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piano classes to learn more how to play bass

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by Rodrigocsm, Oct 21, 2001.

  1. Oct 21, 2001 #1
    Rodrigocsm

    Rodrigocsm

    Aug 19, 2001
    Brazil (hey, we play the blues here!)
    I want to know if anyone know play piano? is it good to play bass especially to create independence on the fingers. Maybe i'll take up some piano classes. And I really can't find good bass teachers in my city.
     
  2. Oct 21, 2001 #2
    Christopher

    Christopher

    Apr 28, 2000
    New York, NY
    If I had my druthers, I would have started on piano. I don't think the physical aspects of piano playing translate to bass (unless you tap a lot), but piano will definitely improve your recognition of intervals, harmonies and chords. It never hurts to learn another instrument.
     
  3. Oct 21, 2001 #3
    Bass Guitar

    Bass Guitar Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2001
    Piano playing can help by teaching you how to use each finger independently, which can be useful at times when playing bass (as mentioned especially tapping or soloing).

    However, the main advantage of learning to play keyboard instruments is that you will learn music theory and composition in a more comprehensive manner - you will learn about melody and its interaction with harmony, chords as well as bass. And the piano is a great instrument to know how to play.
     
  4. Oct 21, 2001 #4
    Chris Fitzgerald

    Chris Fitzgerald Student of Life Staff Member Administrator Gold Supporting Member

    Oct 19, 2000
    Louisville, KY
    RODRIGOCOSMOS,

    When I was doing my theory degrees, the piano was an absolute advantage. It helps you to think of harmony at once as a vertical, horizontal, and contrapuntal entity. Playing things like fugues on the piano can help you become aware of the shifting focus from part to part, which helps you understand some of the more subtle interplay of ensemble playing. In a really great group, everybody is aware of the space enough to know when and how to share it. With the piano, you get to do that all by yourself.

    I think it also helps build an appreciation for timbre...having very limited tonal color choices is a great frustration for many pianists, and when you become free of that, the interplay of different tone colors can open up new worlds. I'd say, if you have time to do it, go for it. It's a win-win situation.


    DURRLA BARTALK
     
  5. Oct 22, 2001 #5
    Bass Guitar

    Bass Guitar Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2001
    Ah, the good old contrapuntal entity.

    I like it when the entities go contrapuntal.

    ;)
     
  6. Oct 22, 2001 #6
    Intrepid

    Intrepid

    Oct 15, 2001
    Maybe thats why I picked up bass so well. I'ver heard of ppl having diffculties using there ring and pinky fingers and I had no difficulty with it. I could play bass in like 4 weeks after starting with pretty good proficiency.
     
  7. Oct 25, 2001 #7
    terms bassist

    terms bassist

    Mar 18, 2001
    Queensland Australia
    I played Piano for 10 years before I played Bass. I don't really tell many people this when they ask me how long I've been playing bass. When I tell them I've only been playing for 3 years, they freak out. and say "three sounds like you've been playing your whole life" So yeah Piano is Ideal for picking up bass, I reckon you should learn it. It help especially with chords. so you know exactly which notes make up which cords. well that probably doesn't make sence but I hope you get my drift.
     
  8. Oct 26, 2001 #8
    the-lizard-king

    the-lizard-king Guest

    Apr 27, 2001
    The Dark Side Of the Moon
    Knowing piano will be invaluable for writing songs. Bass is impossible to write complex songs on.