Guitar vs Bass for Jazz for a hopeful professional bassist

[PRUNEFACE]

I am reaching for studying (classical) double bass in college, but am posting over here for more views, as it isnt necessarily instrument specific I don't think...

This may be just a phase, but the more I think about jazz the more I love the idea of a chordal instrument for jazz. I mean, I love the idea of the bass in jazz (outlining the harmonic structure etc., quite similar to classical in some measures) but it just doesnt have the appeal of the guitar or piano sounds possible, that palette of colors that the piano or guitar paints. Bass is what I love and it is what I want to do for a career. But jazz bass just hasnt "clicked." On the electric I like to think I'm pretty good in the jazz context, but I just don't know if I want to devote the time on the double bass when it isn't what I WANT.

Anyways, what I suppose I'm posting for is: do you think jazz guitar or piano studied concurrently with classical double bass is possible? Would it be detrimental if I did?

PS
I already have basic experience with and can read on both guitar and piano.

[MysticMichael]

Of course it's possible. And I really can't see any downside to it. More/broader education & training is almost always better than less/narrower education & training.

As far as formal study is concerned, it boils down to the kind of program you can find - or negotiate - with your university or conservatory. I will tell you that a mature, self-directed student who comes in knowing what he wants - and what he doesn't want - generally commands some respect from the faculty, and puts himself in a pretty strong position to get what he wants from the program.

Lastly, don't discount the value of informal or private study - especially if coordinated with your formal studies. For professional reasons, you may find it necessary to obtain your credentials in classical bass. But in practical application, you could find your informal studies of jazz guitar or jazz piano more valuable. Or vice versa...

MM

[bongomania]

It is always good to become competent/skilled at more than one instrument. Each skill set improves the others.

That said, every jazz band needs a bassist, and only a small percentage of jazz bands need a guitarist. So you might earn your meat and potatoes with the bass, and play the other instrument(s) for your own enjoyment.

[Phalex]

I really really dig jazz guitar, but playing it? Yeouch! There was a time when I wanted to be Larry Coryell, then I came to the realization that I suck at guitar........

Good luck to you if you decide to pursue it, but it sounds like a hard row to hoe to me.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by bongomania

It is always good to become competent/skilled at more than one instrument. Each skill set improves the others.

That said, every jazz band needs a bassist, and only a small percentage of jazz bands need a guitarist. So you might earn your meat and potatoes with the bass, and play the other instrument(s) for your own enjoyment.

The flip side is that any skilled jazz guitarist can get solo gigs.

[PRUNEFACE]

I suppose the only concern I have that I forgot to address was, in the short span called a day, I spend a large (for some) portion practicing. Not absurd amounts but 2 or 3 hours practicing and I dont know where I would fit jazz guitar in with bass and the basic piano I am still taking.

[superbassman2000]

If you don't really have time for guitar, why not pursue 6 string bass (or any ERB) in a jazz context? I have seen some really fancy playing, and you can do anything from comp, walk basslines, solo, whatever...it also opens you up to some gigs too, as you can get a comping gig with a singer, or even sit in with just a piano player and still be able to cover whatever the piano is not doing. That way, you can incorporate that training into your bass practice time and you don't have to give up much more time if that's something you can't do.

just a thought...It wouldn't hurt to have some jazz guitar chops too though.

[Jazzstick]

How about bass and guitar at the same time?

‪Brett Bottomley plays Portmeirion at the MFA‬‏ - YouTube

not my best but, you get the idea.

Brett

[Melik]

Originally Posted by Jazzstick

How about bass and guitar at the same time?

‪Brett Bottomley plays Portmeirion at the MFA‬‏ - YouTube

not my best but, you get the idea.

Brett

I double that!

[PRUNEFACE]

well, I'd honestly like to learn several instruments simply because of my curiosity.. but only bass endures. Piano I'm taking as a supplement to my musicianship. Jazz and progressive guitar I've always loved, but jazz is just... amazing. I'd love to take lessons, but to really benefit I'd need to be able to put in practice time which I plan on trying to find, regardless of what ever happens.

[RadioPilot]

Learning another instrument is only detrimental if you let it distract you from your primary instrument. If you're going to formally study the bass, then you should make it a priority. In other words, don't noodle around on the guitar or piano if you've still got quite a bit of homework to do for a bass performance or gig. If you can manage to do this, learning other instruments should help you gain different perspectives/approaches.

[GigJones]

Originally Posted by Jazzstick

How about bass and guitar at the same time?

‪Brett Bottomley plays Portmeirion at the MFA‬‏ - YouTube

not my best but, you get the idea.

Brett

And then there’s Charlie Hunter playing his 8-string guitar.

He uses the bottom three strings (low) for bass lines and the top five strings for the melody.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B7btsk6ASE

Along with soloing (shown here) he uses this setup in a traditional jazz setting too (Charlie Hunter Trio).

[MikeBC]

I formally studied violin and viola. I picked up bass guitar and studied it on my own in college. Now one of my regrets is that I never learned piano. I say go for it.

Regarding the detriment, I think the classical background was a plus. I had to unlearn some things for jamming in blues, rock, and fusion. Had to learn to loosen up. Knowing how to read music and some theory made be a better player in the long run.

I never played double bass but have always admired them. Not long ago I read that Jack Bruce still practices on DB. You might find this video with jazz great Eddie Gomez and pianist Mark Kramer interesting.

‪Eddie Gomez‬‏ - YouTube

Good luck man!

[PRUNEFACE]

Still figuring out what to do. But I appreciate all the advice! Going to practice more 3 octave B flat on the double bass...