Bass playing Drummer

[somecallmejosh]

I'm a drummer who's always been sort of a bass-noodler. I would teach myself songs, and try applying the stuff I learned in theory class over to bass. But I've never thought of myself as a "bassist." I recently had the opportunity to fill the bass position in a startup band, and I absolutely love it. I'm so learning so much. Being able to float on top of the groove is such a magical feeling. The connection with the drummer is great, and I truly believe this is making me a better drummer. I wish I would have done this 20 years ago. Anyone with similar experiences?

[drummer5359]

I've finally gotten more serious about playing bass. I hope to someday consider my a "real" bassist as I consider myself as a "real" drummer.

Good to meet you Joshua.

[somecallmejosh]

Originally Posted by drummer5359

I've finally gotten more serious about playing bass. I hope to someday consider my a "real" bassist as I consider myself as a "real" drummer.

Good to meet you Joshua.

Nice meeting you, too!

[Sonic_Death]

Started out as a bassist and then picked up guitar and drums down the road. Versifying my instrumentation was the best thing for me as a musician, and helped me on every other instrument I played.

Guitar really developed my song writing abilities and chord patterns. Drums helped me with my rhythm some, helps me lock in with drummers a lot more than I used to, and definitely helped me dramatically change the feel of some of my songs... drums have such a strong impact on the flow and feel of a song.

One caveat I can think of is that now when I am playing bass in my band, I sometimes micromanage the others because I'll want something done different on drums or something like that. It's tough to shut your brain off when it's thinking from so many different angles.. I try to just tell myself that I can't write everything myself haha

[somecallmejosh]

Originally Posted by Sonic_Death

One caveat I can think of is that now when I am playing bass in my band, I sometimes micromanage the others because I'll want something done different on drums or something like that. It's tough to shut your brain off when it's thinking from so many different angles.. I try to just tell myself that I can't write everything myself haha

I hear you. :-)

[Eric Perry]

I started as a drummer waaay back in the day. I was around 10 when I started taking drum lessons. It was a few years later I switched to bass. I feel my experience and training as a drummer helped me immensely as a bassist.

[somecallmejosh]

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

I started as a drummer waaay back in the day. I was around 10 when I started taking drum lessons. It was a few years later I switched to bass. I feel my experience and training as a drummer helped me immensely as a bassist.

Hi Eric,

Very cool. I'm still primarily a drummer. I'll always be one. I'm really enjoying bass, too. Thinking harmonically is a great challenge for me, and I love it.