switch from guitar to bass

[chi42069]

hi, i been playing guitar for 3 years and now i've been considering playing bass. I just want to know if the transition is easy, from playing guitar to playing bass. Also, would a 6 string bass be to hard to play as a beginner? I figured since i've been playing a guitar, a 6 string bass wouldn't be so bad. but im new to this bass game, so i need some advice.


thanks for the help

chi

[bigbass]

i read your post about switching from guitar to bass and i did the same thing many years ago. as far as difficulty goes it can go either way. it may take a little time to get used to dealing with bigger strings and a larger neck. also if you are planning on playing finger style that may take some time to get down. one thing to concentrate on is the drummer, if you can lock in with a drummer, you've all but got it made. one thing that i noticed about switching from guitar to bass was that i had an easier time playing with a guitarist. having limited knowledge of real musical theory, but at the same time knowing the notes that make up certain chords helped me to move around the songs a bit more. as far as getting a 5 or 6 string i'd hold off until getting more familiar with the 4 string. you're entering a whole new world with the bass so don't feel the need to make things more difficult for yourself by jumping into the deep end with the 5 or 6! congrats and welcome to the bass brotherhood!!!

best of luck,
chris

[chi42069]

hi, i just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. they have helped me a lot. i'm suprised of how many responses i got back. the bass world seems to be more friendy and helpful than the guitar world.

thanks again,

peace

chi

[watt]

hi,

I think you should start w/the four string kind. you're going to have to get your fingers stronger cuz of the bigger strings. you'll also have to get callouses on your plucking hand if you decide to go w/out a pick. go slow but steady. don't play too hard but keep at it constantly - however, stop if you get any pain and wait for that to calm down. you don't want to tear skin. forget making chords right away, like you would on a guitar. stick to riffs and lines. play scales to learn the new wider spacing of the frets.

listen to a lot of old motown w/james jamerson on bass. those are the greatest lines to learn bass to.

hope this helps and have fun! neat that you wanted to jump to this side of the fence!






on bass, watt

Originally posted by chi42069
hi, i been playing guitar for 3 years and now i've been considering playing bass. I just want to know if the transition is easy, from playing guitar to playing bass. Also, would a 6 string bass be to hard to play as a beginner? I figured since i've been playing a guitar, a 6 string bass wouldn't be so bad. but im new to this bass game, so i need some advice.


thanks for the help

chi

[backwoods012001]

I swithched to BASS about 2 years ago. It was a little tough. But with practice it was the best move that I ever made. In my experience, the first to do is strengthening the fingers. Just take your time and it will be rewarding

[watt]

hi,

"...it was the best move that I ever made."

I loved reading this much! thank you!








on bass, watt

Originally posted by backwoods012001
I swithched to BASS about 2 years ago. It was a little tough. But with practice it was the best move that I ever made. In my experience, the first to do is strengthening the fingers. Just take your time and it will be rewarding