Wow, I never imagined what I posted here would receive so much comment and emotion! This has been an interesting insight in both my own and other's psychology.
I sincerely apologize if I offended any of you. That wasn't my intention. Many of you might be able to relate, as musicians, that I'm not always the greatest at expressing myself through words. That is why I love music so much. It gives me a purer platform to express myself.
I don't apologize for what I said however because, wrong or right, it came from what was on my mind. I also, can't apologize for coming across as confident in my musical abilities. I admit I am terrible at lots and lots of things in life. But, I have always been gifted in music and I've worked extremely hard at it. I wanted to show this confidence (call it cockiness if you'd like ) in guitar and as a musician because I thought it was an important part of my decision to possibly focus on bass.
Technically, I already play bass (for about 10 years) and I should have been more clear about that. I've owned a bass (Fender 62 Reissue J bass, that I love! ) for about ten years. I've used it to write music, record and work with bassist that I've played with to improve their bass parts. I'm quite confident in how to apply bass lines to music and how it is a very different approach than guitar. The difference is I've never played bass in a professional band situation and I've always thought of it as a tool to my songwriting. I also, play and write for keys and drums. But, I wouldn't consider myself in relationship to those instruments as band member. I would like to consider myself as just a musician honestly. Guitarist/songwriter is more my area of expertise.
So, my opinions (that were unfortunately offensive to some) that bass is simpler in many respects comes from my own experience. A lot of that happens to come from the styles of music I've played which has mostly been Blues/Rock, Jimi Hendrix/Cream/Zeppelin/Floyd influenced projects and a couple progressive rock projects similar to Porcupine Tree/Opeth styles. I've never played much but I'm totally into jazz and jazz fusion. I believe that would be a totally different experience for a bassist! I come from styles of music where guitar is somewhat of the focal point of the music. So, it would be a completely different role for me if I were to play bass.
My reason for considering bass, does come from the fact that I think I would have more opportunities to play music and play with better musicians, than what I feel limited to in my area as a guitarist. My the reason for that desire is because I love music. I think we can all relate to that!
I didn't come here to post in order to ask for permission but, rather to receive honest input from bassists who know what's it's like to play bass and from those who have made the switch in focus. I thank all of you who did offer that to me!
Unfortunately, bassist don't often get the respect they deserve from both the public and other musicians. That is a shame because without bass music would suck!
In conclusion, I have decided to get out there and try out playing bass!
It will be a big commitment to get started. I've selected a few of my favorite bassist to start studying. I think that will be fun and fulfilling. I already have a bass I love but, I need to purchase a amp. I'll probably lurk here and maybe post some questions about bass equipment. Hopefully the connotation of my Screen name,that I've created, from this post won't shut me out of being part of this community.
Hopefully my post had more meaning than just pissing some people off, lol.
I truly do wish all of you lots of success in your musical journey!
Hey guys, I need some input! I've been playing guitar since I was 14 and I'm now 28. I've been quite successful playing guitar. I've played for large crowds, gone on tour, played live on the radio and led a blues rock band that took 2nd place in a state blues band competition.
So, why am I considering playing bass? For one, everybody seems to play guitar and no one seems to play bass. Out of the ones that do, very few play bass well. I hate to say this here, lol, but it seems that many bass players are just frustrated guitar players.
However, the biggest reason I'm considering bass is because I can't seem to find good musicians to form a new band with. Most of the good musicians are already in successful bands. I feel like I could play bass well enough to fit any any band that has already formed with great musicians. It seems like I could get gigs all the time. I've written bass parts for almost every band I've been in and have recorded bass parts on friend's albums.
The only thing that is making me hesitate is whether I will feel fulfilled and happy playing bass. No offense to bass players but, for most bands, bass is much simpler than guitar. That doesn't mean it's any less important though and ultimately as a musician I desire to make music sounds the best it can no matter how simple that ends up being.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! Especially from those that have made the switch. Thanks!
I sincerely apologize if I offended any of you. That wasn't my intention. Many of you might be able to relate, as musicians, that I'm not always the greatest at expressing myself through words. That is why I love music so much. It gives me a purer platform to express myself.
I don't apologize for what I said however because, wrong or right, it came from what was on my mind. I also, can't apologize for coming across as confident in my musical abilities. I admit I am terrible at lots and lots of things in life. But, I have always been gifted in music and I've worked extremely hard at it. I wanted to show this confidence (call it cockiness if you'd like ) in guitar and as a musician because I thought it was an important part of my decision to possibly focus on bass.
Technically, I already play bass (for about 10 years) and I should have been more clear about that. I've owned a bass (Fender 62 Reissue J bass, that I love! ) for about ten years. I've used it to write music, record and work with bassist that I've played with to improve their bass parts. I'm quite confident in how to apply bass lines to music and how it is a very different approach than guitar. The difference is I've never played bass in a professional band situation and I've always thought of it as a tool to my songwriting. I also, play and write for keys and drums. But, I wouldn't consider myself in relationship to those instruments as band member. I would like to consider myself as just a musician honestly. Guitarist/songwriter is more my area of expertise.
So, my opinions (that were unfortunately offensive to some) that bass is simpler in many respects comes from my own experience. A lot of that happens to come from the styles of music I've played which has mostly been Blues/Rock, Jimi Hendrix/Cream/Zeppelin/Floyd influenced projects and a couple progressive rock projects similar to Porcupine Tree/Opeth styles. I've never played much but I'm totally into jazz and jazz fusion. I believe that would be a totally different experience for a bassist! I come from styles of music where guitar is somewhat of the focal point of the music. So, it would be a completely different role for me if I were to play bass.
My reason for considering bass, does come from the fact that I think I would have more opportunities to play music and play with better musicians, than what I feel limited to in my area as a guitarist. My the reason for that desire is because I love music. I think we can all relate to that!
I didn't come here to post in order to ask for permission but, rather to receive honest input from bassists who know what's it's like to play bass and from those who have made the switch in focus. I thank all of you who did offer that to me!
Unfortunately, bassist don't often get the respect they deserve from both the public and other musicians. That is a shame because without bass music would suck!
In conclusion, I have decided to get out there and try out playing bass!
It will be a big commitment to get started. I've selected a few of my favorite bassist to start studying. I think that will be fun and fulfilling. I already have a bass I love but, I need to purchase a amp. I'll probably lurk here and maybe post some questions about bass equipment. Hopefully the connotation of my Screen name,that I've created, from this post won't shut me out of being part of this community.
Hopefully my post had more meaning than just pissing some people off, lol.
I truly do wish all of you lots of success in your musical journey!
Hey guys, I need some input! I've been playing guitar since I was 14 and I'm now 28. I've been quite successful playing guitar. I've played for large crowds, gone on tour, played live on the radio and led a blues rock band that took 2nd place in a state blues band competition.
So, why am I considering playing bass? For one, everybody seems to play guitar and no one seems to play bass. Out of the ones that do, very few play bass well. I hate to say this here, lol, but it seems that many bass players are just frustrated guitar players.
However, the biggest reason I'm considering bass is because I can't seem to find good musicians to form a new band with. Most of the good musicians are already in successful bands. I feel like I could play bass well enough to fit any any band that has already formed with great musicians. It seems like I could get gigs all the time. I've written bass parts for almost every band I've been in and have recorded bass parts on friend's albums.
The only thing that is making me hesitate is whether I will feel fulfilled and happy playing bass. No offense to bass players but, for most bands, bass is much simpler than guitar. That doesn't mean it's any less important though and ultimately as a musician I desire to make music sounds the best it can no matter how simple that ends up being.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! Especially from those that have made the switch. Thanks!
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