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Is It OK to learn other Instruments while learning bass?

#41
Jefenator said:
Drums are also a great second instrument for a bassist. In a music school run by me, drum lessons would be required along with piano. Rhythm is actually much more important than pitches & harmony IMO IME.

When I play drums (occasionally & badly :p) I feel like I'm doing the same job as on bass: laying out the form, keeping the sheep from straying too far.
Click to expand...

Actually my first instrument was the drums.
Bass is a semi-recent development.
 
#42
i've been playing bass for about 4 years now. after about 3 years I started learning piano. i found learning a chordal instrument really helped my playing. it gave me new insight into my playing, and the linear fashion of playing changed the way i approach bass. i say go for it. :)
it's also really nice to have the ability to play a song for someone on something other than bass to give them a better idea of what the song should sound like.

(though sometimes I wish I could bang something out on a guitar. :)
 
#43
I am just starting my journey on the bass but I started off on the Drums. I also know enough Guitar and keys to form chords and understand theory. I found that learning guitar helped my drumming and learning guitar and drums is helping my bass playing.

It also helps that the three piece band I play drums in everybody plays bass. The guitarist/vocalist started on bass. So If i have any questions or need help I talk to those guys.
 
#45
In my house we have Bass (classical and steel string), Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Flute, Penny whistle, Congas, Bongos, Mandolin, Tambourine, Piano, and I think I am still missing one or two. I can ply most of them some, none of them great. But I am getting there and each one does add somthing to my perception of music and how I play. I would go with Piano, drums, accordian, or violin if I were you. Just make sure that you are dedicated and structured (at least to some extent) with your practicing. I thought I was going to get good at all those instruments at one time or another and now I have a bunch of mediocre talents and need more wall space! Bass is my fascination though, and always has been.

Good luck!

Coffee
 
#46
Are you studying both to play both in one band?

Whats your study discipline like?

Who is teaching you either thing, what do they say?

Can you stick with a long book till you finish it?
(Reading I Mean......I'm Serious!)

What if you end up mediocre on both?

If you answered yes to any questions stick
with one instrument.

No really, I say after looking at my life
that you would do well to start and establish yourself
on your MAIN instrument first for at least a year or two,
and then use the theoretical understanding you have to
easily approach other disciplines.....

But don't start with two and fade out of both!

Really get somewhere meaningful with one instrument.......
a lot of people can play at their instrument, but really badly.

I say Dig for the Depths with one instrument. Music isn't
easy...that's why it pays so well.

Would you study two languages at once?

If you can consider playing with two instruments a bit
each day...then take that time and really woodshed
with one till your brain, your hands, and your concepts,
and your approach to how you are going to express
yourself MUSICALLY becomes apparent to you!


Marry your instrument, Stay faithful.


Amen

Smilinsteve :hiding:
 
#47
i think guitar is a good one to learn aswell as drums, my mate plays guitar and hes probably better than me on bass as im a beginer, he doesnt know anything about the theory side to it but he could play more songs than me using roots etc, genereally because he has a more understanding of how songs go
 
#48
I play guitar and bass, started on bass first and is still my primary instrument.
I guess it helped me understand how to write a better bassline and I can come up with ideas on guitar too.
 
#49
frozilla said:
I've just recently stumbled onto I alot of free time and I'm currently taking bass lessons. I'm a beginner. I was thinking guitar :hiding:
...or saxophone:p. But I was worried that learning another instrument on top of this one may interfere with the my studies. What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...

No, it's *NOT* ok. You will be arrested and sent to a secret holding facility in an unspecified Carribean island. You will likely be there for a long time, with no change of undies... :D

Just kidding of course - learning another instrument, especially keys IMO, while learning bass will be a major help to you, in both instruments. Also especially if you are learning to sight read at the same time. I very much recommend an "accompaniment" instrument such as keys or guitar rather than a melodic instrumet like sax, but whatever speaks to you is right, not what some guy on the net says. :)
 
#50
playing different instruments(piano, electric, acoustic other than bass helped me to:

*mesh better with my band
*play more melodic lines
*keep personal practice time fluid by moving onto other instruments when 'bored' at one.
 

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