Bass Guitar?

Question

I want to learn bass guitar, so do I have to learn regular guitar first, and then learn bass, or can I just start with bass?

Answer 1

Nope. Jump right in with bass if you prefer.

I will make two suggestions:

1. Learn to play bass with a pick. This will shorten your learning time if and when you start picking up guitar.

(Note: Ignore anyone who say bass players must play with fingers - this is a holdover from the large upright acoustic bass and only those with no imagination insists on this approach. It's just a matter of preference.)

2. Although guitar and bass are both similar stringed instruments, you'll find that your technical skills on one won't tranfer smoothly to the other: They have different string widths, neck and fret lengths, etc. Not to mention they each have their own voice and susequently a different approach to music.

And one point:
1. Most people have the erroneous impression that bass is easier than guitar. A simple "No". I've played both for 20+ years, so take that answer for what it's worth in experience.

Answer 2

Why even make a choice? As I'm sure you know, bass is simply the last 4 strings of a guitar...with the exact same tuning. I don't know a single bass player who does not also play the guitar. As others have said...bass players are far more rare, so a girl with your looks would be able to command a lot more gigs and chances with better bands, and the opportunity to play with better musicians, which will only improve your ability. Guitar players are a dime a dozen. I will add...most consider it a bit more difficult to sing and play bass. It's generally easier to strum a guitar chord and sing, then to play a pattern of individual notes on bass and sing at the same time. Don't let that discourage you...if you concentrate on bass....do not neglect your singing...if a girl, who looks as you do, can sing AND play bass, you could conquer the world! LOL Hell, I might even kick my bass player out of the band and hire you? Generally...the low end Fenders are considered very good brands for the money, but it's up to individual choice.

Answer 3

You can absolutely start with the bass. However, if you ever want to learn to play the regular guitar I would do that first. Or do it at the same time.

Its MUCH easier to go from 6 strings to 4, than from 4 strings to 6.

Answer 4

You can start with the bass, it is very similar, but easier becuase the bass has 4 strings and the guitar has 6. (The 4 bass plus 2 others).

Answer 5

You can start with Bass. A friend of mine did that...he started out with a Squier and then ended up getting into guitar as well. Once you learn to play one instrument...it gets easier to play the other.

Good luck!!

Answer 6

you can start with the bass which is what I did. It really is a whole lot easier than learning regular/acoustic guitar - I could never stretch my fingers to reach those chords!

Answer 7

bass is alot easier the guitar...with a bass you only have to play one string at a time but with guitar you have chords and such...the only down fall of a bass is they are bigger then a normal guitar

Answer 8

bass is entirely different from guitar and in fact most guitarists who "play" base, are lacking at it. i would advise you to take up the base, learn the basics of that, then start learning guitar too if you want to.

Answer 9

You can start with bass. I know a lot of people who did. Good luck!

Answer 10

start with bass... depends on what you like... i've played bass for a long while it's awesome if you love those low end notes...