Question for Bassists

stevood

Just wondering why bass players learn bass ahead of guitar when starting off and if so what do you practice for enjoyment (not to further ability/practice)?


This came from a discussion I had with my band mate. Both of us being guitarists came back from a Christmas break fairly sharp while the bassist and drummer came back rusty. We both agreed that we played fairly regular over the Christmas ourselves picking up the guitar and playing our favourite songs (mostly covers) because we loved playing them while i'm sure our mates really took a break.


DO YOU LEARN BASS SOLELY TO PLAY IN A BAND WITH OTHER MUSICIANS OR IS THERE ANOTHER REASON?

Would love some feedback......

Rigsby

Of all instruments, the bass is for accompanying and supporting other instruments. So I'd say it is safe to assume that 95% + of bassists intend to play in a band. I'm not sure you are right about people starting on bass then moving to guitar. Personally, I have never played guitar, as I have always preferred the bass.

Practice for me is both enjoyment and to increase my ability. I dont see why they should not go hand in hand. My practice usually includes scales, arps, etc, some theory, some reading, followed by playing along to some of my favourite music. Granted, some aspects of practice can be a bit boring, but if you really love your instrument and want to progress on it, it wont bother you.

With regards to your friends coming back rusty after Christmas. It's not easy for drummers to find a place to practice, where they wont be annoying people. That could be a factor there. As for practicing other instruments is concerned, I'd say attitude towards practice, rather then the particular instrument, is the key factor.

DerKaiser

I personally started guitar and bass simultaneously at the age of 14 and gave them both equal attention and treated them both as different instruments, nowadays I probably practice on bass more, I love slap bass and can spend hours practicing that out of the sheer love of hearing what I can do with it.

I think the problem with practicing bass is it annoys the f@*k out of anyone else in the house, they can't hear what you can, all they can hear is 'rumble rumble' so that could be part of why your bass player didn't pick up his bass over crimbo

nij

Many bassists are also guitarists, and will probably be playing guitar at home for pleasure. Unless you're a high level jazz player or something similar, bass practice might not fall under the 'recreation' category. You see, about 99% of people looking to start or join bands are guitarists, so eventually, if a band is going to happen, someone will have to put down the guitar and pick us a bass or indeed some sticks.

jarain

DerKaiser wrote: »

I think the problem with practicing bass is it annoys the f@*k out of anyone else in the house, they can't hear what you can, all they can hear is 'rumble rumble' so that could be part of why your bass player didn't pick up his bass over crimbo

Definite +1. Especially if your in an apartment, small house but that's what headphones are for!

maccored

i suppose it all depends on the caliber of bassplayer you hang around with. Bassplayers (i find) are either failed guitarists who have the bass forced on them since maybe mistakenly believe it to be a simple instrument compared to the guitar whereas other bassists like myself are multi instrumentalists who prefer the bass, but yet play and record guitar, keys, drums etc etc. I have to admit most bassists I know are writers and multi instrumentalists who only need a 'band' as they prefer to play bass live. Its a class instrument.

maccored

nij wrote: »

Many bassists are also guitarists, and will probably be playing guitar at home for pleasure. Unless you're a high level jazz player or something similar, bass practice might not fall under the 'recreation' category. You see, about 99% of people looking to start or join bands are guitarists, so eventually, if a band is going to happen, someone will have to put down the guitar and pick us a bass or indeed some sticks.

A lot of musicians prefer to write on basses. A lot of people try to be a guitarist, but a very small number end up being any good at it. Thats why you normally have bassist or drummer droughts.

DerKaiser

maccored wrote: »

i suppose it all depends on the caliber of bassplayer you hang around with. Bassplayers (i find) are either failed guitarists who have the bass forced on them since maybe mistakenly believe it to be a simple instrument compared to the guitar whereas other bassists like myself are multi instrumentalists who prefer the bass, but yet play and record guitar, keys, drums etc etc. I have to admit most bassists I know are writers and multi instrumentalists who only need a 'band' as they prefer to play bass live. Its a class instrument.

That's pretty spot on

reniwren

Am I the only one who finds the question mildly insulting?

You might want to start looking for a new bass player and drummer who actually want to study.

Malice

stevood wrote: »

Just wondering why bass players learn bass ahead of guitar when starting off and if so what do you practice for enjoyment (not to further ability/practice)?

DO YOU LEARN BASS SOLELY TO PLAY IN A BAND WITH OTHER MUSICIANS OR IS THERE ANOTHER REASON?

Would love some feedback......

That's a bit of a strange question. I don't think anyone ever learns an instrument without having some liking for it. There's no way someone would put in the necessary hours of practice otherwise.

DerKaiser

Malice_ wrote: »

That's a bit of a strange question. I don't think anyone ever learns an instrument without having some liking for it. There's no way someone would put in the necessary hours of practice otherwise.

Teaching bass I find a lot of the kids starting out, sadly, pick the bass because they want something different or they have a friend that plays the guitar and feel this is their only chance of getting into a band, it's a genuine rarity that my first question, 'Why the bass?', is answered with "I love *insert bass player or band here* and I want to learn how to do that!"

Rigsby

DerKaiser wrote: »

Teaching bass I find a lot of the kids starting out, sadly, pick the bass because they want something different or they have a friend that plays the guitar and feel this is their only chance of getting into a band, it's a genuine rarity that my first question, 'Why the bass?', is answered with "I love *insert bass player or band here* and I want to learn how to do that!"

Agree.

Another reason people pick the bass is, as was mentioned earlier, that it is seen (wrongly) as being "easy" to play, therefore an easy gate way to "fame and fortune". Some dont go further with their playing than root and fifth, get bored fast, then dump the bass because it is "too easy" and uninteresting, and turn to guitar instead.

Parsley

I picked up the bass because when i was 15 and really getting into music, there was something about the bass that spoke to me. it just seemed to hold the music together. might've been something to do with the bands i listened to around that time, the pixies, RCHP, Guns N' Rose and the like. very good bass players in all those bands.

nij

Rigsby wrote: »

Agree.

Another reason people pick the bass is, as was mentioned earlier, that it is seen (wrongly) as being "easy" to play, therefore an easy gate way to "fame and fortune". Some dont go further with their playing than root and fifth, get bored fast, then dump the bass because it is "too easy" and uninteresting, and turn to guitar instead.

It depends on the style of music. Sometimes "root and fifth" style playing is what's required. Those bassists do it because they know there's no 'I' in Team. If you play guitar, you already play bass - it's just a matter of physical conditioning.

maccored

nij wrote: »

It depends on the style of music. Sometimes "root and fifth" style playing is what's required. Those bassists do it because they know there's no 'I' in Team. If you play guitar, you already play bass - it's just a matter of physical conditioning.

You HAVE to be a guitarist as they ALWAYS get that the wrong way around. If you can play bass, then you can already play guitar - thats the way it really is. Many guitarists think they can play bass, much like many people think doing a slow 4 4 is playing the drums. Back to the 'root and fifth' as thats about all that can be managed.

Rigsby

nij wrote: »

It depends on the style of music. Sometimes "root and fifth" style playing is what's required.

That was my point. They blame the bass, for being easy and boring, when it's possibly the music they are playing is the problem, as most likely all the music will be root and fifth.

nij

maccored wrote: »

You HAVE to be a guitarist as they ALWAYS get that the wrong way around. If you can play bass, then you can already play guitar - thats the way it really is. Many guitarists think they can play bass, much like many people think doing a slow 4 4 is playing the drums. Back to the 'root and fifth' as thats about all that can be managed.

I play both, and I played bass for a living at one point.

I don't think there is any logical foundation for your statement about people who play only bass already being set up to play guitar. Not the majority anyway. High level bass playing is reserved for soloists or jazz musicians or simply people with moustaches and sunglasses.

As Rigsy said, it's as hard and challenging as you want it to be. But most bassists also play guitar. In a world where most young musicians are guitar players wanting to get into the nearest spotlight and go widdleywiddley, a time comes when those who want to form an actual band will have to pick up another instrument. It's not because they failed at something else. These people have also chosen to broaden their horizons so fair play to them.

I once saw a band consisting of 3 singer/guitarists. Obviously three mates who enjoy hanging out and writing songs together. Worst thing I ever heard. If only one or two of them swallowed a bit of pride and sat down behind a kit or picked up a bass, they would have had a real band.

Dord

I originally began playing guitar about 15 years ago... :eek:

I didn't really stick to it and the awful guitar I had didn't help. Several years later I was enticed by the deep sounds of the bass. Being told by others that "oh you don't want to learn that!", "it's boring" and "your fingers will be in bits" didn't really help. Like any other teenager this just made me want to learn it more!

I've been playing bass since then and genuinely enjoy it. I have a guitar for noodling around on at home but bass is still my #1. I'm not sure who said it earlier in the thread but I also try play other instruments... in the past I've also played a bit of mandolin and have a basic grasp of keys (the sight reading has helped with that though!)

I've become somewhat disillusioned by the lack of commitment with musicians in Dublin. I've jammed with some bands here and there but kinda informal and not going anywhere. However, I still pick up the bass and practice most days... even if its just for 10 minutes. It makes me happy.

maccored

nij wrote: »

I play both, and I played bass for a living at one point.

I don't think there is any logical foundation for your statement about people who play only bass already being set up to play guitar. Not the majority anyway. High level bass playing is reserved for soloists or jazz musicians or simply people with moustaches and sunglasses.

As Rigsy said, it's as hard and challenging as you want it to be. But most bassists also play guitar. In a world where most young musicians are guitar players wanting to get into the nearest spotlight and go widdleywiddley, a time comes when those who want to form an actual band will have to pick up another instrument. It's not because they failed at something else. These people have also chosen to broaden their horizons so fair play to them.

I once saw a band consisting of 3 singer/guitarists. Obviously three mates who enjoy hanging out and writing songs together. Worst thing I ever heard. If only one or two of them swallowed a bit of pride and sat down behind a kit or picked up a bass, they would have had a real band.

Ive been playing for over 30 years, and during many periods relied heavily on the income. Obviously there is no logical foundation for the idea that good bassists are good guitarists - much like theres no foundation for your own claim that if you can play the guitar you can play the bass. i know too many 'guitarists' who CANT play the bass but think they can.

Malice

DerKaiser wrote: »

Teaching bass I find a lot of the kids starting out, sadly, pick the bass because they want something different or they have a friend that plays the guitar and feel this is their only chance of getting into a band, it's a genuine rarity that my first question, 'Why the bass?', is answered with "I love *insert bass player or band here* and I want to learn how to do that!"

But do they stick with it once they've started? When I started playing I was in exactly the situation you've described. My mates were putting together a band and needed a bass player. It's a bit of a cliché but one of the eye-opening moments for me was listening to (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth‎ by Metallica and realising that rather than supporting the guitar and laying down the rhythm with the drums, the bass was leading the whole song.

Once I realised that the bass didn't always have to be stuck in the background I gained a whole new appreciation for the instrument and I've stuck with it since then while my mates have long since given up the instruments they picked up in school.

nij

maccored wrote: »

Ive been playing for over 30 years, and during many periods relied heavily on the income. Obviously there is no logical foundation for the idea that good bassists are good guitarists - much like theres no foundation for your own claim that if you can play the guitar you can play the bass. i know too many 'guitarists' who CANT play the bass but think they can.

I earned a decent sum 'thinking' I could play bass. I had simply translated my guitar ability over to the instrument. The physical condition came after a few months. Obviously I was cheating the punters, despite the positive feedback our act used to get... maybe a refund would be in order.

DerKaiser

Malice_ wrote: »

But do they stick with it once they've started? When I started playing I was in exactly the situation you've described. My mates were putting together a band and needed a bass player. It's a bit of a cliché but one of the eye-opening moments for me was listening to (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth‎ by Metallica and realising that rather than supporting the guitar and laying down the rhythm with the drums, the bass was leading the whole song.

Once I realised that the bass didn't always have to be stuck in the background I gained a whole new appreciation for the instrument and I've stuck with it since then while my mates have long since given up the instruments they picked up in school.

You know yourself man, the majority do not stick at it, like any instrument, this is a good thing though, a natural weeding process

Pulling teeth was an epiphany for me too, the moment I heard that I realised the bass demanded respect when it was played like that, then I heard Blood Sugar Sex Magic and I was hooked

eoin5

DerKaiser wrote: »

Pulling teeth was an epiphany for me too, the moment I heard that I realised the bass demanded respect when it was played like that, then I heard Blood Sugar Sex Magic and I was hooked

They're two things that helped me on my way too

Op, a guitarist friend suggested I pick up the bass and without thinking too much about it I got one, I definitely wasn't thinking about getting into a band or anything at that stage. I'd learned a few chords on guitar without owning one but the idea of learning guitar in preference to bass didn't even pop into my head. I'd assume there's a few more people like me.

drumdrum

eoin5 wrote: »

They're two things that helped me on my way too

I'd assume there's a few more people like me.

I hope so buddy! Finding good bassists is very hard these days!

Well, Im primarily a drummer first and foremost and I also sing and play guitar as well. But from my experiences as a drummer, you can always tell when you are jamming with an experienced bassist instead of a guitarist-turn-bassists (GTB) whos just playing to fill the role in the band. The pure bassist just tends to play with more passion and gets "into it" alot more than the GTB.

Makes for way more fun and better jam sessions!

Another point about the disproportionate ratio of guitarists to bassists is ...well....guitars seem to be far more common than basses. I know tons of people with acoustic guitars that never really play them (or dabbled in them at one stage). I know alot of guitarists that went from acoustic to electric (rather than the other way around) so I reckon this has something to do with it also!

Anyways...my 2 cents....

SouthTippBass

Pretty insulting question I think. What you are saying is, what possible reason would anybody in their right mind want to play bass, when they have the option of choosing any other instrument.

Because bass sounds super sexy, thats why!!

Rigsby

drumdrum wrote: »

Another point about the disproportionate ratio of guitarists to bassists is ...well....guitars seem to be far more common than basses. I know tons of people with acoustic guitars that never really play them (or dabbled in them at one stage). I know alot of guitarists that went from acoustic to electric (rather than the other way around) so I reckon this has something to do with it also!

Another possible reason for the bassist v guitarist imbalance is that the guitar is seen as being more flamboyant. The guitarist gets to strut his stuff, while generally (yes, there are a few exceptions) the bassist is in the backround... holding the whole shebang together, along with the drummer. :P

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

reniwren wrote: »

Am I the only one who finds the question mildly insulting?

I agree, im a guitarist btw

Originally Posted by maccored
i suppose it all depends on the caliber of bassplayer you hang around with. Bassplayers (i find) are either failed guitarists who have the bass forced on them since maybe mistakenly believe it to be a simple instrument compared to the guitar whereas other bassists like myself are multi instrumentalists who prefer the bass, but yet play and record guitar, keys, drums etc etc. I have to admit most bassists I know are writers and multi instrumentalists who only need a 'band' as they prefer to play bass live. Its a class instrument.

+1

stevood

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm not trying to insult anybody by the way, I was just trying to find out that if like myself sitting down and playing something on guitar like Dire straits Romeo and Juliet or Blackird by The Beatles because I love the way they sound and enjoy playing them, do bassists do the same either play the songs or turn on the CD's and play along?

It wasn't a case of why bother playing the bass but rather when you learn, how do you practice for casual fun that is not playing scales and arpeggios etc to improve??

maccored

casual fun - particularly if its something by the stranglers

DerKaiser

stevood wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm not trying to insult anybody by the way, I was just trying to find out that if like myself sitting down and playing something on guitar like Dire straits Romeo and Juliet or Blackird by The Beatles because I love the way they sound and enjoy playing them, do bassists do the same either play the songs or turn on the CD's and play along?

It wasn't a case of why bother playing the bass but rather when you learn, how do you practice for casual fun that is not playing scales and arpeggios etc to improve??

Playing basslines to songs you like obviously, personally for me at the moment it's a lot of Chilis and Primus

nij

Lol, where do some of you guys come up with this stuff? Geezer Butler is a "guitarist turned bassist"-- Tony Iommi told him he didn't want another guitarist in Sabbath. But I'd bet you wouldn't tell him that he doesn't play with the same passion you do, or that he doesn't have a complete understanding of his instrument.

Seriously, get over yourselves... neither guitar nor bass is rocket science.