short scale/beginning bass

[Count Bassie]

But how do you play chords on a guitar, if you can't make this stretch?

I don't know, but he wants to play bass. Playing bass is more about time, note choice and nuance than physical limitations. If you can't make the stretch, get a short-scale bass. Learn to deal with the getting from one note to the other.

Drop the logistics. If you want to do it, you'll figure and work a way to do it.

 

[Hopper]

Another idea, which I ALWAYS do is put a capo on the second fret of a 34" and downtune to standard pitch. Sounds excellent, give very good low action and you have a choice of any high-end quality bass all with a 30" scale.

That's a great idea. I don't know why I didn't think of that before!

 

[DeanT]

I play short scale basses and recommend them whenever I can. Most of what you've heard or read about short scale basses is wrong.

But...The best advice I can give you is go out and try all the basses you can find, both long scale and short. See which is more comfortable for you to play. That's how you should make your decision, not by what everyone says.