Is Bass Worth Picking Up?

[GoCDerek]

I like the sound of the bass in some bands, but want to know if it's something I should pursue. I ultimately would like to play in a band for fun in the future. So, my question, can a bassist be just as 'important' and the guitarist? I know it depends on the style of music, but in general.

I have a Fender Strat guitar, took some lessons, and am teaching myself covers to some songs I like, so I could ultimately play both here and there.



Thanks.

[RiddimKing]

I believe I speak for the majority here when I say that the answer to your question is an unequivocal "no." There is nobody as important as a guitarist. You're on the right track with your Strat.

[vin*tone]

Well.... I suppose you're posting on a forum of folks who are totally obsessed with it. So I think the answer you'll get is "yes". But it really depends on what you see as being important in music. Bass is a totally different form of expression in a lot of ways to guitar. It's an instrument you 'feel' rather than hear and is really rewarding when you get to play in bands. To me the bass is the heart of the band- if its pumping then the band will sit right. To me- this is 'important'.

[funkalicious101]

I only took up bass so I could have something to do while I sleep. I cant waste any of my awake time doing anything other than some serious shredding.

[ErebusBass]

What does it mean to be as important as the guitarist?

Each instrument is important in a different way. The bass is locks in with the drummer and holds the groove together, and the guitar stands in the spotlight and wanks around and makes the ladies take their tops off.

But you all get to look at the boobies so what does it matter?

I love the bass.

[fretlessman71]

Normally I'd chime in, folks, but methinks our esteemed OP isn't going to pick up on our sarcasm. So, at the risk of being a wet blanket to the "nudge nudge wink wink" party that is fast coming about, allow me to address the original question:

"Important" is not a black-and-white term; it means different things to different people. If "important" to you means that the rest of the world views you as "important" to the band because you're instantly recognizable as a band member, then guitar may be more suited to your tastes. However, if it means "couldn't do the gig or any other without ME holding down the low end, and who CARES if the audience knows I'm here or not", then bass would be more your bag.

This is a blanket statement, and can/will be debated to death by any number of TBers. The most important thing should be for you to follow what your ears and mind and heart are telling you to do, and not worry so much about whether anyone else will consider it "important" or not. I picked up bass back in '83 without so much as a single thought about how listeners would view me; I couldn't put the damned thing down, plus I KNEW it'd be easier to jam with people because there are so many more guitarists than bassists around here (here, there, and everywhere, I'd wager). Hope this helped.

[GoCDerek]

Hah, thanks for the responses, and I'm open to all opinions, and am having a laugh reading the responses.

But I see where most of you are coming from, maybe my perspective is off. I've always loved listening to music, it was until recently I decided to pick up the guitar/bass. Sorry I didn't describe 'important' better, I meant sound wise really, like when I listen to Lamb of God, I don't really hear much bass, but when I listen to Korn, I can't not hear it.

When I picked up the guitar, all my friends were like, "You have more of a personality of a bass player", which actually sounds right. I also think I'd be better off, band wise, being a bass player, since I would have a lot of options.



Thanks.

[fretlessman71]

Sometimes bass is most conspicuous by its absence; it's really the only instrument in your average band who 1) can't stop playing and 2) can't make a mistake. You're the support structure in the song - no building could continue to stand if its support structure were compromised in any way, and songs are no different. And rarely do you SEE said support structure in a building, and oftentimes bass is so hidden in a song that you don't notice it was there until it's taken away.

[Projectile]

The bassist is rarely going to stand out as much as the guitarist or singer in a band. Although I wouldn't say they are any less important, they do tend to take a more background role. It doesn't mean you won't get any recognition, but if you need to be the center of attention then you are better off playing guitar or singing.

However, I can definitely say that it is MUCH easier to find a band as a bassist or drummer. Nearly everyone plays guitar and there are always guitar players/songwriters looking to start a band. All of these guys need bassists and drummers, so bassists are a lot more in demand. If you play guitar you are in competition every other guitard in existence for attention and access to good bassists and drummers. If you play bass, the guitarists need you.

The reason I started playing bass wasn't that I had any particular love for the instrument. I just knew I wanted to make music and be in a band, and it was very clear that everyone was looking for bassists and drummers, so I bought a bass guitar, and 13 years later I'm glad that's the choice I made.

I have a good friend who is an excellent guitarist and songwriter and he started playing bass guitar just because he had such a hard time finding and keeping good bassists. He knows that it's much easier to find a guitarist and teach him to play his songs than it is to keep good bassists around, so he plays bass and sings now, even though he can slay most guitarists he plays with.

[Projectile]

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Sometimes bass is most conspicuous by its absence; it's really the only instrument in your average band who 1) can't stop playing and 2) can't make a mistake. You're the support structure in the song - no building could continue to stand if its support structure were compromised in any way, and songs are no different. And rarely do you SEE said support structure in a building, and oftentimes bass is so hidden in a song that you don't notice it was there until it's taken away.

As someone who has played both bass and drums in bands before, I can definitely say that I find your statement to be much more true of drummers. When I play drums I am much more afraid of making any mistake because the whole band falls apart when the drummer makes a flub. When I play bass I worry much less about messing up. If I hit a bad note or get out of time for a beat on bass, most people never notice. When I mess up as a drummer I get dirty looks from everyone.

But yeah, guitarists can mess up all they want and just blame it on being in the moment, or some sort of free experimentation.

[GoCDerek]

Hm, alright, yeah, I was told the bassists are the backbone, and the guitarists take all the credit. I've also never been much of a 'center of attention' kind of guy, so I'd assume that has a role in this.


Alright, thanks for the responses, keep the feedback coming.

Originally Posted by Projectile

As someone who has played both bass and drums in bands before, I can definitely say that I find your statement to be much more true of drummers. When I play drums I am much more afraid of making any mistake because the whole band falls apart when the drummer makes a flub. When I play bass I worry much less about messing up. If I hit a bad note or get out of time for a beat on bass, most people never notice. When I mess up as a drummer I get dirty looks from everyone.

But yeah, guitarists can mess up all they want and just blame it on being in the moment, or some sort of free experimentation.

Thanks for clearing that up, I got a bit worried when he mentioned the part about messing up, and throwing the whole band off, lol.

[keigan]

yes. i just took it up a few months ago but it hs been extremely rewarding and satisfying so far. it's more challenging and at the same time simpler than i could've imagined. it's fun, it's relaxing, it's heaven.

having said all that, you may want to consider that i have no theory background, nor have i made an attempt to larn any instrument in my life until i got a bass and an amp back in november. i don't practice as much as i should, and i only know a couple songs. i've never taken lessons.

the bass seems to me to be something that is under appreciated (present company excluded of course) and it (the entity of the bass) seems to want to keep it that way. i'm not a "center of attention" kinda guy either...it feels like a perfect fit for me. the sound is pure sex. the tactile sensation of strumming those thick strings with your fingers is like nothing else (yeah, i've picked up a guitar a few times...fun...but something about playing with your fingers makes it so much more intimate). the fact that you can FEEL the sound only serves to make this instrument more physical, more sexy.

the fact that i could spend a thousand bucks and get a little setup that will probably keep me entertained, sane and focused (nothing else ever could, not even women) for the rest of my life brings a satisfaction i've never known from a simple purchase. i'm obsessed now, the sound consumes my thoughts. i'll put my baby down and hours later i'll still hear scales repeating to the metronome in my head.

guitar players have said to me that any guitar player can play bass, so you've probably already got an ideal foundation having taken lessons. just don't underestimate it or sell yourself short. you're not just the guy between the drums and the guitar, no matter how bad they want you to play that role.

the glory of the bass lies in the ears of the affectionate music connoisseur. if the bottom end blows your mind like it does to mine, do it. you couldn't possibly regret it.

afterthought: i've known a few drummers and a lot of guitar players. i've had friends who played the violin, the flute, the clarinet, the synth...but i'm the only bass player i know. if you're dedicated, i doubt there's any shortage of work for a bass player.

[GoCDerek]

Can guitarists really play the bass if they wanted? I'd think it would take some serious work to play both, and be good at both too.


And thanks, I made a thread about a kit I had my eye on, http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...05#post7025105 maybe I'd be better off buying a bass and amp together? How can I determine the difference between a guitar amp and bass amp?

[fretlessman71]

It all depends on your mindset. I started with guitar, but when I picked up a bass for the first time, I realized that I'd been trying to play bass parts on every other instrument I was playing before that time. Not everyone has that experience...

Guitar and bass are two very similar instruments with two very different roles in a band context. You'd do well to keep that in mind.

[Projectile]

Originally Posted by GoCDerek

Can guitarists really play the bass if they wanted? I'd think it would take some serious work to play both, and be good at both too.


And thanks, I made a thread about a kit I had my eye on, http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...05#post7025105 maybe I'd be better off buying a bass and amp together? How can I determine the difference between a guitar amp and bass amp?

They are usually clearly marketed and sold as either a bass amp or a guitar amp. There shouldn't be much confusion, unless you are looking for something on the used market. If you are unsure, just ask.

A kit is great for starting out, but a small amp like that is only going to work for practicing at home. As soon as you get with a drummer you will need a much bigger rig, so start saving up for that.

I've never heard of Laguna, so I would be inclined to go with a kit from a more well known brand. Ibanez and ESP are both popular among metal guys, and they make a decent product. I have a bit of a preference for Ibanez though. Here are some kits I would probably choose over the Laguna kit. They're cheaper too:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....olo?sku=519527

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ack?sku=516149

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ack?sku=521008


You should be aware that you can find the best deals on the used market though. Check your local craigslist and you may be able to score a complete starter kit for around 100 bucks or even get a much more expensive bass for around the same price as a new kit. And you get the added benefit of being able to try it out before you make the purchase. I've seen MIM Fenders and higher quality Ibanez basses going for only a few hundred bucks on craigslist lately.

[S Sanders]

My opinion, for what little it may be worth, is that only you can decide if it's worthwhile to pick up bass. Myself, I've always been attracted to the low end sound and find myself really digging the support role that bass plays in music (which isn't to say that bassists don't have the same expressive freedom that other musicians do. They have every bit of freedom to express themselves while supporting the low end). That's why I'm interested in bass. Your mileage may vary.

If you have a friend who owns a bass, try playing it a little. If not, try some out in a music store. Find out for yourself whether guitar or bass is the right choice for you by playing both. I think that you should go with the one that you enjoy more and the one that most inspires you to play and create.

As much as I personally love the bass, I'd hate to deprive the world of a guitar great by pushing him toward an instrument that isn't necessarily suited to him, or vice-versa.

Again, just the opinion of a guy who's messed around with bass but never really gotten serious (but planning on trying to move forward and actually *gasp* learn the instrument now), so take it as you will.

[Absentia]

Rhythm section is the part that matters IMO.

Honestly I feel Bass is a load more important than guitar,
Think about it you can't spit and not hit a halfway decent guitar player. So if you lose one they are fairly easy to replace same with singers.

Good drummers and especially good bassists are hard (not the guitard that plays bass because he couldn't find a band to play guitar in) to find.
So
1. easier to find a band
2. easier to stay in a band

I get offered to play with bands monthly, but I like my pot head bandmates.

[kenlacam]

The role of the bassist is in the background, holding it down. If you're looking for attention and glory, STAY AWAY FROM THE BASS!!!! If you can accept that the bass is just as important as the guitar, but with less visibility, by all means go for it. IMO the bass is way more important (and in more demand) than guitartists, which are a dime a dozen.

[cowsgomoo]

Originally Posted by GoCDerek

I like the sound of the bass in some bands, but want to know if it's something I should pursue. I ultimately would like to play in a band for fun in the future. So, my question, can a bassist be just as 'important' and the guitarist? I know it depends on the style of music, but in general.

I have a Fender Strat guitar, took some lessons, and am teaching myself covers to some songs I like, so I could ultimately play both here and there.



Thanks.

the reasons 'guitarist' is a more glorified role than 'bass player' is as much to do with how the world sees the guitar, as opposed to how important they actually are to the sound of a band... even in genres where the guitar is most exhalted (heavy rock & blues), the bass is frequently louder & more crucial to the composition than the guitar.. which often tends to act as the icing on the cake..

I play bass, keyboards and guitar.... the bass is the easiest to play, most fun to play and the one that most makes me feel like i'm really in control of proceedings... take that as a recommendation

[Hagelslag]

I started with guitar, but switched to bass because i wanted to be more in a supporting role supplying the groove. It reflects my personality better.

There is truly nothing more awesome to let people know your there by all of a sudden throwing in a funk bassline and everybody starts dancing. That's the power bass can have.

I'd rather have people dancing to something they haven't got the slightest clue as to where it originated, than have people standing still and having there prying eyes on me doing a guitarsolo.