True, what makes it so difficult to sing while playing bass? I can only do it to songs that are literally engraved in stone in my muscle memory.
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Should a Bassist Know Basic Guitar?
- Thread starter BassFishingInAmerica
- Start date
True, what makes it so difficult to sing while playing bass? I can only do it to songs that are literally engraved in stone in my muscle memory.
I voted yes because like many have already said, learning any other instrument is beneficial to you as a musician. "Should" is a little strong and "guitar" isn't the only answer. Guitar may feel a little more familiar if bass is your only instrument, but a keyboard is a more practical tool, if you're doing it to grasp theory for most people.
As far as being able to read what chords your guitar player is playing, it's not always so easy even for a seasoned guitar player - as also previously mentioned - there are many ways to play the same chord and not all chord hand patterns are easily recognizable.
I agree with the comments stating that having a solid understanding of music theory is way more beneficial than being able to play a second instrument well and I also somewhat agree with the comment I read regarding (paraphrase) "..focusing on becoming a great bass player rather than becoming mediocre at multiple instruments."
It'll probably help, its not likely to hurt, but it's not necessary.
As far as being able to read what chords your guitar player is playing, it's not always so easy even for a seasoned guitar player - as also previously mentioned - there are many ways to play the same chord and not all chord hand patterns are easily recognizable.
I agree with the comments stating that having a solid understanding of music theory is way more beneficial than being able to play a second instrument well and I also somewhat agree with the comment I read regarding (paraphrase) "..focusing on becoming a great bass player rather than becoming mediocre at multiple instruments."
It'll probably help, its not likely to hurt, but it's not necessary.
I've been playing bass for 45+ years. I don't know how to play guitar. However, I started on and still play piano regularly. I feel very fortunate to have started on piano at such an early age. Although I can't recognize many of the chords on a guitar by looking at the player's fingers, I can HEAR the chord, which came from playing piano.
Why limit yourself to a single instrument. Being able A multi-instrumalist makes you more versatile and more valuable.
Guitar players often take up the bass because it opens doors to gigs. Bass player are harder to find than guitarists. Why not have some payback.
Everyone in the band thinks that they're a competent drummer.
Guitar players often take up the bass because it opens doors to gigs. Bass player are harder to find than guitarists. Why not have some payback.
Everyone in the band thinks that they're a competent drummer.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Necessary, no. But it helps:
1. There are concepts that apply to both instruments.
2. Being able to play the guitar part will help you come up with a part that works with it.
3. Knowledge is NEVER bad - it's always good to be able to talk to another musician in their own language.
1. There are concepts that apply to both instruments.
2. Being able to play the guitar part will help you come up with a part that works with it.
3. Knowledge is NEVER bad - it's always good to be able to talk to another musician in their own language.
I think being able to hear and quickly identify chords is a paramount skill as a bass player. Training your ear to do that will no question make you a better player. Whichever medium one uses to sharpen that skill is up to them, though guitar and piano seem most convenient.
I'm also not talking about pitch perfect ear, just the ability to identify simple progressions and major/minor chords.
I'm also not talking about pitch perfect ear, just the ability to identify simple progressions and major/minor chords.
Learning how to play bass transfers nicely to any fretted stringed instrument. Especially those that are tuned in fourths.
So whether you go from bass to guitar or guitar to bass, it's not a big leap.
If you're only going to pick up one additional instrument as a learning excercise, my first choices for a bassist would be piano or drums.
So whether you go from bass to guitar or guitar to bass, it's not a big leap.
If you're only going to pick up one additional instrument as a learning excercise, my first choices for a bassist would be piano or drums.
Playing double bass makes the slab feel tiny as well. Also, I play ukulele Better than I play guitar, how is that for tiny?
.....? The tuning is the same...? I switched from Guitar to Bass without any issues. Do people have trouble going the other way?
My answer would be...why wouldnt you play other instruments...there all brilliant things and after all we are musicians. I play a bit of drums, piano, can finger pick acoustic and recently tried to learn cello which to be honest was a bit hopeless cause it really is pretty difficult, but huge fun.
Try em all I say ,its all music after all.
Try em all I say ,its all music after all.
At a minimum, I reckon you should be able to play the bottom 4 strings...
Learning any additional instrument can only help, but I personally believe you'll get a LOT more out of basic drums or basic piano before basic guitar, at least when it comes to putting that knowledge into practice on the bass.
I've been learning guitar for about 8 months and while I enjoy it, it's helped me with my bass playing less than I expected. I still really enjoy it but I'm learning it more so that I can be a well rounded musician than because it helps me with playing bass.
Knowledge of other instruments, how they function, and their technical limitations is valuable when working with arrangements and especially when communicating with other musicians. I play bass, keys, guitar, and drums well enough to survive a gig on any of them, and have found this to add value in most band situations. As many have commented, a solid functional knowledge of theory is also essential.
