Should I learn Bass or Electric Guitar?

Tellox

I gave up soccer recently, and have a bit more free time, so I decided to learn how to play an instrument.

Thing is, I have no musical talent. I dont do music in school, never really played any instruments before (Apart from mashing a keyboard when I was young. I could play the theme from the muppet show, but thats a completly differrent story...)

I want to learn either Bass or Electric guitar. Apparently you can pick up bass over the course of 4-6months or so, and can download all the tabs yourself and practise when you want.. Electric guitar apparently takes over a year,and requires lessons, but sounds oh so pretty.

I'd be interested in playing songs such as Evanesance's work, final fantasy battle music ect ect, but apparently this really isnt possible to do right with a Bass. Only thing I can think of playing with a Bass that I'd enjoy is the bohemian rhapsody..

To sum up, what do you lot think I should play?

Karl Hungus

Both.

I started off playing the bass myself, but I'm a mad guitar head now. You'll automatically get some experience with both instruments, as in... Hand a bass to a great guitarist, and even tho he's never played bass before in his life... He'll still be able to play.

But there's simply no end to the things that you can learn, so saying it's take 4-6 month, or a year... that's totally off.

feylya

Yeah, both's not a bad idea. I would be more inclined to say guitar though but that's just cos I'm a guitar player. And you don't need lessons (I never had any) but they can be useful if you find a good teacher.

ShriekingSheet

if u reckon you will have future desire to join a band id recomend bass cos you'll be good enough soon enough and EVERYBODY plays guitar and theyll ALL be better than u cos youve just started (obv!)

But for recreational purposes ie: playing/practicing on your toblerown, guitar is alot better as an independant instrument.

hope ive been of some help

superconor

the bass is easier to pick up, but hard to master. you will find it easier to find a band. guitairists are 2 a penny, but bassists are a rarer breed. (thankfully!:p )

Guitarists are looked on with more respect, but it is harder to master than bass.

Be a drummer, solve all your problems :ninja:

ferdi

guitar.
i play bass and i wish i'd started with guitar.

Doctor J

Any freak can play guitar and hack out a guitar players bassline but it takes time to be a really good guitarist or bassist.

If all you can think of is Bohemian Rhapsody on bass, then you ought to go for guitar. You're better off being into bass before you buy one. It's not exactly an instrument you'll be asked to play at parties.

Get a guitar, it's more flexible and for someone who's drifting into it, it'll hold your attention longer.

Quatre Mains

Originally posted by superconor

Be a drummer, solve all your problems :ninja:

- if you're hoping to get into gigging around this is the best way 'in'. I am a guitarist playing for 15 years and at the moment I can't get into a band or even put my own together. :mad:
If you're just doing it for pleasure I would say get yourself a cheapish 2nd hand guitar and learn it for 6 months before going for a bass, IMO you will learn a bit more about chords etc. plus as a standalone instrument its a bit easier to listen to. If you transfer to bass you will be ready to hook up with a band pretty much straight away, which will make practicing on that instrument a lot more fun.
I also think if you start on guitar you should get an acoustic first.It isn't as glamorous as an electric but it will improve your finger strength quicker.

Cheers
Neil