I only play bass

Waspinators · #1 09-13-2010, 11:32 AM

Unlike many multi-instrumentalists on here, I play the bass and only the bass. Recently a lot of guitarists and drummers I know are starting to play bass, keyboards, and other instruments, but I still just play bass. I'm dying to learn another instrument to expand my mind and help out my bass playing, but whenever I pick up a guitar I just strum out a few chords and then I wanna go back to my bass. I can't learn drums right now because I live in a townhouse, and I'm an awful singer. How many other people here only play bass? And what other instruments would you multi-instrumentalists say would be best for me to look into?

Tampabass · #2 09-13-2010, 11:34 AM

for a million reasons - piano

Stereo Joe · #3 09-13-2010, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

for a million reasons - piano

+1.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #4 09-13-2010, 11:35 AM

I played piano for a few years when I was younger, so I can still noodle around on a keyboard but primarily I only play bass. I have no real interest in learning to play guitar whatsoever. Piano is very visual and could help you boost your music theory knowledge, and you probably already know half of the grand staff!

You can also get a cheap digital piano without having to worry much about instrument quality for learning purposes, unlike bass. The sky is the limit when considering the types of genres you can play with it.

williamk · #5 09-13-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

for a million reasons - piano

yes yes yes!!

**colcifer** · #6 09-13-2010, 11:36 AM

Whatever instrument you want to play is the right one for you. Drums can be a problem but if you go electric or get some muting pads it should work out.

Waspinators · #7 09-13-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

I played piano for a few years when I was younger, so I can still noodle around on a keyboard but primarily I only play bass. I have no real interest in learning to play guitar whatsoever. Piano is very visual and could help you boost your music theory knowledge, and you probably already know half of the grand staff!

You can also get a cheap digital piano without having to worry much about instrument quality for learning purposes, unlike bass. The sky is the limit when considering the types of genres you can play with it.

Are there any cheap keyboards you can recommend?

Blueszilla · #8 09-13-2010, 11:42 AM

You can pick up a conga set, for about 2 bills or less, used. Percussion is a great second or third instrument, doesn't have to be loud when you practice, easier than a whole kit to transport, and helps with your bass playing.

Highly recommended.

pointbass · #9 09-13-2010, 11:50 AM

A lot of good suggestions already that I totally agree with .... piano is one of the most valuable tools there is (and you don't have to be a virtuoso, either, just learn the basics), percussion is incredibly helpful to any bassist, and I would strongly recommend learning to sing. Vocals are essential to being an in-demand local area bassist, and becoming a decent lead singer is even more valuable.

Of course, if you aren't already playing DB, then you should pick one up and get some of those basics down, as well ....

BTW, most people can sing, they just don't put the time into it .... you need to practice singing just like any other instrument ....

Absentia · #10 09-13-2010, 12:08 PM

Piano and buy a djembe drum

Richland123 · #11 09-13-2010, 05:22 PM

Violin. Same strings as a bass but in reverse order. E is the high string. I took violin lessons for 6 years and it sure did help my bass playing and fingering techniques as well as other musical skills. Also, the volume won't bother the neighbors.

Thunderthumbs73 · #12 09-13-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waspinators

Unlike many multi-instrumentalists on here, I play the bass and only the bass. Recently a lot of guitarists and drummers I know are starting to play bass, keyboards, and other instruments, but I still just play bass. I'm dying to learn another instrument to expand my mind and help out my bass playing, but whenever I pick up a guitar I just strum out a few chords and then I wanna go back to my bass. I can't learn drums right now because I live in a townhouse, and I'm an awful singer. How many other people here only play bass? And what other instruments would you multi-instrumentalists say would be best for me to look into?

PIANO. PIANO. PIANO.

puddin tame · #13 09-13-2010, 05:38 PM

I just picked up the sax a couple of months ago, it's great fun. Nice to get a sense of a melody instrument

Gasman · #14 09-13-2010, 05:45 PM

You will be amazed at how much better you play bass if you learn another instrument. If your fundamental skills on bass are there, they won't be lost by spending time on piano, guitar, drums, anything. When you learn another bandmates instrument, it will give you a better sense where they are coming from. If you want to write music, it's veeeerrrry difficult to just do it on bass- something else needs to go with it (unless you're Michael Manring or the like).

PaulNYC · #15 09-13-2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waspinators

Are there any cheap keyboards you can recommend?

Casio Privia Px-130 is jst excellent. great sound and feel. my piano playing friend loves his.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #16 09-13-2010, 06:12 PM

Can't recommend a keyboard for you, but I will also add that another plus to a digital keyboard is you can just use your bass amps and cabs

When I first got my micro korg I ran it through a 410 holy hell did it carry some subwaves

wuzfuz · #17 09-13-2010, 06:14 PM

Pedal steel or lap steel guitar. There are so many varied tunings. It's a whole new world and it'll help with you ear for intonation. You can find one in most any price range.