The new guy

[toxic_guy]

I know you guys probably get this all the time, but I want to start playing the bass but have no rhythm should I go for bass or electric guitar? I would be playing metal. What do you think?

[Bluesbob]

No rhythm? Everybody has rhythm, you just have to develop it. Maybe you should take some music lessons on a percussion instrument first. Get in the habit of counting while tapping your feet, get a feel for where the "one" is, learn about syncopation and then try an instrument with pitch and harmonic stuff. You can't play bass without a basic understanding of rhythm, and you obviously can't play "rhythm" guitar either. Maybe you could play lead guitar in a free-form original metal-jazz group.
But the best thing you can do is get a good teacher. Good luck.

[toxic_guy]

thanks man

[Rumblefisher]

Rhythm is something you can develop. Listen to some of your favorite songs...preferably not thrash...and try to follow the drumline...I mean, just listen and hone in on the beat. Before you know it, it will transfer to your playing, since that is what you are training yourself to do.

As for which instrument? Which sound you enjoy producing? To me, metal guitar is like someone who talks a lot but doesn't always have something of value to say. When the bass talks though...people listen

[Thombas]

Hi there,
you should, of course, go for the bass! As the other guys said, get someone to help you get started, find someone to play together with, and you & rhythm will find each other automatically before you know it. Just go get started, you'll have a blast.