Swapping from guitar to bass

[LowWay]

Groove is of paramount importance. Find songs in genres you’re interested in with great bass parts and learn to master the groove elements for those styles.

One thing I don’t see suggested is learning about playing melodic parts that also support the song. I think this is a great way to expand the way you think about bass.

There are tons of great melodic bass players you can learn from. McCartney being the obvious common touch stone.

Keep an ear out for songs with melodic bass parts wher the bass parts are still holding down the bottom and the groove.

There are some songs I consider master classes in bass part creation, and are some of the most fun tracks to play. These are never fail sources of joy for me.

Epoxy, for Example by fIREHOSE
Rio by Duran Duran
If You Want Me to Stay by Sly and the Family Stone
I Want You Back by Jackson 5
Apache Rose Peacock by the Chili Peppers


There are countless others, find some of these kinds of songs with bass parts that are fun to play that have great grooves that bring you joy. My list may not work for you, but all of these songs will teach you something, I guarantee you that.

 

[BlueTalon]

A guitar player playing bass is not the same thing as a bass player. We have to think differently because our roles are different. Keep that in mind as you import your techniques and experience from guitar to bass. You can use the same techniques, but they're different in application.

 

[rylie]

Who doesn't like a fast comfortable neck? For guitar or bass. Personally started on guitar 1964. Then 1975 found a cheap Japanese bass at a local pawn shop. Do not recall the bass brand but recall the neck as something we would compare to Fender J neck. Slim and fast. My transition guitar/bass experience was all about the neck. 1976 Fender J is main player since 1978.
And yeah still play the Strat w/maple fretboard. Fender neck/fretboard is what unifies guitar/bass. IMO.

 

[jamro217]

Welcome to TB. The guitar and bass are different instruments that perform different functions. Try to understand what those functions mean in a musical context and how to best use the skills you already possess to make a swift transition. Flashiness may be important for guitarists, but the foundation is what the bass is about. Do that well and it makes the whole show. Do it poorly and it ruins everything. A lousy guitar solo makes people think the guitarist is lousy. A lousy bass player makes them think the band stinks. That's where the power lies. Mwahahahaha (as Spidey would say). He'll probably be along soon to wish you well.

 

[Malcolm35]

My experiences with a few who swap, remember you have to stay with the bass part, not the lead. This explains it the best.

Yes she reminded me that you can count on root on one, and simple lines do work with most of what we end up playing.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Kaa]

While it is always best to learn to be fluent with fingers AND pick, if you are happier just using the pick, that is perfectly fine.

 

[Les Fret]

Good advice from everyone. But the first thing I would do is get a good bass teacher, not a guitar player who does bass on the side.

Some guitar techniques translate well to bass, but those are mainly classical guitar techniques. Most things however require a totally different approach. A good teacher can help you with that, much more than random advice on a forum or YouTube.

 

[dougjwray]

Sorry if this has already been said, but I think you have two areas of "technique" to consider: a) physical (pick vs. fingers, developing strength and stamina, etc.); and b) mental.
I think the mental side is more significant. Different guitarists have told me on two different occasions, "It's hard to be a bass player because you can't ever make a mistake!" You will be responsible for steady time AND correct notes. The other players usually skim along on the top, knowing that you will catch them if they fall. You're steering the ship. (I apologize for the mixed metaphor.)
So, even if you're using your elbow to play roots, as long as they're the right roots and they arrive and leave on time, you're doing the job!
You can always branch out; but I would start by working on adopting that mental orientation.

 

[Malcolm35]

Yep, root on one and fake the rest.