Guitar p.s Still young

AcidShred · #1 12-31-2006, 11:04 AM

I'm pretty good at bass and most people agree I played guitar first and I'm not so hot at it but after seeing a lot of great guitarist play I wonder if I'll ever be able to solo like that on bass. Even people like billy sheehan and medicore compared to Paul Gilbert and Vai. I'm only 13 can I still switch? or should I stick with bass. [I play bass in a band it might be akward if I change lead instruments.]
Also think my voice is pretty unique on bass if I played guitar it would just be shred which is frankly over done.

BrandonBass · #2 12-31-2006, 11:15 AM

just play watever you want, or play both. shredding on bass somes crap more than 90% of the time, if you wanna play lead then better get a guitar. Plus, if you are good at guitar you're more or less good at bass if you play with a pick...

i know many 'true' bassists will argue against the 'if you're good at guitar your good at bass' but sorry dude, that is the truth from what ive seen. Most good guitarists are competent bassists...while most good bassists cant play anything beyond normal/powerchords on a guitar.

Demon · #3 12-31-2006, 11:21 AM

Well, brandon, your kinda right and kinda not. Technique wise guitarists can easily play bass with a pick, but problem is when the role comes in. Lead guitars role is very different from bass, and the problem might come there.
Anyway, your 13!! Thats pretty young, so play whatever you want. Kirk Hammet (yes he isnt the best, but hes still pretty good, and is good technical wise) started at 15. So dont worry..
Im personally NOT a big fan of of those shredding solo bassists like sheehan that just plays fast, sounding like a guitar with a crappy tone.

Skel · #4 12-31-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcidShred

it might be akward if I change lead instruments.]

Whoops. You should probably switch to guitar if you want to play a "lead" instrument". Just my opinion.

AcidShred · #5 12-31-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skel

Whoops. You should probably switch to guitar if you want to play a "lead" instrument". Just my opinion.

I meant primary instrument. Like Hendrix's primary instrument was guitar. Demon I agree about sheehan's tone, but the thing is heavy metal is my passion and I can only play well Funk/jazz/folk/ rock/blues. Metal dosn't really have space for good bass work. In a genre of thousands of excellent musicians it only has about 2o odd bassists that really shine.

jsbass · #6 12-31-2006, 11:40 AM

It's all how you compose it. I suggest just pick up guitar as a secondary instrument, a lot of bassists also play around on guitar, they are similar instruments. Remember though, guitar is just a hobby for bassists!

AcidShred · #7 12-31-2006, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.