Any Bassists turned drummers?

[Sexfan]

I have been playing bass for almost 4 years now and I am thinking about learning to play drums. I am not that serious of a bassist honestly, I usually just jam with friends and practice on my own. I have a pretty good sense of rhythm when I am playing bass but I feel like holding down the beat all on my own might be a little different. Any advice

 

[McHaven]

I love playing drums, and wish I still owned a kit.

When I wanted to learn more, I bought a mid-range electric kit. I preferred an electric kit because
1. I lived in an apartment.
2. I was able to practice without having to worry about people hearing me sound terrible. (You play with a lot more confidence if you're not worried about how you sound)
3. No drum tuning, or crappy sounding drums. The drum sounds good every time you hit it.

 

[dogbluedrummer]

I'm a drummer turned bassist.
If you are comfortable sitting back in the groove as a bassist, then you'll be a great drummer who can sit in the pocket. Bass and drums have the same role: to set the foundation and accentuate the transitions.

My advice, less is more. Think Ringo Starr. He had no chops but held the pocket together and made millions.

 

[alparrott]

I'm *technically* a bassist turned drummer, as I played bass for three years before picking up the drums, but then drums became my primary instrument (25 years now and still going), and I give lessons privately on the instrument now.

Agree with Dogbluedrummer: If you're a decent pocket player on bass, you could be a decent pocket player on drums. Depends what you want to do with the drums, of course: swing a four-piece with a jazz combo or be the next Neil Peart or Joey Jordison.

As with any instrument, start with the basics. For drums, this includes choosing appropriate sticks, proper grip, rudiments, and setting up the drums comfortably. There is much more physicality involved than there is in bass playing, so be prepared for the initial learning curve to potentially be very sharp and steep.

Drummers have even more of a gear fixation than guitarists (I am admittedly guilty on this part). Resist the temptation to go buy dozens of cymbals and the most tricked-out double kick pedal until you have got the basics down. A couple of toms, a single kick pedal, and a couple of cymbals will serve you well in most musical circumstances in the short run.

Have fun, good luck!

 

[negative theory]

I have been a bass player for most of my life, but I always wanted a drum set. I bought a drum set about 6 months ago. I play drums with some very patient people who aren't looking to take over the world, we just jam and have fun.

 

[P. Aaron]

I am a drummer turned bassist. I still have many of the chops. You just don't forget that stuff.

 

[dreasher54]

I am a drummer turned bassist. I still have many of the chops. You just don't forget that stuff.

+1
i am also a drummer turned bassist.

 

[EdMerc]

Before bass, before guitar, there was always the drum. For me it was hand drums of the Latin persuasion. Never played with a band but used to jam out in drum circles with friends downtown.

 

[Richland123]

I started out on drums and ended up a bassist and that actually has been a huge benefit for me. My first paying band gigs was as a percussionist and lead me to become the bass player. Having that rhythmic approach to playing bass and locking in and working closely with the drummers I have worked with over the years has been a very valuable asset. However, it has been such a long time since I played a drum kit, I can't do it well now.