseless hobby". If money is a real problem, just consciously save what you can and eventually get a higher quality bass guitar.

Maybe go seek some advise from a fashion forum though :P

[bigben379]

I would say your a great guitarist playing bass, doesnt mean you shouldnt indulge in a good quality bass !!! if bass is what you enjoy go for it, who is anyone else to tell you what your passions are!!!

[bassbrad]

Props for a nice performance of a challenging piece of music! If you want to be a bass player you certainly have all the technical chops you'll ever need. Your musical experiences can be a great advantage no matter what you choose to play.

There is an organic part of being a bass player - that need to play a supportive role to the rest of the instruments - which can mean playing the simplest part, if you satisfied with that then welcome to the Bassist's Union!

[hachi kid]

nope, you're terrible. that outfit, however!

[Gearhead17]

Excellent technique! You look very relaxed and your tempo seemed to be "rock steady". You are definitely not wasting your time with this hobby. You can play that in one year? You have great discipline.

Invest in a better bass if you desire and if you do not mind it, go used and find something off of craigslist.org You deal with other bass players and you can get a mucho expensive bass for A LOT LESS. Find a bass you like and search for it used! You can even tap into Guitar Center's national used store inventory (check their site), find the instrument, and have it shipped to you or a store. You can always return within 30 days, but you will lose out on the shipping - for trying bass gear that is hard to find, this is totally worth it.

In the end, it comes down to how you feel about bass playing. If you want to do it (and from the video it seems you ENJOY it) then go for it.

[christw]

You've inspired me to take up that particular piece for the heck of improving my own technique! (I've been playing eight years...) That's a compliment to you!

It took me years for anyone around me to see that I was truly passionate about music. Then again, I was a pretty mediocre musician for a great while and may yet still be one.

[icecycle66]

You have all the necessary mechanics.

Now it is simply whether or not you want to.

There is a place for you, do you want to fill it?

[Joe Nerve]

you know you don't need us.

if you want to play bass you obviously have the skill.

do you want to play bass?

only you have the answer.

as for the guitarist stuff (you are simply playing guitar on a bass), I believe that disappears in time as one evolves on the instrument.

last note. ya don't need to spend a fortune on a bass. you can get decent equipment for next to nothing these days. and great equipment for just a little bit more.

[seanm]

Not sure about bass availability/pricing in Germany, but a "good" bass does not have to be expensive.

[Kubicki440]

Well done!

You are a natural for the bass.


Outfit +1

[Buster Brown]

Originally Posted by bigben379

I would say your a great guitarist playing bass, doesnt mean you shouldnt indulge in a good quality bass !!! if bass is what you enjoy go for it, who is anyone else to tell you what your passions are!!!

+1

I would highly encourage to purchase a good quality bass and get out there and PLAY!!!!


Cheers!!

[Iohann]

Well, guys (and ladies?)...

The only thing I can say is, that I'm impressed with your answers.

I like it, I believe it, and I want it...

You have really inspired me to go further.

...may be this reply is somehow "too short" and I should say "Thank you" to everybody personally... but really... thank you all!

[ZeroSymbolic]

If you want a bass, and can afford a bass, get a bass.

[Iohann]

Hi guys and ladies,

there's me one more time.

A half of a year is over, I've bought a fretless bass, and tried to work on my right-hand technique (there was a lot of critics, that that Bach-piece is actually a guitar-piece just played on bass).

Yesterday I've recorded a new piece with this new bass. Now really, could you check it out and tell me, what should I work on? (I mean, I don't need any compliments; it's nice to get them, but it is not constructive ).

YouTube Video

Thank you!

[Plays_For_Dog]

Buy a good quality bass and never look back.

[SquierJazz72]

You've come along good. And that's a killer bass.

Work on some actual bass lines too. I love doing that kind of stuff on bass too, it's a blast. I favor Paganini, myself. You've got the technical skill, clearly, but I'd love to hear how well you can get down and dirty and make that thing thump.

What other kind of music interests you?

[Vakmere]

Originally Posted by Iohann

Hi guys and ladies,

there's me one more time.

Yesterday I've recorded a new piece with this new bass. Now really, could you check it out and tell me, what should I work on? (I mean, I don't need any compliments; it's nice to get them, but it is not constructive ).

YouTube Video

Thank you!

You made a good start by not wearing a yellow sweater and red pants. Loose the mullet and it will complete the ensemble. As for the bass, stop looking at the neck the entire time, start showcasing modern lines unless you will be pursuing a carear doing classical music. You have not mentiond what genre you wat to be in.
As for the wife...........you're on your own with that. I would by the bass I want and park it in the closet right next to the 30 pair of shoes women typically own.
In the mean time dont quit your day job.

[Iohann]

Loose the mullet and it will complete the ensemble.

What other kind of music interests you?

))))) Yeaahhh... ) That's the greatest problem of me. )
I'm actually a glam-rock /glam-metal fan. That damned 80s are what I'm crazy about.

But I realize, that this music is... well... primitive. That's what I would enjoy to play in a band, but it is not so interesting to sit home and repeat 2 notes of some bass line of Nikki Sixx.

So my musical interests really split into 2 branches: glam and classics.

[Proraptor]

I thought you played really well, nice job