So I want to start learning to play an instrument, but I'm in doubt about which I pick: the bass or the (electric) guitar.

 

No matter which I choose, I won't buy the instrument right away, I'll first take some classes and then, after I'm sure about all the technical specifications and have some recommendations, I'll buy it and finally practice as much as possible at home.

 

I really like bass, but I'm not sure if a guitar would be better for me.

 

My biggest doubt about the bass is: how would it be like to practice at home, alone? As I'm much likely not going to be in a band, I'd like to know how it's like to play bass alone. Can a bass be as dynamic as a guitar, or you just keep playing the supporting rhythm of the song over and over again? After I've seen what Lake (ELP, King Crimson bassist) does with his bass, it has pretty much convinced me to stick with bass again, but I assume those things take a genius. Is distortion on bass economically viable for a teenager?

 

My problem with guitar is, on the other hand, that it's such a cliche. Everyone plays guitar nowadays, and it's just so common. Besides, the sound isn't as appealing to me as the bass sound is, and you are pretty much limited to rock with it, I believe.

 

Also, could you please recommend me a starter's set on both instruments?

 

 

 

Big thanks! :D

I agree that guitar is EXTREMELY cliche. Bass would be my choice, take the path less traveled.

go with the bass. there are too few really good bassists. besides you can get chicks with less training if you go with the bass. :D

 

 

 

just kidding, though. from what i've experienced, i can say that bass can come out more difficult than the guitar. at least when you're starting to learn the techniques like 2-handed tapping. (i know it could be used with guitar but i found it harder with bass.)

 

 

 

anyways good luck which ever you choose. :thumbsup:

I play bass...it is awesome. I just play to the music. Stick some Rush or something in there and play along. You can also try and make your own songs too.

With both, once you get to a certain level it won't be very hard to switch.

I play bass, and I love it.

 

 

 

I like it because it is much easier (in my opinion) to play than the guitar.

 

It is possible to distort the bass. It can often be hard though since it's so deep.

 

Since it is so deep, It can be harder to learn things by ear than the guitar, but once you pick it up, it's not that hard.

 

And, most people don't care about this, but yes. It can be just as dynamic as the guitar. Though it is used for rhythm. Listen to some jazz with bass in it.

 

 

 

My brother can play both bass and guitar interchangably without any problem, but I can't. I guess it's because I have a very hard time reading music. I'd suggest learning to do that first before anything. :P

I really am pending for the bass side. I'm considering, afer I get good at bass, learning some guitar by myself as well.

 

To interchange between them after a while, which would work as a better practice for the other one?

 

 

 

Thanks people :)

I really am pending for the bass side. I'm considering, afer I get good at bass, learning some guitar by myself as well.

 

To interchange between them after a while, which would work as a better practice for the other one?

 

 

 

Thanks people :)

 

 

 

I would say guitar would work better to practice for the other since on a guitar you have two more strings to deal with. Don't bass (get it) your decision on that though.