Which is better to learn first: Keyboard or Bass Guitar?

Question

....please provide your reasons why

Answer 1

The keyboard, definately!

The bass is generally a rythm instrument; the keyboard, is a rythm, melodic and solo-type instrument.

Learning keyboard, you learn about reading both bass and treble clefs. You learn about harmony, melody, chords, soloing, et al.

The keyboards is the gateway to learning and enjoying other instruments.

Answer 2

I think it depends on if you have had much musical experience in the past. The only reason I would say keyboard is so you can visualize where the notes are on the staff. Although if you are playing the bass guitar, then you can use guitar tabs which don't require you to know the notes on a staff. Not knowing how to read music can however limit what you can play. I would suggest learning both tab and music on a stuff if you are going to learn bass guitar. Does that make sence?

So basically I guess I am saying, learn the keyboard first.

Answer 3

It's really up to you! I am a singer/songwriter who dabbles a bit in everything. I started with a keyboard growing up, and always loved fooling aroung with my Dad's hamonica, jew's harp, and guitar, as well as my mother's bongos. I didn't know how interested I really was until I learned how to play the Viola. I LOVED that! Then, I realized I had interest in the drums... the guy who played drums for the jazz band let me play around on his, and taught me a couple of little things. I never actually played a guitar untill 1999, when I was avidly writing songs with a song writing partner of mine. I was given a guitar by a good friend, and bought my second guitar in 2003. Bass, I tried an upright bass back in my orchestra days. After learning to play one four stringed instrument, it wasn't very hard to understand another. Electric Bass, I tried just this year for the first time. It was so easy, and I haven't picked up a 4 stringed instrument since 1988! I learned how to play drums from various drummers between 1989 and today. I played various hand drums/latin percussion starting around 1990, got my own hand drum in 1991, and last year bought my first set of Congas. So, if you're wanting to know what is actually easiest, and hand drum is good to start with, and I see you've already done that. Playing with stick is a whole different animal. I can play a drum set, but it's hard to learn all the fills & stuff even after the REALLY hard time trying to train each of my four limbs to play totally different rhythms! Bass is actually really easy to understand, and as well, it's easy to read the sheet music for. I have to tell you... the hardest thing to find, when you're trying to put together a band is a really good Bass player! If you learn that instrument, and you can at least sing some kind of harmonies, lead vocals, or back ground vocals, you'll have it made! Here's the other side of it all... guitar, or piano... guitar is the hardest to play of the two. I did learn piano first, but still, remembering chords, and all the things that go along with the guitar is hard. If you think you might want to write songs in the future, either instrument would suffice. If you want to feel like the main event musically, these are the two to choose from. Apparetly, you already have your foot in the door on the keys, so that may be your direction to seek. It all really depends on what you feel you latch onto when you hear music! Do you love Bass lines? Do you love the rhythms that make you dance? Do you love the guitar solos? Do you love the keys, or piano parts? Figure out what you really LOVE in a good song, and then go from there. If you find what really gets you going, it will keep you going while you're learning!

Answer 4

speaking as a bassist, it's better to learn keyboard or piano 1st. it's been shown that piano is an easier instrument to learn mainly because your techniques are less difficult to master i.e. you press a key on the piano, you get a note; on a bass you have to press down the note with your left hand then get the sound from plucking with your left. one advantage with playing bass if that you only have to learn the bass clef, instead of both bass and treble. but you'll better off "musically" if you learn piano first. it's just like anything, it takes (ugh) practice. whatever your decision, pick an instrument you love to play.

Answer 5

Keyboard, because bass guitar is only fun with a band, which you won't have when you first start out...

Answer 6

First try the Bass Guitar to build your finger strength and movement, then move to the Keyboard to acquire skills AND grace.

Answer 7

I learned Keyboard first, but that's only because I've been playing piano since I was five. =) I would say that Bass is easier by far, unless you have weak fingers or you don't want to get sore shoulders at first from the strap. But it depends on where you want to go with your music. =)

Answer 8

Keyboard because you don't have to build up finger strength as much to play. Once you get good at that it's much easier to transition to a guitar.

Answer 9

keyboard because i learn how to play that first and i am really good at i have been playing since i was 4 years old and now i am going to 16 so i know what i mean hope that help you.

Answer 10

Who's the member(s) of the band who doesn't get the chicks? The bass palyer and key board player. For goodness sake, get a six string guitar before it's too late?