Would it hurt or help my guitar playing to learn bass?

[Fastfwd]

I've wanted to play bass for a while now and started rationalizing it to myself by telling me it was going to help my guitar playing somehow. But is this right or is it the opposite?

I will probably get a better feel for rythm and understanding of song structures by playing bass.

But what about technique? This is what I am mostly working on these days, trying to move from being a rythm guitar to a lead guitar, solos and fast playing.

Would picking up a bass and giving practice hours away help or hurt my guitar playing?

[keb]

In my own personal experience, it only helps.

[BassGod]

Originally Posted by keb

In my own personal experience, it only helps.

Yep. In fact, I've found that learning any instrument can help with another. For example, playing piano has helped me with guitar, etc.

Graeme

[mmg]

you know the "light touch" fast solo players are always talking about? well strengthening your fingers by playing bass a bit only makes it easier. if you've got speed on bass, you're going to be able to get speed on a guitar.

[Roland777]

It only helps! The extended scale and stronger touch required when playing bass works wonders for your speed, accauracy and range when playing guitar.

[MAJOR METAL]

I think it could only help you more in your playing.

[mjolnir]

It'll certainly help your sense of rhythm. If bass teaches you one thing, it's to get into the groove...