Guitardation concerns.

[Flipsnake]

So I discovered how fun guitar playing can be.
I first got a guitar a couple of months ago, just to try it out. Didn't really dig into it, so it was essentially a doodle-tool to me.
Then last week, I got the idea of putting some flatwounds on the guitar, because I guess I'd like to play a guitar that sounds more like a bass.
And now I love the jazzy sound I can get out of it. And I've been using it to comp along with jazz progressions, and I'm having a sweet time. It's so easy to spit out decent-sounding chord progressions with this thing!

That said...is there anything bad about dual-wielding these instruments?

[Sam Hain]

I love guitar. It was actually my 1st stringed instrument. I play guitar in one band(stoner rock) and bass in another. I have a Carvin with big ole strings on it....011 to .070. You should hear that thing drop tuned and OD. Sounds like a chainsaw exploding. Love it!

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Flipsnake

So I discovered how fun guitar playing can be.
I first got a guitar a couple of months ago, just to try it out. Didn't really dig into it, so it was essentially a doodle-tool to me.
Then last week, I got the idea of putting some flatwounds on the guitar, because I guess I'd like to play a guitar that sounds more like a bass.
And now I love the jazzy sound I can get out of it. And I've been using it to comp along with jazz progressions, and I'm having a sweet time. It's so easy to spit out decent-sounding chord progressions with this thing!

That said...is there anything bad about dual-wielding these instruments?

Absolutely not; there are even some benefits. After playing guitar for many years, I started playing bass a while back. I was always pretty much a three finger guitarist, just lazy, I guess, but playing bass "woke up" the little finger on my left hand. My bass playing has made me a better guitarist.

[Muaguana]

Originally Posted by Flipsnake

That said...is there anything bad about dual-wielding these instruments?

Apart from the possibility of spontaneous combustion, nope.

Seriously, though, why would there be anything wrong with it? You have to divide your practice time between it and bass, but so what? You're still making music, and that's what counts.

[Flipsnake]

My left hand is sore from doing too many barre chords today.
(inb4 "is that what they call it these days?")
Reminds me of the growing pains from my early days on bass.
Now, what if I start learning on my sister's rarely-used keyboard too...

[grifff]

I think it's an excellent idea and I frequently play both instruments.

[Unrepresented]

Nothing wrong with being cross trained. It makes you better at understanding both roles the instruments play, and if it gives you additional insight into your native instrument then it's all win.

I can't imagine a situation where having additional relevant skills would be a disadvantage.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by Flipsnake

My left hand is sore from doing too many barre chords today.
(inb4 "is that what they call it these days?")
Reminds me of the growing pains from my early days on bass.
Now, what if I start learning on my sister's rarely-used keyboard too...

+1 No downside to learning more about music.

Here are a few links you may want to check out:
10. OTHER INSTRUMENTS
Buying/learning harmonica
Types of harmonicas
Fingerstyle guitar
1 Best guitar forums
2
Visual guitar automatic chord finder website
Jazz guitar/chords/solos
Buying/learning/playing keyboards
TB Synth bass thread

[Big Daddy Mac]

I bought a Steinberger Spirit bass & six double neck so I could work out bass and guitar lines without switching back and forth. It takes a few extra minutes to get all set, but saves a lot of time in the long run, especially when you get into a groove.

I've wanted a bass/six ever since seeing Geddy Lee use a Ric double neck live LONG time ago. (late 70's?) Now the Spirit doesn't quite match the tone of a Ric but it's a pretty cool item nonetheless.

And IMHO, nothing says rock & roll quite like a double neck !

[vladchrome]

One thing about the flats is that they are high tension strings so make sure you have your neck set for that kind of stress. Other than that they do have a nice mellow sound.

[Flipsnake]

Originally Posted by vladchrome

One thing about the flats is that they are high tension strings so make sure you have your neck set for that kind of stress. Other than that they do have a nice mellow sound.

Yeah, I found that out when I slapped them on the guitar. :P
I've also found that getting a good 1st position barre is quite a workout with flats.

Originally Posted by Big Daddy Mac

I bought a Steinberger Spirit bass & six double neck so I could work out bass and guitar lines without switching back and forth. It takes a few extra minutes to get all set, but saves a lot of time in the long run, especially when you get into a groove.

I've wanted a bass/six ever since seeing Geddy Lee use a Ric double neck live LONG time ago. (late 70's?) Now the Spirit doesn't quite match the tone of a Ric but it's a pretty cool item nonetheless.

And IMHO, nothing says rock & roll quite like a double neck !

Holy crap...I wish I had a doubleneck to play around with...
Then I could be cool like these people:

[stratovani]

Originally Posted by Flipsnake

Holy crap...I wish I had a doubleneck to play around with...
Then I could be cool like these people:

Yeah, and your chiropractor will love you, too! Those suckers are heavy! It's probably the reason Alex Lifeson rarely plays his Gibby 6/12!

[Big Daddy Mac]

I also have an SG 6/12 that rarely gets played these days. ! I call that item "Mr Heavy".