Guitar V.S. Bass

[cayotic727]

Well i've been playing guitar for two years now and i'm not bad or anything (4 hours of practice a day keeps the dead notes away) and I've realized that there are TONS of excellent guitars out there that are well known, but not so much with bassists especially in anything mainstream. I've been thinking about switching to bass but I dno yet, I could play both but I think i'd be better musically if I stayed on one or the other.

WHatcha gusys think?

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Keep both in your arsenal...they arn't foreign instruments and the dexterty bass imparts can only help your guitar ability.You will also have a much easier time keeping up and recognizing guitar rhythms and appropriate lines to follow with bass.

Yeah,both are good.If you can afford a bass and guitar rig,then shoot for em'.If I had the means I would dedicate equal time to bass and drums,but that is mondo moolah right there(but then,I would always have a gig).

I need to rob a bank or something.

[Cryptic Excretions]

I have guitars and a bass. I play guitar mostly but I keep up with bass enough to be able to do most of the stuff I write. It's not really as bad to balance as you'd think. If anything, the change in instrument would help your playing and/or writing because it offers a different perception to work from.

[Raskolnikov]

I've always felt that my guitar playing reenforced my bass playing and vice-versa.

Even if you only spring for a decent playing el-cheapo four string and practice amp, I think you will be better off.

[6strngs_2hmbkrs]

I want to eventually have in my arsenal
1 or more electric guitar(s) for playing crunch (les paul or something along those lines)
1 electric guitar for playing clean (strat probably)
1 bass guitar
1 steel string acoustic guitar
1 nylon string acoustic guitar

hey, I can dream can't I?

[Cryptic Excretions]

I want to eventually have in my arsenal
1 or more electric guitar(s) for playing crunch (les paul or something along those lines)
1 electric guitar for playing clean (strat probably)
1 bass guitar
1 steel string acoustic guitar
1 nylon string acoustic guitar

hey, I can dream can't I?

It doesn't have to be dreaming you know.

[Hammurabi]

I've always felt that my guitar playing reenforced my bass playing and vice-versa.

Might that have anything to do with your using 12 guage strings on your guitar?

[Raskolnikov]

Might that have anything to do with your using 12 guage strings on your guitar?

I use .012's so that I'll be able to play more than fifteen minutes without breaking a string.

[Kevin Taylor]

A bass has bigger strings so that players with bad eyesight can be far away.
A bass has two less strings so it's easier for dumb people to learn.
A bass has less notes to learn so you can get into a band faster.

[Cryptic Excretions]

A bass has bigger strings so that players with bad eyesight can be far away.
A bass has two less strings so it's easier for dumb people to learn.
A bass has less notes to learn so you can get into a band faster.

That was why I chose to take up bass instead of guitar when I first got into music. About a year later I decided that guitar looked like more fun and look at me now. Still haven't been in a band though. You forgot to mention that a bass also has strings further apart though so people with bad accuracy won't hit the wrong string.

[Jolly McJollyson]

I've realized that there are TONS of excellent guitars out there that are well known, but not so much with bassists especially in anything mainstream.
Besides Les Claypool, Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee, Mangus Rosen, Steve Harris, Stu Hamm, Willie Dixon, John Entwistle, Roger Waters, Noel Redding, and countless others, right?

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Hey Jolly,quick question!

If the Ninja Turtles had a metal band,what would each turtle play?

[6strngs_2hmbkrs]

Hey Jolly,quick question!

If the Ninja Turtles had a metal band,what would each turtle play?
donatello would totally play bass. michelanglo would play drums. leonardo on guitar. and rafael for vocals....

sorry... this was a question for jolly... I'll let him answer it himself...

[ScottMoney]

Besides Les Claypool, Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee, Mangus Rosen, Steve Harris, Stu Hamm, Willie Dixon, John Entwistle, Roger Waters, Noel Redding, and countless others, right?
Exactly, there are tons of super popular bassists

And, leonardo would never play guitar, he doesn't have the attention span. though he loves to be in the spotlight, so he would be on vocals. rafael is to shy to play vocals, he would play guitar

[Jolly McJollyson]

If the Ninja Turtles had a metal band,what would each turtle play?
Donnie would totally be on bass, Michelango on drums (he's a party dude!), Leo on Vocals, and Raphael on guitar.

[ake]

I used to play 6stg exclusivly and thought this was going to be my ticket to stardom. Wrong!! Learning to play bass and sing has proven to be much more lucrative. I play in two bands usually 4 nites a week and have to turn gigs down. It's much easier to play bass but the bass part is very important to the overal sound in the band. Just listen when the bass drops out during a song. Many times the rhythm challenged 6strngs lose the thread of the song and resort to lame wankin. Drums and bass lay down the groove and with out it you aint got nuttin but noise. I get ragged on plenty for being the bass player; so when I threaten to quit it's like no...no...no...we was only jokin. Playin bass is like making love while playing lead guitar is like workin at a job where everybody is lookin for your mistakes. Rock and Roll is not a competition sport. ITS ART !! Peace my brothers!!

[Cryptic Excretions]

I've always liked bass myself. I've always liked the power it adds to a song. Like Ake put it, if there was no bass, music would be a lot weaker.

[GuitarPsy]

A bass has bigger strings so that players with bad eyesight can be far away.
A bass has two less strings so it's easier for dumb people to learn.
A bass has less notes to learn so you can get into a band faster.

rofl! :p I don't think many bassplayers like that comment ;) and the rest Ake already said :cool:

[ScottMoney]

Playin bass is like making love while playing lead guitar is like workin at a job where everybody is lookin for your mistakes.
Maybe I should take up bass full time? :p

no but, lead guitar is work but I bet the rewards of a good show outweigh everything else combined.

[6strngs_2hmbkrs]

when you are at home, playing by yourself... bass has got to be no fun... cause 90% of the time in songs they just play a few notes... so... how would that be more entertaining then playing a blazing fast lead on a guitar?

[Jolly McJollyson]

when you are at home, playing by yourself... bass has got to be no fun... cause 90% of the time in songs they just play a few notes... so... how would that be more entertaining then playing a blazing fast lead on a guitar?
Or you could play Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Iron Maiden, Fishbone, or Bela Fleck and the Flecktones basslines

[Raskolnikov]

Or you could play Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Iron Maiden, Fishbone, or Bela Fleck and the Flecktones basslines
That list needs Streetlight Manifesto.

Even a lot of bands without "monster" bassists have great basslines.

Less Than Jake, 7 Year B*tch, Stone Temple Pilots and The Gits all come to mind.

[Re2point0]

I first off wanted to play bass, but then my dad talked me into guitar, and I'm glad he did. I think of bass as more of a percissive string instrument

[alucard0941]

donatello would totally play bass. michelanglo would play drums. leonardo on guitar. and rafael for vocals....

sorry... this was a question for jolly... I'll let him answer it himself...


naa man, michelanglo would have to play guitar.

this evil twin Micheal Angelo Batio plays guitar :cool:

[kingfish45]

I played guitar for 20 yrs in local bands, then stopped to raise my kids. A church was starting a contemporary praise band and asked me if I would play bass. I only knew very basic stuff about bass but I decided to give it a try. I studied bass tips of web sites, bought books and videos. A bass player has to keep moving, doing scales and riffs, all the time or it will sound amateurish. I learned TONS of things to do on bass. I was a bass playing fool. Then the guitarist quit with no notice and I had to switch back to guitar. Guess what? After four years of bass, I found that everything I had learned on bass transferred to guitar and has made be a better player. So learn both.

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

"Its all about bass and drums" said the guitarist who couldn't solo.I remember hearing that and shuddering...well,what can you expect from a rap core band.

I have to say this about bass...if you have two people play the same line and one has been playing years longer than the other,it dosn't show much...but,if you have two guitarists play a riff and one has many years on the other,it shines through.While bass can be a very creative instrument,it isn't as expressive as guitar...IMO.Both good to know though,as stated before.

[Raskolnikov]

I have to say this about bass...if you have two people play the same line and one has been playing years longer than the other,it dosn't show much...but,if you have two guitarists play a riff and one has many years on the other,it shines through.While bass can be a very creative instrument,it isn't as expressive as guitar...IMO.Both good to know though,as stated before.

Maybe it's because it's what I do, but I have no trouble at all telling the guys who've been playing for years from the guys who haven't. There is a precision and efficiency of movement that only comes with experience.

Also, how is bass less expressive? Guitars don't do anything basses can't (and in fact, a friend of mine (one of the best guitarists I've ever known), described my fretless as "the most expressive thing" he'd ever played).

I think you're confusing human-imposed limitations for limitations in the instrument itself.

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Maybe it's because it's what I do, but I have no trouble at all telling the guys who've been playing for years from the guys who haven't. There is a precision and efficiency of movement that only comes with experience.

Also, how is bass less expressive? Guitars don't do anything basses can't (and in fact, a friend of mine (one of the best guitarists I've ever known), described my fretless as "the most expressive thing" he'd ever played).

I think you're confusing human-imposed limitations for limitations in the instrument itself.


Mabey I should have said it depends as far as that side by side scenario goes.Precision/accuracy e.c.t will only shine through on more extensive or complicated playing(for bass)where a seasoned guitarists skill will be audible through the most simplistic riff.

or mabey ive just known crappy players(while ive been made fun for using a pick :confused: I have run circles around every 'bass player' ive encounterd...except one..I couldn't touch his slap/pop skill)

How is bass less expressive?I should really first turn the tables and say guitar can do everything bass can do and more.I don't think I need to explain why bass can't sound like a guitar(well,not sounding good in the process anyway).The way bass is implemented in most music(keep in time with the kick)discourages expressive playing.The bass is itself not designed as a solo instrument...it can be used as one,but that is far and in between...

[Raskolnikov]

I should really first turn the tables and say guitar can do everything bass can do and more.
Name one thing.


So far, I'm more convinced that you're talking about what people do with it rather than what people could do with it.

[Jolly McJollyson]

Mabey I should have said it depends as far as that side by side scenario goes.Precision/accuracy e.c.t will only shine through on more extensive or complicated playing(for bass)where a seasoned guitarists skill will be audible through the most simplistic riff.
Simply not true. As with guitar, an accomplished bass player's riff will sound better than the same riff played by a novice.

How is bass less expressive?I should really first turn the tables and say guitar can do everything bass can do and more.
False.

I don't think I need to explain why bass can't sound like a guitar(well,not sounding good in the process anyway).
Well, I guess you can't play a 13th chord on it without sounding like ass...but that's about it.

The way bass is implemented in most music(keep in time with the kick)discourages expressive playing.
AC/DC, Pop-punk, and The White Stripes don't exactly have good bassists.

The bass is itself not designed as a solo instrument...it can be used as one,but that is far and in between...
And holding down the groove of a song as a bass does isn't expressive?

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

heres a link to some convincing video...its the bobby guy near the bottom of the page,video file 2

http://zacharyguitars.com/VideoFiles.htm

While some of what he does is crud,he does a great bass 'impression'.


Oh and you can play great chord progressions alone in the subway with your case opened without sounding ridiculous(though it would be fun to see claypool popping and tapping while mummbling some stuff out while waiting for a train).

[Jolly McJollyson]

heres a link to some convincing video...
What have I just been convinced of?

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Simply not true. As with guitar, an accomplished bass player's riff will sound better than the same riff played by a novice.

Its been my experience anyway.And again,it depends.


False.

Thanks for that absolute fact.Why exactly?


Well, I guess you can't play a 13th chord on it without sounding like ass...but that's about it.

There is quite a bit you can't do without a bassist ripping his instrument from your arms so he can keep what dignity he has left in the instrument.


AC/DC, Pop-punk, and The White Stripes don't exactly have good bassists.

I don't recall mentioning any of them...pop-punk...hmmm...ever hear matt freeman from rancid?He breaks out of the box and carrys many of the songs melodies with the bass(like the song "radio" for instance)and he busts out a solo on a few songs too.


And holding down the groove of a song as a bass does isn't expressive?

Not really...unless the groove was created by the bassist.Your limited when your instrument is the backbone(a nice way of saying backround).Even when its brought to the front,it dosn't carry the same weight or emotional impact that guitar does...for me at least.

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

What have I just been convinced of?

That you can stay regular with the use of metamucil???

[Jolly McJollyson]

Its been my experience anyway.
Perhaps you should work on training your musical ear.

Thanks for that absolute fact.Why exactly?
Because you've yet to show me why the bass is incapable of doing everything a guitar can.

There is quite a bit you can't do without a bassist ripping his instrument from your arms so he can keep what dignity he has left in the instrument.
What?

I don't recall mentioning any of them...pop-punk...hmmm...ever hear matt freeman from rancid?He breaks out of the box and carrys many of the songs melodies with the bass(like the song "radio" for instance)and he busts out a solo on a few songs too.
Ever hear of "Rancid's not pop-punk?" Thanks for providing an example of an expressive bassist. In fact, they are very common in music, as the ideal band has their best musician on bass.

Not really...unless the groove was created by the bassist.Your limited when your instrument is the backbone(a nice way of saying backround).Even when its brought to the front,it dosn't carry the same weight or emotional impact that guitar does...for me at least.
Try listening to some of your favorite songs without the bass. Especially in the realm of Jazz.

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Perhaps you should work on training your musical ear.

My ears are fine."ba-da-ba-bum" can only have so much "expressivness" put into it before you permanatly contort your face and do a twirl for each note.A amatuer and a pro on the same equipment(I.E me to a bassist)playing a simple line will yield a near inaudible difference(slight differences in attack,but by the 3rd time around,there is no difference).


Because you've yet to show me why the bass is incapable of doing everything a guitar can.


True...do you have any video showcasing a bassist using his bass like a guitar successfully?


Ever hear of "Rancid's not pop-punk?"

depends on who you ask...well,sellouts are a more likely response.

Thanks for providing an example of an expressive bassist.

I wouldn't call any of that expressive...he simply gets out of the 'cage' on a few songs to pick up where the rest of the band fails(+1 for all bassists!)

In fact, they are very common in music, as the ideal band has their best musician on bass.

their best?You sure?Many times its the "guy who wasn't very good at guitar" who fills in on bass lol.The "ideal" band(everyone has different ideas of an ideal band)is a band where everyone is equally talented at what they do.


Try listening to some of your favorite songs without the bass. Especially in the realm of Jazz.

Oh,I know.I'm not arguing that bass isn't needed or anything.

[Raskolnikov]

Oh and you can play great chord progressions alone in the subway with your case opened without sounding ridiculous
Maybe you can't do that on a bass...

[alucard0941]

man you guys should join the debate team.

[ake]

The bass and six strings have different roles to play in the music. It's not a better or worse situation. As I have said over and over; Music is not a competition sport its ART. When it comes down to im' way faster than You or
Can't you play anything other than power chords. It sounds like school yard fussin' The MEN I play with all realize "we're in this thing together" and we keep the petty BS out of the studio. If you'r ego is so big that you have to rag on players that may not be as technically profescient as you or may not have you'r experience; don't be to surprised when you are left wankin alone.
When we audution new personel; If you come in with ANY attitude or arrogance; we don't care how good you can play, don't even take your ax out
of the case. We can't use you!!!

[chucklivesoninmyheart]

Maybe you can't do that on a bass...

No,I won't because the bass cannot transfer subtle articulations as well as guitar can.Where is Lordathastrings to talk about frequencies and such?

[Raskolnikov]

No,I won't because the bass cannot transfer subtle articulations as well as guitar can.Where is Lordathastrings to talk about frequencies and such?
Well, you can't fret an open E Major and bang away at the strings and expect anything but unintelligable moosh to come out. Then again, the same thing happens with a guitar if you strum it too hard.

That said, a little more refined touch on the picking/strumming hand and you have a nicely articulate chord (one of the many reasons I refuse to use a pick with bass -- I find it much easier to go easy on some strings while I'm putting a little exta sauce on others with my fingers rather than a pick). Of course, the further up the neck one goes, the less of an issue this becomes.

In fact, I find bass chords to have a richness and "density" to them that guitar simply cannot approach -- especially when mixing fretted notes with harmonics.

All it takes is a little dynamic control.

[Lordathestrings]

No,I won't because the bass cannot transfer subtle articulations as well as guitar can.Where is Lordathastrings to talk about frequencies and such?
Actually, I find that there are more subtle overtones available on bass than guitar when playing clean, which most bass lines are.

I still use a pick a lot, because it's more comfortably familiar, but I see the value in using fingers instead. The biggest advantage I see right now is the way that allows both hands to take care of the muting duties. And I find that muting is much more important on bass than on guitar. I play stuff that was Top-40 when I was young. You guys call it Classic Rock. I'm developing a greater appreciation for the genius of John Paul Jones every day! Jones and Bonham were the solid, consistent players in their band.

[Cryptic Excretions]

This certainly did get in depth over the weekend. But music wouldn't be the same without a bass. Well... maybe Slayer's music would still be the same (notice that I covered my ass with a "maybe"), but to say that bass doesn't express anything in music. Guitar is the top end that bass can't reach and bass fills in that deep gap that guitar can't get to. They scratch each other's back. To argue over bass' expression is to say that guitar is more important. But without the bass the guitar would be lonely, empty and less moving. To say I've never heard an expressionless bass though, that's pure and simple BS. I hear them all the time, especially in lesser quality metal bands where all they do is follow the guitar's movements. But take a higher quality one with an actual, talented bassist and you'll find worlds of exploration within those 4 to 6 strings. Take Primus for example, you remove the bass from that and what do you have? You've got nothing. Most importantly, you no longer have the weird expression that is Les Claypool's bass.