Bass Guitar Question

[newsgirl822]

Hi people! I have been playing electric guitar Since October 2005, and I am getting interested in also learning bass guitar. I think it might be a lot to handle, since I play piano and guitar and take lessons already, and I have school, but it looks like a lot of fun. I'm going to rent one and see how I like it, so If I do does anyone have suggestions for a cheap beginner's bass guitar? Thanks!

[ChristinChic788]

Hi, and welcome to the world of bass guitarists. I have been playin for about 5 years, and I use and OLP. This is an offbrand of a Musicman bass. Mine was about $150, and it is a great bass. It has a good sound and cool look to it. Hope this helps, and I hope that you enjoy learning the bass. Good luck.

[lildrummerboi]

Actually, it shouldn't be to hard to handle for you, if you play piano and electric guitar, you should pick it up no problem.

[newsgirl822]

Oh my gosh!! I love bass! It is soooo fun! I am currently renting one from the music store. Bass is so awesome!!! I really need a bass. But I still need a cheap one that sounds good and a bass amp. Oh, another question: Can you use a guitar amp as a bass amp? Do they work the same way? Because they guy at the store said that you need a bass amp. So I guess I do. I mean, I have one that I'm renting that came with the bass, but I wanna know what kind I should get. Thanks! And, anyone know where I can find blank bass tabs?

[newsgirl822]

Sorry to post again, but bass is so fun! Its great to know that like- hardly anyone plays it, ya know? I love hearing it on the TV and stuff 'cause your like "Hey! That's a bass!" IT'S JUST SO FUN!!! Right now I am learning "Oh! Gravity" by Switchfoot.

[bassgirl192]

Nice song choice. ;) (huge switchfoot fan checking in...:P) Tim Foreman does some interesting things with his lines.

i wouldn't recommend running a bass through a guitar amp. the guitar amps really can't handle the amount of bass range that a bass puts out (ie - the lower sounds). It's fine for practicing on, just don't turn it up too loud or you will not like the results. As for brands, I really don't know. I don't have my own amp. I've always borrowed from my school. As for beginning brands of guitar, I say Ibanez. Pretty solid, relatively cheap. I wouldn't recommend going too cheap or in a few years you might be wishing you spent that extra $100. But honestly, go back to the music store, don't look at brands, and just play a few basses. It's all about what you want in a bass. How heavy it is, how thin the neck is, how many strings, what kind of low end sound you're looking for.

[Aaron]

Pretty much a bass will blow out a guitar amp.

[R. Smith]

Well, I'm a worship leader. I play the guitar, the drums, and the bass. I perfer the bass, its so much fun. The bass isn't that hard to learn, but its harder on your fingers. Other than that, I say go 4 it Newsgirl!!!

-Roger

[newsgirl822]

Yeah, it is much harder on your fingers! I was playing a lot (sliding and stuff) to get used to it, considering you slide A TON when you play bass, I burnt my index finger and my ring finger with the strings on the fretboard!!!! It's kinda like a rug burn on your fingers... It hurts a lot, but you feel so great afterward!!! Like you accomplished something cool! HA HA HAAAAA This is so fun. It's like this: ;) :D :o :( :confused: :eek: :mad: :cool: :p But mostly this::D

[newsgirl822]

Nice song choice. ;) (huge switchfoot fan checking in...:P) Tim Foreman does some interesting things with his lines.

Yes! My dad bought me and my family tickets to a concert next week! I can't wait! I should be able to go... It'll be my third Switchfoot concert. Switchfoot concerts are always awesome. Tim Foreman rocks.

[manoverboard21]

Yeah, it is much harder on your fingers! I was playing a lot (sliding and stuff) to get used to it, considering you slide A TON when you play bass, I burnt my index finger and my ring finger with the strings on the fretboard!!!! It's kinda like a rug burn on your fingers... It hurts a lot, but you feel so great afterward!!! Like you accomplished something cool! HA HA HAAAAA This is so fun. It's like this: ;) :D :o :( :confused: :eek: :mad: :cool: :p But mostly this::D

Try some extra light bass strings. There alot easier on your fingers.;)

[bvc]

Light strings won't give you good punch if you need it and the harder your fingers the better you'll play. When I first started playing bass I already had been playing guitar for 8 years but I still took a flame (just the heat-a little each day for a week) to my fingers. Did it hurt? A little, but then it didn't hurt to play bass after that. :D

[SC_Dawg]

Yeah extra light strings wont give you the punch but you can compensate for that with a good set of equipment. The best 2 things I have found for helping keep the fingers from feeling like they are on fire is Finger Ease (spelling is probably wrong). Spray it on the nexk then use a dry cotton cloth to wipe off the excess. Viola! instant lub to protect the fingers a bit.

The other is low action, the softer your touch the lower you can get your action, the lower the action the less you have to work to make the sound and thus the less you abuse your fingers. When I started my action was way too high because I hammered the strings with my fingers as I have gotten more practiced, I wont say better, I have lowered my action to and it is so much easier on my fingers.