Should I play bass?

[callofcthulhu]

If you're just gonna pound root notes because that's what a "good" bass player does (and you can't find any "good" bass players to play with) don't bother.

Just split your signal and buy an octave pedal. Maybe a looper too if you want something to solo over.

 

[Remyd]

A Poem by Remyd
You like bass? I like bass.
Got a bass? Get a bass.
I play my bass? You play your bass.
Maybe dial down the ego? Bass players aren't allowed ego.
Except Gene Simmons.

*bows*

 

[MovingPitchers]

p

Thanks Jazz! I really didn't mean to offend anyone but, oh well I guess.

You'll offend someone regardless of what you say somewhere and somehow. Gotta get used to it.

 

[fretter]

I might fall into the frustrated guitar player category. Once I picked up the bass, I started getting gigs. My mechanics are slow, and I couldn't play any tasty guitar licks but on the bass I got by. It's true, bassists were always in short supply. I got some auditions with incredible bands because they were so desperate. They could always have the guitarist play bass on the demos but for gigs they needed somebody. Most broke up soon after, some I'm sure because they couldn't find a bassist to their liking. No disrespect, but it's probably a lot easier to blend in as a mediocre bassist than as a guitarist. I know you're situation is different. Most of you are probably in working cover bands which is great but unfortunately that was never my cup of tea (I'm probably completely tone deaf). For me the pros of playing bass are that you have to be a good team player and not a spotlight hog. Musically, there's less worry about tone than on the guitar, but obviously most bassists are very particular about their sound. Basses also tend to stay in tune better, and there's only 4 strings to tune, maybe 5. I also like that you can sort of hit a root note and briefly enjoy what's going on around you, instead of having to noodle nonstop.

I know my post reads like a satire, but hey, c'est la vie.

 

[Solarmist]

I don't think he's trolling - it's his first day here so lets give him a break.

OP - Welcome to TB, and warning - TB is addicting. After you take up bass for a while you'll find it's not as easy as it may look.

I started on guitar, but got so frustrated after 5 years because my thicker fingertips didn't work with the tighter spacing - so one day I tried a friend's Ric out, and it was love (79').

Play bass for a year, then decide if this is really true for you. I bet I know what the answer will be.

That's probably the best sure fire way.

 

[MovingPitchers]

I came from a drummer/guitar background. Drums gave me too much body aches and I could never keep the time sadly and I was tired of keeping my fingernails short for guitar. Bleh.

 

[chungweishan]

Butthurt bass player responses.

Switch to bass, try it out. It never hurts to expand your musical techniques. Like most probably wrote one way or another, it's not like guitar. It's a different approach to music if you're serious about it. You will have a headstart knowing guitar, but there are plenty of other things to learn concerning bass.

Whether the bass line seems too simple or complex, you (and the drummer) are the foundation of the groove of usually most musical styles. As far as I'm concerned, if the drums and bass aren't locking in, the whole song is a travesty. Sure, anyone could play bass just like anyone could play guitar, but I think you will enjoy the challenge of being an exceptional bassist that bands would want.

Obviously, I'm a guitarist that also plays bass (or vice-versa). The only thing I miss when playing bass is the ability to play complicated jazz chords and strum patterns, or knowing I can play better than the guitarist. I haven't touched my guitar and half-stack in a long time, which is sort of a shame. It's a nice stack, not that I'd ever need it even unless I started playing in a metal band that only plays outdoor venues or a club that has patrons willing to lose their hearing.

Have fun getting recommendations acquiring a whole new set of bass gear.

 

[Gravy4001]

I play with a guitarist who is very good at the VH shredding style. People are blown away by how fast he plays. Sounds great on the surface but on every song it kinda loses the soul - just a bunch of notes that don't really mean anything. He also thinks he's a bass player because he can pick up a bass and "play". However, being able to finger the root notes and pluck the strings is just the tip of the iceberg - nothing to do with the actual role of a working bass player. So OP, go get yourself a cheap bass and amp and try it out. Even if it doesn't work out you'll be a better musician for the experience.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

How can I put this without sounding like a jerk...

The world needs one more guitar player turned bass player like... well, like it needs more guitar players!

Focus on guitar. My input, for what that's worth.

 

[JasonTheRed]

Thanks for the input, the negative and positive it's good to hear both. I didn't mean to come off with a ego or to offend bass players. Although it appears I obviously did! I do have a ego with guitar because I've done so much with it. I think that's healthy in some respects. It's a major part of who I am. That plays into my decision in switching to bass professionally. As a hobby I'll always keep playing guitar.

I do have quite a bit of experience playing bass. I've been playing for about 10 years for recording and songwriting. But, I've never played bass in a band or have completely devoted myself to it. It's a big decision for me.

I wish you all the best playing music!

 

[Muttleybass]

I probably shouldn't feed the troll, but I'm bored...

Playing bass is a calling. You're either into it or not. Try it... if you like to groove in the pocket, then fine. You have my permission . If you suck at it because you can't play solid, then you won't get the other kids to play with you anyway.

 

[kesmit]

I've played both guitar and banjo for several years before switching to bass. I wasn't frustrated with either, my church just needed a bass player, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I will say that bass was the easiest instrument to get started on. You can pluck away on root notes as much as you want, but it's not going to help you blend with "great musicians." The one thing I learned on bass is that it really requires more knowledge of music theory to be really good at (not that I'm there yet). Sure there are plenty of bass players out there that are naturals and get away without the theory, but I've found that understanding more about chord structures, scales, rhythms, etc. really helps. You really have to understand all the parts of the music going on and know how to glue them together to be really good.

 

[hover]

Seriously, we can give opinion all day long, pro or con, snide remark or not (and I DO likes me some snide remarks) but to join here today simply to ask, after you've been playing guitar for 14 years...? Seems semi-kinda disingenuous to me, apologies if I'm wrong but one would think in that span of time you've at least picked up the bass instrument a few times, no? Noodled around just a little? I mean you've had modest success, been on tour, etc... people dabble on other peoples stuff all the time. So did you? Did it speak to you at all? Did it do anything for you? Or are you asking us simply because you think you'll get more work simply because it's bass not guitar? I really don't care if you want to the world's a big place, plenty of room..but at the end of the day, and without putting bass on a pedestal I'll say it's not a big deal, it's just music, and only you can answer how important music is to you...but if you don't commit to it and invest in the approach to the instrument, at least 7 times outta 10, you're just gonna sound like a guitar player playing bass.

Best of luck in your decision.

 

[PWRL]

If you want to play it, play it. You don't need anybody's permission. It will change your perceptions of music, and probably change your guitar playing, as well. It will be a good thing all around. Have at it.

 

[ba55i5t]

I play bass vi. You should get one of those and have the best of both worlds.

 

[fretter]

To be clear, switching to bass is not a step down. It's a step up

 

[JasonTheRed]

I want to agree about the comments about playing just root notes or playing the bass like guitar.

I've been frustrated in band auditions with how many bass players (in my personal experience) are like this. I probably am not as accomplished a someone who has completely devoted themself to playing bass when it comes writing bass lines. Out of necessity I've had to write and record bass parts over the years. It is a real skill! Something I continue to work on.

My experience recording and writing bass lines is what gives me confidence that I could move into playing bass fairly easily. Although, there would be many areas to really devote myself too.

I already have a 62 reissue Jazz bass I'm in love with. But, I would need to purchase a bass amp/cab set up.

A lot of what has influenced me into thinking about pursuing bass comes from a professional perspective. Two of my long time friends are bass players who are now playing in national touring bands. I've seen how in demand they are. It's crazy. They've told me I should consider bass for professional reasons.

 

[JasonTheRed]

I've never heard of one before. Looks cool!

 

[aprod]

Stay on guitar. You don't have the bass brain. It takes a special breed to live the low end. A bass is not a 4 string guitar. They are different instruments requiring different techniques. Just because you have played guitar and can maneuver on a bass does not make you a bassist.

 

[hover]

Stay on guitar. You don't have the bass brain. It takes a special breed to live the low end. A bass is not a 4 string guitar. They are different instruments requiring different techniques. Just because you have played guitar and can maneuver on a bass does not make you a bassist.

No.

In fact, tell that to Jason Faulkner. Dude can rip on anything.