Bass/Guitar players impart your wisdom.

[grado]

This is more of a request for opinions vs a straight out question.

I've been playing guitar & bass in a half ass fashion for most of my life, by that I mean that I have gaping holes in my ability and musical knowledge. Guitar has always been my primary instrument. I have a relatively decent technique but I would say I'm still playing "easy" music. I've always been OK playing in a band and doing simple solos but if I sit down by myself I'm only ever playing "Part" of a song never something complete.

Now I'm getting more serious about playing. For those of you who have been in a similar position, would you say I'm better off putting away the bass for a couple of years and concentrating solely on guitar or will expanding my bass knowledge at the same time be a benefit?

I guess I'm worried that by playing guitar and bass that I'm taking the "shotgun" approach to music, instead of trying to be good at one thing.

[Occam]

I think playing two instruments is always a good thing in that it keeps things fresh and it can give you a really interesting perspective. I play guitar 90% of the time but I still really love the bass...I just never have enough time to play as much music as I'd like to. When I pick up a bass though it breaks me from typical guitar structures and even tones...it's like exfoliating the ear because when I go back to the guitar it seems new and fresh. This is especially helpful with songwriting...I don't think the effect will be quite as dramatic if you're looking to just play cover songs but I still think you can only benefit by still playing both.

[Denyle_Guitars]

Many of the physical skills will translate between the two so that's a good thing. I think you need to approach each instrument with a different mindset. If you're able to do that, I don't see a problem with playing both. If you can't, focus on just one but reserve a few minutes per week for the other just to keep it from getting dull and monotonous.

[The Golden Boy]

I play bass for most projects these days.

When I play guitar, I think like a bass player, and I think I probably sound like a bass player playing guitar.

IMO, playing bass keeps you more in touch with everything that's going on- moreso than with guitar. I think you have to listen more, and not be as concerned about "your parts" as you are on guitar.

The other night I was playing along with an old record I did a long time ago- I do that from time to time. I was rusty on some things, but I was also adding little bits that haven't occurred to me before. While it's not something that's not happened before- just that most of my playing for the past 2 months has been mostly bass.

[Whiskeyrebel]

The fret spacing on a bass forces you hand to be mobile on the neck. That helps you break the guitar habit of mostly moving across the strings over a single position.

[grado]

The fret spacing on a bass forces you hand to be mobile on the neck. That helps you break the guitar habit of mostly moving across the strings over a single position.

That is definitely true. I have noticed that after a good bass session that I'm less lazy on the guitar.

[JohnSS]

Playing bass keeps your sense of rhythm much sharper. I find that when I'm forcing myself to lock in w/drums while playing bass, my sense of groove and space is enhanced. When I switch back to guitar, my phrasing is much tighter and the rhythmic sloppiness that guitarists tend to develop when they practice riffs without playing to a drum machine or metronome is greatly diminished.

[jokerjkny]

i became a bass player a few years back, and my playing, timing, groove have all considerably improved. picking up another instrument when done w/ focus, inevitably makes you a much more well rounded "musician" IMHO.

[2 Loud 4 You]

I was always told I was a frustrated guitarist on bass so I guess it didn't come as much of a surprise to people when I picked up guitar. I still consider myself a better bassist than guitarist but I find that playing both helps both. As a guitarist I still subconciously lock in with the drums and therefore keep a good rhythm. Playing bass also keeps my fingers/arms stronger because it obviously takes more pressure to fret a bass string, that makes it easier when playing guitar. I say keep playing both and have fun with each.

[grado]

I was close to selling my Warwick just a couple of weeks ago, I'm glad I couldn't get the money I wanted for it. In the end I decided it would be a mistake to sell it.

I really do like playing bass. The rare times I would pick up the bass I was playing it through headphones, which sounded really bad. I had an opportunity to try it through a nice bass amp and I immediately remembered why I once said I would never sell that bass.

Yes, I think I will save up and buy a decent low wattage bass amp, and keep on playing her. Now to properly structure my Guitar/Bass practice times.:roll

[Mickey Shane]

You'll never see a thread like this at talkbass.

They type g****r, etc., like it's a bad word. I play both, so I can't comprehend that mindset. I've been gigging regularly for the past 7 years playing bass. I love it! I gigged guitar when I was a younger man. I'm currently attempting to bring my guitar chops back up to speed so I can audition for a guitarist's spot in another band.

Bass is stupid wicked with pro equipment live.

My timing and groove are well rehearsed.

[grado]

Bass is stupid wicked with pro equipment live.


Yep, there is something about that low rumble flowing throw you when your jamming. Plus an added bonus... better than fiber for constipation!:AOK

Let's see a guitar do that for you...

[RickC]

perhaps it comes from starting out as a bass player, but I feel much more of a sense of power and control in a band situation playing bass than playing guitar. Playing bass feels like you're driving the bus; playing guitar feels like you're tap-dancing in the aisle :)

/rick