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Should I learn to play bass?

#61
SUBnet192 said:
Yeah I really didnt want to get into the "bass is easier than guitar" thing, I'm not putting down bass players here ;) Just saying that I don't see bass players "shredding" as much as guitar players, seems more laid back to play bass (then again, John Myung from Dream Theater...). Thought it might be easier on my right arm. I have seen therapists for it, and basically, I'd have to quit my job for it to get better. So I thought (in my crazy brain) that playing guitar would be a change from typing all day and it would help me sort of get better (basically I AM not typing/mousing) but it's basically the same areas that get solicited so...

I just don't want to invest in gear that'll end up back in the classifieds a week later if it kills me... I have no bass playing friends around here to borrow one so...

I guess I'll give it a shot, holidays are coming, that'll give me something to do :) Any thoughts on the RD500/Hartke combo I saw? I read about the Hartke amp and it doesn't look that great... 8" speaker...

Should I go with 4 strings/5 strings? I'd be playing Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, stuff to accompany my son so...

Thanks for all the great feedback!

Marc
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If you're right hand has a tendency to get cramped up, then you're going to have some trouble playing Maiden. Steve plays FAST - lots of triplets and stuff. His right hand is furious.
 
#63
I learned because of my older brother, a great musician, and Paul McCartney, another great musician!

I played with a pick from the get go, and later learned to play without a one, but only for emergencies!:D
 
#64
SUBnet192 said:
That's why I told my son he'd have to learn mellow stuff ;) so I can play along. Floyd for example should be (i'm not generalizing) "easier" on the wrist.

When (if even) do you use a pick on a bass?

Marc
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Ah, good to see ya planned ahead. :smug:

Depends on you, I guess. I tried to use a pick on bass, but I could never get used to the feel. A lot of people will make fun of you for using one, but pay no mind. ;)
 
#66
pendergasta said:
Definitely learn to play bass if you feel that's what you want to do. But don't do it because you think it's easier than guitar or any other instrument. But -coming from a guitarist of 18 years and bassist of 1 year - bass is not easier than guitar by any means, either musically or physically. Actually, bass is much more physically demanding than guitar.
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Is this entirely true? I have been playing the bass for about a year as well as a guitar for a little over which I started out on but just couldnt get into it as I prefer playing the bass (feels more comfortable to me) and a guitarist once made a comment to me "the bass is for the guitarist who gave up on learning it". I kind of shrugged it off thinking he was being a jackass to try and put me down or something. I just found that both my right and left hand cramps up much more on a bass then a guitar, but could be my playing style as well.
 
#67
Hello,

Here is a shout out to another Canuck! Firstly, let me say that I think your kid is very good, and you will have a blast playing with him! Secondly, despite what people say about Ibanez soundgear basses (I.E. made in Indo/China) and the like, they are pretty good for the buck you spend. Bartonlini's are good pick ups, mono rail bridge, Mahogony body, but what I think you will like most is the neck. They are so thin and fast! My buddy played an SR1000(insert 3 letters here) as his main for a long time, and when he finally decided to get something "better" he missed that thin neck LOTS. What I don't think you will like is the feeling of not moving enough air with that Hartke A25 ... but it is a start, and for $475 CAD you can't really go wrong. Lastly, who knows you might get bit by the bug that most of us on here got bite by and tinker and buy until you are TOTALLY happy with your rig. AND you get to have fun along the way! All the best to you, I hope some of what I said helps. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I will NEVER claim to have it all figured out, but I don't mind sharing what I do know with others. Cheers!
 
#68
kosmicwizard said:
Hello,

Here is a shout out to another Canuck! Firstly, let me say that I think your kid is very good, and you will have a blast playing with him! Secondly, despite what people say about Ibanez soundgear basses (I.E. made in Indo/China) and the like, they are pretty good for the buck you spend. Bartonlini's are good pick ups, mono rail bridge, Mahogony body, but what I think you will like most is the neck. They are so thin and fast! My buddy played an SR1000(insert 3 letters here) as his main for a long time, and when he finally decided to get something "better" he missed that thin neck LOTS. What I don't think you will like is the feeling of not moving enough air with that Hartke A25 ... but it is a start, and for $475 CAD you can't really go wrong. Lastly, who knows you might get bit by the bug that most of us on here got bite by and tinker and buy until you are TOTALLY happy with your rig. AND you get to have fun along the way! All the best to you, I hope some of what I said helps. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I will NEVER claim to have it all figured out, but I don't mind sharing what I do know with others. Cheers!
Click to expand...

We have an Ibanez guitar here (S620EXQM) and I like it (my son uses it in the Hotel California and the summer camp vids), although it sounds nothing like the EBMM, which I find richer sounding. The neck of the Ibanez is fast and fun to play, we had 2 PRS Tremonti SE before with "baseball bat" style necks, completely different feel.

So I'm not too worried about the Ibanez Roadgear. As for GASing, I'm going thru that getting gear for my son. He doesn't ask for anything, I just read and listen to stuff and when I'm convinced HE needs something, I show it to him or I simply buy it for him lol...

He went on a trip with his mom last summer and while they were gone, I built him the pedalboard you see in the Pink Floyd video :bassist:

Can anyone ever be happy with their rig? I guess when you stop trying to sound like your idols and find your own sound.

Marc
 
#70
GianGian said:
Picks can be nice, but they are actually harder on the wrist. At least for me.
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But why/when would you use the varying types of playing (fingerstyle, thumb slapping or pick)?

Does each style go with a music type? i.e. funk seems more like a slap style than picking, I've seen rock bass players doing mostly fingerstyle and some picking the strings...
 
#71
SUBnet192 said:
But why/when would you use the varying types of playing (fingerstyle, thumb slapping or pick)?

Does each style go with a music type? i.e. funk seems more like a slap style than picking, I've seen rock bass players doing mostly fingerstyle and some picking the strings...
Click to expand...

I use a pick when it is something very fast, that I can't play with my fingers. But you can use it whenever you want. Yeah, there are styles that people play more with the fingers, or with a pick, or slap...but you can do what you want when you want...I basically play everything with my fingers, with the already mentioned exception. I also never slap, even if it is funk, I just don't like to do it. Some players play everything with a pick, some nerver use it...just do it as you think you should.
 
#72
GianGian said:
I use a pick when it is something very fast, that I can't play with my fingers. But you can use it whenever you want. Yeah, there are styles that people play more with the fingers, or with a pick, or slap...but you can do what you want when you want...I basically play everything with my fingers, with the already mentioned exception. I also never slap, even if it is funk, I just don't like to do it. Some players play everything with a pick, some nerver use it...just do it as you think you should.
Click to expand...

So it's a matter of personal taste, not sonority. ok :)

Thanks!

Marc
 
#73
SUBnet192 said:
But why/when would you use the varying types of playing (fingerstyle, thumb slapping or pick)?

Does each style go with a music type? i.e. funk seems more like a slap style than picking, I've seen rock bass players doing mostly fingerstyle and some picking the strings...
Click to expand...

I don't use a pick much, but when I do grab one it's to get a different tone. I find that if I'm going for a real aggressive, biting rock tone, I can get it better with a pick than with fingerstyle, I feel like I can really dig in more. Like several others have mentioned I can also play a bit faster with a pick. But yeah music style has a lot to do with it too, I'd probably never use a pick on a funk or jazz tune.
 
#77
Well, got the Ibanez tonight, playing with a pick for now, as I'm used to it from playing guitar. It's a gorgeous instrument, very happy with it.

Started to learn Pink Floyd's Breathe to play along with my son, it's fairly easy actually. Unfortunately, the pain is sort of coming back (didnt take long). I'll figure something out.

Thanks a lot for all your feedback and answers to my questions! I should come by regularly to at least read and maybe ask a few more questions if they arise :)

I'll try to post a video when I'm done learning that song, accompanied by my son. Who wants to come over and play drums? lol

Marc
 
#78
SUBnet192 said:
Well, got the Ibanez tonight, playing with a pick for now, as I'm used to it from playing guitar. It's a gorgeous instrument, very happy with it.

Started to learn Pink Floyd's Breathe to play along with my son, it's fairly easy actually. Unfortunately, the pain is sort of coming back (didnt take long). I'll figure something out.

Thanks a lot for all your feedback and answers to my questions! I should come by regularly to at least read and maybe ask a few more questions if they arise :)

I'll try to post a video when I'm done learning that song, accompanied by my son. Who wants to come over and play drums? lol

Marc
Click to expand...

Not sure if it was mentioned already - but look into the Carol Kaye pick technique - I know it has helped some people play easier when they had issues playing conventionally.
 
#79
I really think the guy who mentioned the short scale bass has a very VERY important point. My hands were hurting, I gradually got back into playing a full scale bass, but I prefer a short scale. They sound about the same, but everything is closer together AND the strings are a bit looser. Look at some of the short scale (30") basses at Rondo, they sell very decent stuff and totally stand behind it -- they will even cover shipping and have UPS pick it up if you happen to fall on a lemon or something slips by a sleepy Chinese QA inspector.

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for $139 + $25 shipping, or one of their other short scale basses. I would avoid the Ash naturals, they're heavier.

The fretless version of this model I have is my favorite bass, period, I wouldn't trade it for any bass for any amount of money. The neck is phenomenal, very flat and easy on my hands. If you play standing up, this little bass is a bit
neck-heavy. You can get a Komfort Strap and/or install a heavier bridge or order a bridge cover when you order the bass and attach a few e.g. tire weights inside it with double-sided foam tape, do a search, someone once posted a photo. Get some good strings and have a pro do a "set-up".

I have a much better time playing a short scale, both the right and left hand are MUCH less stressed. A short scale is much easier on your whole body, your back, your arms, you will absolutely wonder why you never tried a short scale before. Also maybe try some low tension flatwound or ground-round strings, many people like Thomastik Jazz Flats, it's a much smoother ride for both hands.

And try to find a used "real amp", like a Peavey, not a 15 watt toy. Thank the angels and count your blessings that you can play with your son, definitely keep it up!
 
#80
It's not really a matter of the guitar per say, I get the same pain playing Rock Band on the XBOX360... And you can't have smaller scale then this. I have latent tendonitis that just wont go away (due to work mostly). I thought I might do better with bass than guitar but I guess the problem's there for good. One day I'll find a specialist (or I'll retire whichever comes first lol) that will know how to fix this.

Thanks for your advice though.

Marc
 

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