[Buttsex]

Bass isn't easier to play, nor is it harder. You can't really compare the two instruments.

[Benf199105]

Thanks alot guys, Tezzanator, thanks alot for the Yamaha Sample, its on its way!

Thanks FP!

[SilverHammer]

Buttsex posted:

Bass isn't easier to play, nor is it harder. You can't really compare the two instruments.

You really can

it's just a guitar with 4 big thick strings and an elongated neck that you play with your fingers instead of a pick(though some people actually do play with a pick)

It's basically rhythm guitar without having to play chords

[thirty9th]

Bass can be a very rewarding instrument if you put the effort into it. I've been playing for about 3 years and am fairly technically competent, and I have to say; it's a fun instrument to play.

That may be due to the fact that my band lets me experiment with melodic lines, which is definitely a plus. Remember, repetitive parts can really add strength to a song, but melodic parts can too.

Also, if you're looking for some inspiring player, check out Jaco Pastorious (spelling?), Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten and guys like them.

Guys like John Paul Jones and Geddy Lee are what got me playing in the first place.

[DaveP]

SilverHammer posted:

You really can

it's just a guitar with 4 big thick strings and an elongated neck that you play with your fingers instead of a pick(though some people actually do play with a pick)

It's basically rhythm guitar without having to play chords

Once again, not really; Rhythm guitar plays off of the drums and the bass; the bass guitarist has to keep the beat and ontop of that does do some of their own, more 'lead-ish' flairs and trists in playing.

[SilverHammer]

Ok, so it's more like Rhythm guitar with the occasional "lead-ish flair"

are we all suited to our needs now?

[thisispain]

SilverHammer posted:

Ok, so it's more like Rhythm guitar with the occasional "lead-ish flair"

are we all suited to our needs now?

No, Xanadu's bass is epic!

[SilverHammer]

That's because Rush has the Bass as more of a lead than the guitar

[TheGuru]

Tezzanator92 posted:

...Tower of power...

Tower of Power are great, we're covering There's Only So Much Oil in the Ground and Don't Change Horses in our stage band.

It's like an incredibly technical marathon for the fingers

[TheGremlin]

Try playing 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' by The Scorpions. That has a really nice bass line [the chorus anyway], and it's dead easy. it's the first song I learned to play and memorised. You should try it too.

[Hoopty]

Bass you will definitely need to know chords, not necessarily be able to play them. Knowing chords and keys etc. is very useful for bass playing, so I recommend lots of theory, unless you just want to play tabs which is boring.

[Bassplaya7]

Benf199105 posted:

Hey FP.

For a long time i tried, and failed to play electric guitar. I never really enjoyed playing anything on it, it seemed like dull, sounded high and annoying. Anyway, my uncle recently showed me his bass guitar, and i've started listening to some cool Bass music, and i think I originally tried to learn the wrong instrument, i think i'm a bassist!

I'm looking to pick up a bass guitar, preferably on the cheaper scale and was thinking of this one...

http://www.gear4music.com/Bass_Guita...acksefv_5.html

I used Ultimate Guitar for my guitar playing days, will it help for Bass?

Also, i was wondering do you have to be able to play lots of chords for bass work?

Thanks in advance.

I've been playing bass for almost a year and I've never played a chord. I've played arpeggios, but no chords.

And use bassmasta.net for tabs.

[Penis Colada]

SilverHammer posted:

You really can

it's just a guitar with 4 big thick strings and an elongated neck that you play with your fingers instead of a pick(though some people actually do play with a pick)

It's basically rhythm guitar without having to play chords

no it isn't
do this on a guitar

[neap tide]

did you ever learn bass

[Tezza1234]

-Snipbump :/-

This is happening alot lately.

[kitthehacker]

Become as good as John Myung and learn Panic Attack by Dream Theater. Then you will win at everything forever.

[Fromonger]

Let me begin by pointing out no instrument is harder to learn than another, technically or conceptually, the instrument, and thereby the music is as hard as you want it to be.

Secondly my suggestion is play no band in particular.
Play whatever band you like listening to, chances are you'll enjoy playing their music just as much as you, if not more than, you enjoy listening to it.

For good lessons though, short of hiring an actual teacher, I would suggest Bass Player magazine/website, they have great lessons for both beginners and experts.
Also they approach the music from a purely bassist standpoint, while Guitar Player or Guitar World would mention it as merely a footnote.

One last thing, play not only WHAT you wish to play but also HOW you wish to play.
Don't feel you need to play finger style, there are plenty of great bassists that use picks: Lemmy - Motorhead, Justin Chancellor - Tool, and a plethora of others.

The greatest bassists, and musicians in general, are not defined by what or how they play, but how well they do it.

Good luck and godspeed my friend.

[Louie XVI]

Geddy Lee
Geezer Butler
Steve Harris
Chris Squire

[Upgrade123]

I play bass, and I have a few pointers:
1. Build up callouses on your fingertips. It helps tons.
2. Build up your finger strength, especially in the pinky on your fretting hand.
3. Don't try the Myung Tackle. You will not succeed.

[Bl4ckDmon]

SilverHammer posted:

If you can play guitar decently you can play Bass easily

it's usually just the same fret x20...then some other fret x20

OH SHIT HERE COMES THE SCALE

then it's back to that first fret 20 more times

I'm sorry, what?

Pick up a bass scales booklet, they can teach you a shit ton of information about bass and some nice scales to jam about with.

[SKuM]

:D