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Do you go both ways?

#41
I started on guitar at around age 12, picked up bass within the next year. In college and after I was definitely a bassist but still dabbled. I decided to focus on bass to cut down on guitar GAS! Getting into synths helped too. But now I'm playing my Bass VI a lot more and trying to get used to that high B string again!
 
#44
I've played both since I started. I pursued guitar academically studying jazz in college, but I always had a bass and played for my own enjoyment. I started teaching lessons to make money while going to school and then to support myself after. Because I could play bass I got all of the bass students which only made me better. When I started gigging regularly bassists were in demand compared to guitarists and I could do both so more work for me. I still play both but work as a bassist 95% of the time.
 
#46
I have been a bass player from the start. Have owned an acoustic guitar but very basic because primarily I prefer bass. Bought an electric guitar and amp last year and am trying to play guitar more. I have a guitarist friend who wants someone to play with. He is good and is teaching me so we can play together. Enjoying it all.
 
#49
I started on guitar at 14 and have played for most of my life. Dabbled in bass a few times, always knowing that's what I probably should be doing. Picked up bass for real to join a band at 40 or so. Now at 49 years old, I consider myself a bassist first. I still have many guitars, both electric and acoustic and several amps, but have never played guitar in a band although I would like to do that someday.
 
#50
It’s a slippery slope in some areas. Next thing you know, there are urges to play mandolins and banjos.

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#51
I played guitar first, moving heavily to 7 string around 2012. I was fairly decent, but ended up taking about a 4 year hiatus from music. When I moved to Daytona, I decided to get back into it. Thing is, you could throw a rock and hit 6 guitarist around here, but bassist are pretty rare. I remembered how much I really enjoyed playing the bass, and took advantage of the low market demand driving bass guitars and equipment prices down to build up a nice rig for a small investment (I think my bass + amp + cabs together cost about half of what I had just in pedals when guitar was my focus).

It's a different instrument with similar knowledge, but bass really has me thinking much more creatively about how I approach my playing.
 
#52
I started out on the electric guitar in 1997 and then picked up the bass in the early 2000's, I really wanted to be a drummer when I was a kid. Funny how it all worked out though and I'll admit I still strum on the guitar from time to time as well as bass.
 
#56
BCRichguy said:
Ok, so what I want to know is how many other bass players here also play the guitar to any extent? I have recently started playing the guitar in addition to the bass ( to my wifes complete horror, lol) and have found that it definately has had a positive impact on my bass technique/thought process in general..and a negative impact on my wallet (two guitars three pedals and another amp later)! Just wondering if anyone else is in the same shoes?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I can play anything that makes noise. I'm a pretty decent bassist and drummer, but I'm also a capable guitarist and trumpet player. I play keys a little, misc percussion (xylophone, snare, steel drum, whatever really), and I can rock an accordion. The one thing I tried, but just couldnt do is a violin. I got one solid note, but blanked it out everytime trying to move to another one.
 

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