Better second instrument - Keyboard or guitar?

[Martin1989]

Hi I've been playing bass for 3 years and was thinking fo learning another instrument, mainly because its harder to learn chords on bass and from what ive heard its easier (well not easier, their better for chord structrs etc) to compose on keyboard or guitar rather than bass.
I'm think guitar because most of the music i listen to is guitar and bass orientated but the problem is i find it pretty difficult to play after being so used to bass.
I thought of keyboard because I presume it will be good learning treble and bass parts and seeing how they work together and also i dont think ill have as much trouble playing chords.
I plan on learning both those instruments eventually but I was just wondering what one you guys think will be best to start with.

[Joel S.]

Drums.

Seriously, keys. You can do much more with them than you can a guitar aside from just strum chords. If you want to add horns to a song, keys can do it, guitar solo, keys can do it, dub a bassline over your bass guitar, keys can do it, percussion, keys, blah blah.

Only problem is they aren't that portable... but then you can get a Melodica!

[darkrider1]

Learn to play both keys & guitar. It's good to be well-rounded, and you'll have plenty to practice for the rest of your life.

[pizzicato16]

It is definitely a great idea to learn other instruments. It makes you a better bass player and a better musician. As for which one first, I started playing guitar after 3 years of bass. I found it to be relatively easy seeing as how 4 of the strings have the same names, EADG. After a few more years and some chordal knowledge the piano was made a little easier. Now I have a really solid idea of chords and scales from different perspectives I think my bass playing is much better for it.

Also, if you have a good handle on music theory it can only help you. Chords are chords no matter what instrument you play them on. Theory makes it easier to transfer what you learn on guitar and play it on piano or bass, or vice versa.

[BlackLake]

Go for both...keys first, it will improve your overall understanding of chords and scales.

[Martin1989]

Thanks for the replies, I think i will start with keys

[onlyclave]

Autoharp.

[lunker]

KEYTAR!!!!

[stingray56funk]

Originally Posted by lunker

KEYTAR!!!!

nuff said!

[mutedeity]

This again?

[Martin Bormann]

Originally Posted by mutedeity

This again?

It was either this or another cramping hands thread.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Martin Bormann

It was either this or another cramping hands thread.

It could be worse I guess, we could be arguing about what the great composers do and don't do again.

[spacebassface]

moog moog moog moog moog

[Martin Bormann]

Originally Posted by mutedeity

It could be worse I guess, we could be arguing about what the great composers do and don't do again.

Well, we're not writing a masters thesis right now.

[Orangeclawhamme]

If you have a Costco membership, or know someone who does, you can get a Casio with 61 keys for $100.00 or one with 76 for $175. both include a stand and AC adapter. It should be more than adequate if you are planning to use it for working on your theory, chord knowledge, or other non-live performance things. You can even tune your four string bass with the 76 key model.

I started out with keyboard several months before getting my bass just to see if I had the discipline to practice. I'm glad I did.

[Lorenzini]

Keys man.
IMO every single musician should play the keys because everything is completely linear. You can learn a hell of a lot by just learning how the keyboard works and learning some scales and chords.

[MHensleyJr]

Accordian would be pretty cool.

[dustdbass6]

Anything and everything. I recently picked up Mandolin and Banjo. As long as you know music, learning a new instrument isn't too tough to do.

[Rudreax]

Between the two, you should definitely try keys.

[Mutant Corn]

I agree, keys are pretty awesome.

So far, the cheapest giggable keyboard I've seen has been the Yamaha DGX500/DGX505. My fiance has one and for the money she got it for ($200) the thing is just amazing. I've seen a Casio that came pretty close to it, in about the same price range, but it didn't quite match up.