what next ???? im confused???!!

jongofett · #1 02-21-2011, 01:13 PM

Hey guys not been on in a long time! i have been playing bass for around 3 years now (on and off) and have hit an issue. I have been jamming with a friend for a long time now and am struggling with not knowing what direction to go next, i have even considered trying to play guitar instead because im so confused about what direction im going in. i know its down to personal preference but if i was to stick to bass can anyone help me if they have been in a similar situation??!!
i have been listening to records and figuring things out by ear and also learning tabs and scales but overall i seem to be heading nowhere fast exept wanting to head to a guitar for riffage. please help if you can!!??
thankyou guys

jon, nottingham

erigod23 · #2 02-21-2011, 01:35 PM

If you don't want to play bass, and want to play guitar-play guitar. We're not changing the world here. A lot of us do this for fun or because we like it. Don't feel like you have any obligations toward your bass. Sell it, and get a guitar.

Just my 2 cents.

ondaone · #3 02-21-2011, 02:19 PM

Ive always felt us bottom enders are "different " from other musicians, you gotta like playing the support, even the best of player all hold the pocket while the lead guy plays,

you got to want to be the guy in the band that nobody but bass players knows there name, you gotta want to play one note if needed you gotta want to pay way more for a set of strings, lug bigger speakers ,

BUT....Your also the reason the ladies are dancin, heads are bobbing and attitudes are displayed,(you all know that guy with the funk groove fueling his personal soundtrack of life)

if your down with the low end, kidney shaking , growling pound of the bass than stick to it, if not grab a guitar, strum some chords most of all no matter what you are playing .....HAVE FUN....

take care
jim

nurnay · #4 02-21-2011, 03:07 PM

If you want to riff, by all means get a guitar. If you want to hold down the low end, keep playing bass and get some lessons. A good teacher can get you over the hump.

Nev375 · #5 02-21-2011, 03:15 PM

Put piccolo strings on your bass and riff on that a while. Maybe you will get it out of your system, or maybe you will find your niche as a lead guitarist who uses a bass for his funky guitar licks.

drewfunk · #6 02-21-2011, 03:22 PM

Why cant you "riff" on a bass? What does that mean anyway? In my band me and the guitarist share writing duties equally, and both play difficult and challenging parts. The only difference is that the bass needs to keep the groove going while doing so.

MysterMunky · #7 02-21-2011, 03:24 PM

Get a double neck with guitar and bass! And just for kicks, install a Kaoss pad.....

spitfire70 · #8 02-21-2011, 03:28 PM

If you want to stick with bass, definately find a teacher. Lessons are awesome, especially with a good teacher you like and enjoy.

topcat2069 · #9 02-21-2011, 03:31 PM

Play with other people.... look for Blues Jams in your area... The Blues are simple, soulful and mature, they can be fun and a growing experience....

over_the_moon · #10 02-21-2011, 03:32 PM

Play both, man. Nobody says it's one or the other. You'll end up a better musician.

kcole4001 · #11 02-21-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by over_the_moon

Play both, man. Nobody says it's one or the other. You'll end up a better musician.

+1
Play any instrument you want and can afford. It can only help.
Another +1 for the lessons.
Again, it can only help.