Can anybody play lefty and righty?

dukeisdog · #1 06-25-2010, 10:17 PM

Just a question out of curiosity. I've been playing bass for about 6 years now, and I'm just about 17. I'd say I can play fairly decently for my age, and considering I've never taken any lessons, but I know I still have lots to learn. I'm always looking to improve my technique, and browse the forum quite often, but rarely post here.

Well about two years ago, I was helping my friends 11 year old brother get the basics on note reading, finger positioning, basically giving him the basics, but a few months ago he decided that bass just wasn't for him.

He orignally bought an OLP stingray copy, but just quit, and now they have an extra bass laying around the house that nobody can play because it's a lefty.

I'm a righty. Would you guys call me crazy if I bought his bass, and re learned how to play, but the other way? Can anybody else play both ways?

newbassdude · #2 06-26-2010, 08:29 AM

HI.

I taught my self to play both righty and lefty

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...20#post8869320

above is the thread with some of my story.. nothing to interesting. just pick up that lefty bass and play play play. build endurance in your left hand. just remember you didn't get good playing right handed overnight!

MyWifeBoris · #3 06-28-2010, 09:47 PM

I can play both.

I'm ambidextrous with just about everything.

Including writing. :O

elgecko · #4 06-28-2010, 10:00 PM

Or you can buy it, swap out the nut, and play it upside down a la Hendrix

Nic. · #5 06-28-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

Or you can buy it, swap out the nut, and play it upside down a la Hendrix

Always wanted to do that with a jazz.

newbassdude · #6 06-28-2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyWifeBoris

I can play both.

I'm ambidextrous with just about everything.

Including writing. :O

Me too!

It took alot of practice though.. We're you born like that?

or did you practice alot too haha

Past 11 · #7 06-28-2010, 10:21 PM

I say skip it. It's redundant. Just re-string it for a "righty" if you really want to buy it. I doubt there is anything to gain from learning the other way (aside from the "wow" factor)...especially after spending 6 years of playing/working at playing bass right handed. Time and effort would be better spent on other/more critical areas of learning.

ugly_bassplayer · #8 06-28-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyWifeBoris

I'm ambidextrous with just about everything.

MyWifeBoris · #9 06-28-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbassdude

Me too!

It took alot of practice though.. We're you born like that?

or did you practice alot too haha

I was born ambidextrous.

With bass guitar, I started out with a right-handed bass, but when I tried my friend's lefty, I could still use it the same with my right hand. My left hand tired out faster, though. I guess I was sorta born with it. D: