To all BASS players.

Joined : 03 May 2007 Posts : 39

If this thread has been done before, forgive me; I didn't go back through and read the other threads in this forum.

For all of you who play bass (...beginner or advanced...it doesn't matter), what was the deciding factor(s), for you, that got you to decide that the bass was the instrument for you?

I have an electric guitar and an electric bass. I'm not a good player on either instrument, but I pick at them every now and then...

On one hand, I want to be a guitar player, and on the other hand I want to be a bass player.

For me, there are some reasons that "hold me back," if you will, from really going for the bass. 1) To my ears, the bass just doesn't sound "melodic enough." Please don't "freak out" on me, bass players, I'm just sharing and being honest. Maybe I just haven't heard enough great bassists. 2) I've heard some bassists cut loose on the instrument (note-for-note), and the soloing (to me), sounds "mumbled" (for lack of a better word), and the notes don't sound very clear.

Sorry if I've bored anyone with my rambling, but I wanted to share... Would anyone else like to share anything? You never know, you just might point out some things I haven't considered...

God's Blessings,
Sword Of Light

Age : 35 Joined : 08 Apr 2007 Posts : 261

I am a guitar player. I found out that I also needed to learn bass. I tell everyone I give lessons to, do not just play one instrument. Learn what you want and then try another. I needed to learn bass because when I write songs, I always hear a bass line with it. I am not a great bass player but I can fill in on bass if anyone needed me to. I also play some drums (no fills) and some piano. I bought a violin and I hope to learn it someday. I hope this helps.
_________________

Awesome Quote by DRReeves " Yet superficial Western Christians are always getting hung up on what Christianity looks like, or sounds like, or dances like. And oddly enough their god appears to be some a capella dork in a three piece suit who's got no rhythm! Please!"

Mission Of One Age : 38 Joined : 03 Jan 2007 Posts : 5515

I play both guitar and bass, but I like the bass a bit better. There's just something about the tone of the instrument I like. Also, I like the wider necks, thicker strings, bigger frets, etc. that guitars don't have. But, when it all comes down to how did I decide which to play, the bass just felt right.

Oh, I love to play guitar, too. Being versed in multiple instruments helps you with writing, recording, etc. By playing both, I could pick up different types of gigs (if I could find local musicians with the same goals as me). But, if it came down to having to choose one or the other, I'd still be a bass man in the end.

OK, I'm sure that's as clear as mud now. LOL
_________________

"Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does."

Joined : 03 May 2007 Posts : 39

Thank you, Woetoyou and Alldat! There was no set "rules," no "right" or "wrong" answers. I wanted to know other people's views and you shared your's.

Thank you! Cool

God's Blessings!

Joined : 06 Apr 2007 Posts : 1077

First - I started playing bass because I love the sound. Fretted, fretless - bass was always what grabbed me in song. Rush, Yes, Kansas, Floyd -they got me started - but it was the sound.

Go here and listen: http://extendedrangebassist.com/Audio.htm

Yes, most are extended range (6+ strings) - but you can hear the melodic nature of the bass. And no mumbled sound. Smile

There's some guys I could recommend that are doing things that are just 'out there' for bass - and yet are beautiful.

Smile

I'm a musician first - but a bass player at heart.
_________________
_Wes
FretlessBassist
SL on CD Baby

Joined : 03 May 2007 Posts : 39

Thank you for the website, _Wes! I added it to "My Favorites" list! I listened to a little bit, but not much. What I heard was nice.

Are you familiar with bassists John Pattitucci(sp?), and Brian Bromberg? They've been pushing the boundaries of bass for quite some time...

God's Blessings!

Age : 35 Joined : 07 Apr 2007 Posts : 399

I chose the bass because I got frustrated trying to learn Guitar... Bass is soooo much easier.

Mission Of One Age : 38 Joined : 03 Jan 2007 Posts : 5515

Thanks for making us sound lazy! :lol
_________________

"Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does."

Joined : 06 Apr 2007 Posts : 1077

Age : 35 Joined : 07 Apr 2007 Posts : 399

I didn't mean to make all bass players sound lazy... just me... lol I actually know 3 chords on guitar... G C and D.
_________________
Fear God Not Man

Subject: Re: To all BASS players. Sat Jun 02, 2007 6:41 pm

I'm the guitarist/frontman guy, and I wish to come in here and

to all the bass players, as you don't get enough credit! Very Happy

Sometimes I get kind of dopey kids asking why there's not two guitar players in Skyliner, and one reason I give them is, to give the bass more room to do it's thing. bounce

Love that lead bass style.

Anyone in here ever mess with a Chapman Stick?
_________________
Dark motions, black eyes, and mournful lust, the wings of solitude
...I'm the hateful raven

I dream in shades of you.

Joined : 06 Apr 2007 Posts : 1077

No - I haven't personally played a stick - but some of the guys on a site I run do.

www.extendedrangebassist.com

These guys rock. some seriously talented cats. . . . seriously.
_________________
_Wes
FretlessBassist
SL on CD Baby

Joined : 06 Apr 2007 Posts : 1077

New website:

http://forum.fretlessbassist.com

sign up - have fun.

Smile

_________________
_Wes
FretlessBassist
SL on CD Baby