Multiple Instruments

[BassNoob1]

I have a pretty flat out question, do you think it's a good idea to learn multiple instruments (not too many, just 2 or possibly 3), should all of your focus go to one? Do any of you play instruments besides bass (I reckon there's a lot of guitarists and pianists here)?

[Dirk Diggler]

Yes,
Play every instrument you can get your hands on, you won't regret it.
Dirk

[20db pad]

Absolutely. Every bassist should be at least acquainted with some chordal instrument.

[BassNoob1]

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Yes,
Play every instrument you can get your hands on, you won't regret it.
Dirk

Although it gets hard to keep up with if you want to be serious with every instrument you play.

[geeza]

Absolutely. You should be able to play drums and either guitar or keys at a minimum. You don't have to be great on them, just good enough to translate the music in your head to the instrument.

[Dirk Diggler]

I would disagree, the more music you put in your head, the more will stick, and every instrument will help every other one make sense.
Of course you have to keep playing bass too.

[stratovani]

Originally Posted by 20db pad

Absolutely. Every bassist should be at least acquainted with some chordal instrument.

Absolutely agree. Guitar for chordal work that translate to bass, and keys for chordal work that relates to music theory.

[uethanian]

for sure. every instrument you play lets you experience music through a different angle...makes you a better writer, a more sensitive group player, and doesn't hurt with the ladies either

[jollygiantchris]

Every instrument you learn and play will make you better at your main instrument and will increase your knowledge greatly. It really helps with understanding chord movement and to improve note choices. But if you go nuts learning other instruments its difficult to have enough time to practice all of them.

[anonymous122511]

It doesn't matter...music doesn't depend on a particular instrument. Play the one(s) that speak to you. If you're going to consider yourself a serious student of western music you'll probably need to have some familiarity with the piano.

[Phalex]

I think it's good to know how to play more than one instrument, but think you should stick to the one you play best.

I've seen more than one "Multi Instrumentalist" that plays one thing great, and three other things kinda so so. I do know a few people that seem to do everything well, but they still seem to shine brightest on on instrument in particular.