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Is bass guitar easier to learn then normal guitar?


YYZumbi
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I know that both instruments are hard to play, and that you need skills for both. But Im talking about the basics here. Is it easier to learn the basic stuff on a bass guitar then on a normal guitar? So that it sound like real music.

 

On a guitar it is a lot of pling plong sound in the beginning that makes it so annoying to try and learn to play guitar. While on a bass guitar you can make it sound heavy with only one string.

 

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At a most bassic level, yes. The mechanics are easier to learn. Learning where individual root notes are is easier than remembering chord shapes. It all depends on the level of intricacy you want from there. There's a lot of space between Dee Dee Ramone and that guy from Dream Theater. But learning your proper role is important. I've had multiple instances where I got selected in an audition over a chops monster because I knew to lay back.
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You're going to have to build up some nice calluses to tackle those thick bass strings
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If you want to be as good as Geddy Lee then it's hard, or if you just want to be good then it's hard too. If you want to be good at anything it's hard, unless you're lucky enough to be a genius but those guys find it hard at their own level too.
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I've had a bass guitar since late 2013. When I first played it, I sucked. Fingers on both hands just would not move where I wanted them to. Now, I still suck, but I suck a lot less than I did. I pluck the strings with one finger, bad habit really, but I've become decent at it. I can also make two of my fingers go anywhere I want them to across the neck, but the other two fingers are still really stiff. So maybe by late 2020 ish, I'll have all four fingers moving all over the place, and then I'll finally not just look like Geddy Lee.
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A little surprised at the answers so far. It's a ton easier to learn bass than guitar. Chords are very rarely used and 2 less strings. You could be playing basic songs within a week or two. Real songs but simple stuff. Yes, if you want to become squire, entwistle, Lee, etc it's much more difficult and more work but the average bass player in an average band ain't those guys.
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Bass might be easier to learn/play. As noted above, two fewer strings, rarely play chords. But like any instrument, it is really hard to play well. If you want to be a better sucky player, then choose bass over guitar. If you want to play worth a damn, pick something and really learn it.
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Yes, but probably harder to master.

 

I think the physical layout of a 6 string electric is harder to play, simply because the strings are much closer together and pickups tend to reveal all your mistakes much easier. Mastering a 6 string at the level proficient enough to be considered 'master' is certainly not for slouches.

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I think it also depends on the size of your hands. If you have short fingers, play guitar. Long fingers, bass. Then again, I have some long fingers but I am awful at bass.
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Yes, but probably harder to master.

 

I think the physical layout of a 6 string electric is harder to play, simply because the strings are much closer together and pickups tend to reveal all your mistakes much easier. Mastering a 6 string at the level proficient enough to be considered 'master' is certainly not for slouches.

Indeed not. Maybe it's because of where my interest lies, but it seems there are far more guitar masters (the phrase "a dime a dozen" comes to mind) than bass masters.

Edited by JARG
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Yes, but probably harder to master.

 

I think the physical layout of a 6 string electric is harder to play, simply because the strings are much closer together and pickups tend to reveal all your mistakes much easier. Mastering a 6 string at the level proficient enough to be considered 'master' is certainly not for slouches.

Indeed not. Maybe it's because of where my interest lies, but it seems there are far more guitar masters (the phrase "a dime a dozen" comes to mind) than bass masters.

 

It's definitely more popular, but I was speaking purely from a mechanics point of view. Guitar and what it takes to play it at that level IMO is more difficult due to mechanical challenges (assuming finger / hand size not being factored).

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Being a bass player myself, I would say yes. But like almost any instrument, it's still going to be hard to master.
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Learning the basics is probably quicker on the bass. Learning to play well isn't easy. Developing a sense of time to be able to provide the foundation of the music takes a lot of practice and talent.
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I was a bass player for many years before I switched to guitar..

 

I would say the rudiments of the instrument are easier to learn than the guitar, and you would be able to get into a band a good deal quicker, but remember the frets are further apart and the strings thicker, so that can be hard on your fingers.

Also, if you want to write songs, you are very limited if you just play bass (with a few noteable exceptions).

 

You need to also develop the knack of playing with groove and "behind" the beat, and to lock in with drums.

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As somebody who plays both I can honestly say that (to me) guitar is a lot harder. I can't solo for shit and have to carefully plan out any that I might do well in advance.

 

That being said piano is much harder than either of these.

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