My Guitar Vs. Bass inner struggle

lukelogandennis · #1 02-21-2011, 12:22 AM

So, I play both Bass and Guitar. I think I'm about at the same level at both. I really love both instruments for different reasons, although I have this constant feeling that I should focus on just one of them to get really really really good at one.
Do you think I should play both and possible remain mediocre and never get a gig? Should I focus on one? How do I choose? Should I focus on one and play the other a little bit on the side? Help me, I'm so confused.

elavate7 · #2 02-21-2011, 12:27 AM

im like you. i play both guitar and bass and have been wavering back and forth between them.as of right now, im playing bass simply because im playing for a band and our church needs a bass player. ive also heard that bass players get more gigs (for obvious reasons). IMHO though, play what you love the most. which ever one makes you happy

ShredderMaximus · #3 02-21-2011, 01:06 AM

I would eat a village of orphans for one of these

iridiumrocks · #4 02-21-2011, 01:12 AM

Since this is TalkBASS, I can guess what most people are going to say

lukelogandennis · #5 02-21-2011, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iridiumrocks

Since this is TalkBASS, I can guess what most people are going to say

True. And honest, at least for this moment in time, I feel closer to the bass side of things. However my guitar gear is so much nicer and I feel guilty for not using it.

electracoyote · #6 02-21-2011, 01:18 AM

I'm actually a much better guitar player than a bass player, but I keep landing bass slots. Why? In my area, you can't throw a rock without hitting a guitar player. Guitar auditions are a joke. The band probably already has a friend or relative in mind, and even if you do well, they'll pass on you and go the nepotism route.

I've resigned myself that if I'm going play guitar, it's going to have to be my project.

Anthony Fury · #7 02-21-2011, 01:35 AM

For starters: I started on guitar, then focused way more on bass early on. That was 17 or 18 years ago. Short answer? I would do whatever I felt like doing.

The bass may make you more money and give you more musical opportunities, but...
The guitar will get you laid WAY more.

I think switching back and forth is a wonderful opportunity to grow your ear (and dexterity - whoops, that scale you were going for doesn't quite work that way when you get to the B string on the guitar!). Even a rudimentary knowledge of chord structures on guitar will put you LIGHT YEARS ahead of other knuckleheads on bass, and that's a fact. Come to think of it, I don't even know how the hell people get as far as they do playing bass WITHOUT knowing any of that stuff, and guitar is a perfect "gateway" to learning it.

Also, you are mistaken in thinking you'll just be "mediocre" by meddling with two things instead of one. "Sacrificing" practice time with one for the other is a lot different than sacrificing practice time for video games or other unproductive nonsense, see what I mean?

Right now, I'm in the Chicago Businessman's Orchestra (bass) and I'm in a unsteady, unmotivated wedding/bar/cover band (the gigs of which pay ironically well), but I still get asked to show up at campfires / parties with a guitar (and typically play for a few hours). I'm not the best at any of these things, but I'd never trade the time I spent learning what I know on guitar for more bass chops. No way.

Munjibunga · #8 02-21-2011, 02:04 AM

Go with bass. It's easier.

Bard2dbone · #9 02-21-2011, 02:08 AM

I've played guitar for thirty four years and bass for only thirty two. I wouldn't have hired someone as a guitar player who played like me. But I sometimes get the impression that I'm pickier than most. With the band I'm currently playing in, I'll bring my guitar in to show the others a part for something we're working on. The rhythm player frequently comments that he should change back to bass because I'm a better guitar player than he is. But I stay on bass because I'm a much better bass player than he is.

Eventually I'll get to the point where I'm satisfied with my guitar playing. Or I'll die. Whichever happens first. But the catch is to keep trying to get better. Strangely I've always thought of myself as someone who plays bass and plays AT everything else.

Joospocks · #10 02-21-2011, 02:24 AM

The guitar player in me is winning at the moment... I've been working on a bunch of guitar stuff with a friend of mine, and GAS-ing hard for a 7 string as an alternative to my 6 string set up baritone.

fearceol · #11 02-21-2011, 02:41 AM

I dont see what all the fuss is about. Go with what your heart tells you. If it includes both,then all the better.

Bard2dbone · #12 02-21-2011, 02:43 AM

If we're confessing GAS, do you want to hear about the Tele I'm modding right now of the Strat over Jazz doubleneck that I want desperately and will never have?

dunnie · #13 02-21-2011, 02:53 AM

I have from age 13 played and earned a living on both bass and guitar. I have always made more money from guitar (and singing) but my first love was and is bass. Thank God that the amps are getting lighter as I get older.

Chicks like bass players too.

thudfromafar · #14 02-21-2011, 12:50 PM

I feel similar, except with bass & drums. And actually several other instruments right behind those.

Just a suggestion: keep doing both. You can always switch more focus to one whenever you feel like it, or if an opportunity comes along.

I may pick a primary one day but for now I'm in no big hurry. I shrug off any pressure by other people (mostly snobby pro-musicians and snob music educators) that I "should" focus on just one instrument. They don't know me or my life better than I do. Many may be better than me at one instrument, but I'm not shooting for the "25 year old virtuoso" mentality.

dtsamples · #15 02-21-2011, 12:58 PM

I was a guitar player for a long time, but finally made the switch several years ago. I just try to approach both for what they are, and concentrate on the differences between the instruments (not just the similarities). It seems like my biggest fear was that I would be perceived as a guitar player who was playing bass as opposed to an actual bassist. I learned that as long as whatever you are playing is right for the song, no one gives a darn how you self-identify. I consider it a blessing to be good at both.

Martin89 · #16 02-21-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukelogandennis

So, I play both Bass and Guitar. I think I'm about at the same level at both. I really love both instruments for different reasons, although I have this constant feeling that I should focus on just one of them to get really really really good at one.
Do you think I should play both and possible remain mediocre and never get a gig? Should I focus on one? How do I choose? Should I focus on one and play the other a little bit on the side? Help me, I'm so confused.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you where I think I'm about the same level for both, I'd say just stick with both of them. I get gigs for both and I'm not super good at either. I think you're more likely to get gigs just because you're available as both. It's like being two people, multiple hats, etc.

Stumbo · #17 02-22-2011, 02:22 PM

IMO/IME, work on your vocals. If you can sing some lead and harmonize, you'll get plenty of gigs on either instrument. Also, learn some keys as well along the way.

clintotron · #18 02-22-2011, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShredderMaximus

I would eat a village of orphans for one of these

How is that a sacrifice? You're getting a bass AND a full stomach? Somebody is spoiled...

MonetBass · #19 02-22-2011, 02:40 PM

I hear you. I'm a bass player first, mainly because (1) that's the instrument I started on, and (2) it's my favorite to play. That said, I really like playing guitar (electric, acoustic, classical) and piano. In short, I enjoy playing music. Whatever instrument allows me to make the music that's in my head is what I use.

Kermin VH · #20 02-22-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony Fury

I think switching back and forth is a wonderful opportunity to grow your ear (and dexterity - whoops, that scale you were going for doesn't quite work that way when you get to the B string on the guitar!). Even a rudimentary knowledge of chord structures on guitar will put you LIGHT YEARS ahead of other knuckleheads on bass, and that's a fact. Come to think of it, I don't even know how the hell people get as far as they do playing bass WITHOUT knowing any of that stuff, and guitar is a perfect "gateway" to learning it.

Also, you are mistaken in thinking you'll just be "mediocre" by meddling with two things instead of one. "Sacrificing" practice time with one for the other is a lot different than sacrificing practice time for video games or other unproductive nonsense, see what I mean?

I'd never trade the time I spent learning what I know on guitar for more bass chops. No way.

I agree completely with this advice. I played guitar for 6 years, switched to bass when the band I was in fired our bass player, and then picked up the guitar again when that band fizzled out. Fast forward a few years, and I landed in a band as a bassist.

I identify far more as a bassist, but the things I've learned from being a guitar player (chord structures, the different chords for each key, etc.) have made me an INFINITELY better bassist. I spend an equal amount of time practicing both guitar and bass. That said, if you take the things you're learning on one instrument and apply it to the other, it's like getting two for the price of one! EVERYTHING I learn on guitar, I take the time to apply it to the bass, and vice versa. Sometimes it becomes an instance of what NOT to do on the other instrument, but I'm still learning SOMETHING from the experience.

So, in shot, just play whichever one you feel like plaing on that given day. Unless, of course, you'e gong to a rehearsal or gig. Take the instrument you're expected to be playing.