Want To Get Better At Guitar? Try Bass
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
- Learning how to play bass guitar has helped me in more ways than one, so here are 5 reasons why I think you need a bass guitar.
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Thanks for having me Rhett! Had so much fun making this video with you ⚡️
Great video, guys. I started playing with a band after seeing myself as a guitar piano player, so rewarding
Hi Philip! Hey man, just want to take this chance to tell you how much I love your playing. You are so incredibly tasteful. Also (and I'm sorry if you cover this, later in the video; I saw that you commented and leapt on the chance/lol) could you tell me what kind of bass you're playing in the opening. That distorted tone is massive! Thanks, for your thoughts.
@@StanleyCullerEsq. hi there! Thanks for the kind words. It’s an Epiphone semihollow body that I refinished and rebuilt with my dad. It has a Curtis Novak Darkstar pickup ⚡️
You're talented. Check out my stuff.
NICE playing dude! Fat & GROOVY! \m/ I am guitarist & bassist also!
I have a theory that the more instruments you become fluent in, the better you become at each individual instrument on its own. It's hard to explain, but I know I became a better bass player learning guitar and I also became a better guitar player learning piano. Has anybody else felt this way?
yes, and i also improved my tempo!
Definitely. Different instruments cause you to play differently, and when you learn a new one you can transfer the musical patters over to your old instruments. There are definitely things I do on guitar that I only play because I learned them playing piano, whether it's certain chord voicings or riffs that don't lay out naturally on the fretboard.
It makes you a much better listener of music too
@@trampley Bob Weir always said he tried to model his rhythm guitar style on McCoy Tyner’s left hand piano playing, it’s a great way of approaching an instrument I think
@Damon UK Also as a guitar player it’s easy to get lazy for example if a song is in Eb you can just slap a capo on the 3rd fret, play it in “C” and forget about it, a bass player doesn’t have that luxury
Three additional reasons:
1.) Bass will force you to learn some music theory in order to play along with others
2.) Bass will force you to learn better timing
3.) Bass will force you to learn more about amps, speakers, ohms, and sound design. It's a slippery slope after you blow a speaker or two and want to figure out how not to do it again.
Ain’t that the truth. With amps and cabs bass is a whole different world compared to guitar. In the guitar world, plug any amp into a cab and you shouldn’t have any problems, but in the bass world, plugging a 800 watt head at 4ohms into a cab rated for 400 watts at 4ohms and you’ll have blown speakers in no time.
I’ve never played a guitar before. Would like to learn. I’m 59.
My son bought me a bass guitar from a thrift store for $70. I took it to a music store to get it cleaned and setup. Needed new tuning keys, strings etc. Cost me $116.
Sounds great. Slowly learning.
Thank you both for a great informative video. P.S. Rick Beato sent me here .
Got my bass for Father's Day two and a half years ago when I was 58. It's never too late to start.
So at 54 I decided to pick up the bass. My wife and kid still can't believe it. I recommend Bass Buzz for your instruction. His "Beginner to Badass" course is incredibly well-paced. Check out some of his videos to get a feel for Josh's ability as a teacher.
@@gyffesme Thank you very much. I will check him out. You are too kind.
That opening jam is awesome. I love that big reverb and that guitar's sound is epic. The distortion on the bass is just fantastic.
Rhett is never stingy with the reverb lol
"As a bass player, I'm trying to listen to everybody as much as I can" --- what every good / great bass player should be doing at all times. I'm a drummer, singer, guitar and bass player who gigs regularly on whichever instrument is needed. Also have a degree in Classical Music composition and guitar. I've learned more about making music and being a part of a group from the bass guitar than any other instrument. Preach on Philip and thank you Rhett for bringing up this topic!
Bassists who watch Rhett: It’s been 4000 years…
Just to add the full quote: “A jack of all trades, master of none, is often preferable, to a master of one”. Words I live by
Honestly, the main reasons I have a bass are because bass sounds killer, and it’s so fun just to pick it up every once in a while and jam! 🤘🎸
I started playing bass when I was 12. By 13 I was backing up some really good folk musicians at the Passims Coffee house, and the Nameless Coffee House in Cambridge, MA. I switched to guitar after that but never stopped on bass. My son plays bass.
And here's reason #6 to play bass. You'll NEVER be without a band if you play bass. The shortage of bassists, even just competent ones, is so hard for any forming band to overcome. If I said I was playing bass again, my email would light up, my social media would go viral, and I'd have a gig in days. Not kidding. Play bass....we need you!
As a lifelong bassist who’s now trying to learn “ regular” guitar,I really appreciate the shout-out to the bass..!👍🏼.. and yes, I think having the bass experience has been a step up in my guitar playing… BUT…my leads sound like bass lines..😩
@@kadourimdou43 ….like icing on the cake,ay..? Cool..
Practice singing, even if don't plan on doing much singing. It'll make you a better lead guitarist. And it's really convenient because you don't need to buy any more gear.
Props on this video. Since picking up a bass, I've also found that I hear music WAY differently now. It's added to my enjoyment of music in a big way.
I had owned a bass for 20 years but keys were my first instrument and guitar my second. The first time I was playing bass at church the drummer turned to me and said "follow the kick" which made my life easier from then on. Suddenly I was getting bass gigs all over and compliments for playing "in the pocket." Huh? All I knew was I had my ears glued to the drum kit and that was the sage secret.
That opening Jam is bad ass. It should be on a movie soundtrack or something. Oceans 18 maybe.
I started playing bass when it dawned on me that all my favourite songs were essentially a bass solo with band accompaniment.
I’m literally in the hunt for my first bass having played guitar for 20 years. Its like you knew…
I play both but then I realized their so many more local gig's that you can pickup as a bassist.
I started with guitar lessons but bass was my first ‘serious’ instrument … but I never stopped playing guitar and find that ideas from each help with the other. Also, this year I picked up a Squier fretless Jazz Bass and Tele to augment my main instruments, and those things sound and play amazingly well for things that cost
Wow that fret less sounds like a good purchase i might have to look for one myself
Short scale basses sound so dope like the one in the intro.
Phil’s tone on that opening track was just naaaasty. Love it!!
As someone who came to guitar over the last two years after playing bass for a decade, I think most of these apply to going the other way, like I did. The only thing I’ve really struggled on is playing chords (outside of power chords).
Like Sting says "The bass is the secret pilot ". "It's only a C when the bass plays it". Taken from Beato's interview with him.
“Understand the way broadly, and you will see it in all things.”
Learning multiple disciplines is crucial to mastery of an art, any art. I wholeheartedly agree that you should be diverse in your approach to learning your art 🤘🏻
I agree, I play guitar, flute and a bit of keys. I'm always borrowing a bass from friends. I finally bought one for Xmas left handed because I'm a southpaw.
And can't wait to have it in the house.... It's like I can't go forward with out one.
Crazy timing, I'm playing my bass all day long after I finally got it setup. Was about to suggest you a bass video for guitarrists.
It's a thunderbird, I got a great great deal on it and bought it to make some money but ended up falling in love with it. Plus I don't have a bassist and I would end up buying a bass sooner or later anyways, and I'd never be able to get such a great bass like that for the price, so I kept it! Best choice I've made!
As a guitar player who had a hard time finding a good bass player, so not a failed guitar player who thought two less strings would help for which there seem to be way too many, I ended up playing on my own recordings. I never tried to approach it like a guitar though, and rather listened closely for what it was that so many great bass grooves have, and tried to use the same approach. Now when I play bass, I can provide that back bone, and reinforcement, but also walk it to the moon and back if given time for a lead. I never learned how to slap and pop though, because my music never really called for it, until I realized it may just have a good place in it here and there, so I will have to find the time to relearn it with the pop n' slap if my hands can handle it. The few times I tried, my hands revolted and didn't want to follow my mind! And yes, I freed my mind, but my ass wouldn't follow! (
I picked up a Fender Bass 6 several years ago, wow...what Rhett is saying about expanding your pallet is true, and with the six string set up I played normal guitar parts of songs I usually play during practice sessions on that bass 6 and it opened up new worlds to explore.
I always wanted to be a guitar player, but I sat down in a guitar shop once and started demoing a bass and within 30 seconds I had someone asking if I could be in their band. If you want to gig, bass is one of the easiest instruments to pick up and get going right away, and there is almost always more need for bassists over guitar players.
Simple truth - if you love music - just listening to it - any kind or style - learn to play an instrument - any instrument. No need to become a virtuoso - I guarantee you will hear more in the music you love and begin to understand WHY you love it more than you ever have. It's a total win/win. Before I began to play guitar - because I loved music and wanted to know the joy of making it - I heard music as basically an oceanic wash of sound - lovely but indistinct. Once I began making even the most elementary music, suddenly I could hear that there were parts - music itself became SO much richer and more detailed - and I began to understand how the parts fit together and complemented one another - amazingly consciousness expanding and gratifying. After playing guitar for many years, I began to play bass and had a new epiphany - the melody may be the frosting, and delicious as can be, but the bass is the cake. People may go to a performance to listen to the guitarist - but it's the bass player who makes them dance. Always. Every time. I encourage everyone to take this journey - I promise your life will be richer for it...
You read my mind Rhett. Guitar is my main squeeze, but I received my bass a few weeks ago in an attempt to learn it.
Good to see Phil, he's doing wonders on his own channel every Wednesday
Started as a guitar player and took bass gigs to make money. That was 25 years ago. Bass has become my main instrument but has also improved my guitar playing immensely.
Reason number 6: If you ever start recording music or even if you just need send a quick demo or idea to someone having a bass will help immensely.
Couldn't agree more!!! My understanding of music theory exploded after learning bass, my finger style, playing without a pick, just about everything got SOOO much better. Pro tip for guitarists out there; plug your guitar into a bass amp with your favorite distortion pedal and enjoy. An 8 inch speaker will dwarf your 1x12 and you'll still have have a crystal clear, round, glassy clean tone of a blackface Fender (The XLR out is also pretty handy when playing live too)
I saw an 80s cover band in Austin "Dead Love Club", and fell in love with the bass all over again. He had the room moving. It was awesome. This video really explains the emotions of that room. He was dancing around and every woman in the room was dancing. It was magical. My friend has video of it.
I’m a bass player of 20 years and started learning guitar a couple months which is already making me a better bass player.
I was always a guitarist, but I played bass in a band for a while. Actually, a few short lived projects. I never studied bass. I just found that because I knew theory fairly well, bass was very easy immediately to pick up. I quickly found that bassists are in demand far more than guitarists. If you don't have enough work or enough projects or jamming/playing, switch to bass and I think you'll get a lot more invitations because everyone needs a bassist. Another thing I found was that bass was/is more fun than guitar for me in one particular way: it's simpler. Generally you're not expected to play chords for example. I found that constraining myself to play simpler things made me actually more creative within those constraints. Just being an anchor to the music, so I anchor myself. So if you're suffering from overplaying or overthinking or something on guitar, playing some bass might help get grounded.
An idea I had back when I first stared playing Bass was to combine the best of both worlds of a 4 string Bass and a 5 string Bass by using the same low 4 strings on a 5 string, and putting those on a 4 string. I’ve never heard of anyone who has done that but it’s awesome. I also have this friend who invented a bass and electric guitar in the same instrument and that is so much fun to play.
I never wanted a bass guitar until I saw Michael League's bass face while playing The Curtain
Just bought my first bass a couple of weeks ago and i just cannot contain the amount of fun im having with it, became a huge bass fan
That bass tone at the beginning is so sick
My favorite thing about playing bass, even though I consider myself a guitar player, is that there’s nobody in your way down there. 😎
All true. I started on bass now I mainly play guitar but have fallen back on bass for gigs and that has, in turn, helped my guitar playing.
That intro jam is amazing, that needs to become a song!
I grew up playing saxophone. When I finally decided to get back into music, last year, I decided to go with bass guitar. Even though I'm still learning my way around the fret board, it's been fun.
That’s something.. at 16 I knew I wanted to play bass or sax.. my friends uncle gave me an old Fender P-bass ( this was in 1970,so it would be my vintage bass if someone hadn’t STOLEN IT…!!!)… so it was bass for me…!
Dang..!! I wish I still had that bass…😢😢😢
Music is math and the more ways you can find to solve that problem, the better off you'll be. That being said, I love playing bass even if I came into it originally (back in the late 80s) from the wrong viewpoint ("Oh, bass is the easiest instrument to play and hides in the background").
Since picking it back up seriously, I've discovered just how wrong 16 year old me was.
I’ve been really into bass this last year or so since (re)discovering the Dead and obsessing over Phil Leah’s unique baselines, and now when I listen to any track I concentrate on the bass lines, and when I even just hum songs in my head, I now only hum the basslines. Even as a guitar player I would always lock onto the drummer as a bass player would, rhythm playing is so much more fun. I think the point about how much real listening you have to do as a bass player is the crux, it makes you appreciate how insanely disciplined any good bass player has to be.
As a childhood learner guitar player that has become a weekly gig bass player, this video is on point. Also, Rhett, you need to either add band pedal videos or just add basses to your guitar pedal videos to see how they work with a bass.
It will dramatically improve one’s sense of timing and feel, as well as musical communication as you follow the drummer super closely
This is probably the biggest one. You can always pick a guitarist playing bass by their timing.
I play both. When I jam with other musicians I pick up the bass a lot because everyone plays guitar, but especially because #1, it’s fun.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” Full quote.
Funny I just stumbled upon this video after I bought a vintage (‘84) G&L SB-2 for almost nothing at a local shop because it needs some work, mainly the frets.
I always have the most fun playing bass while recording my tunes.
I literally today, just got asked to play bass at my church for the first time this coming Sunday. Timely video!
Brett so cool that you're doing this video. I bought a jazz bass on sale many years ago at a local music store. I played it very briefly and then put it back in the case but a few months back I pulled it out and put some new strings on it and did a quick setup and I've been playing it with joy over the past couple of months wondering why I haven't done this earlier. It definitely helped stretch out the fingers and gives you a new perspective on a fretboard.
That bass tone was sick on this. Deep mids I would be happy forever with that bass tone
i find bass super relaxing and kind of my way of escaping the routine
Love the intro! I've only just started playing guitar, and I want to learn that properly first, but one day I would love to get a bass too, love the sound 😊
Great advice! Been subbing in on bass with a local band and it's been so much more fun than I thought! As long as you get to play with good drummers, Bass is just as rewarding as guitar in a rock setting
You had me at “it’s fun.” Bought my first bass 6 months ago (Fender Player Jazz bass) and love it. Looking forward to Philip’s course!
All I can say is, WOW. That bass tone that Philip has on the open is absolutely sick and exactly why Bass is so important to good music as well. I've re-learned from several recent adds to my subscription list (both reactors) how much a good bassist and the rhythm section as a whole are to having a great band.
Hi Rhett, As a Bassist, I have found the Baritone Guitar has expanded my playing understanding of six string guitars and finally been able to play triads that can be transposed from bass to six string guitars. Great contents, Thanks.
Awesome to see you two guys together.....there is some serious chemistry there....Hope you are going to do something with that opening riff.....absolutely loved it....
All 5 points- YES!!
When I started learning guitar, I was fortunate enough to get a bass, too.
I'd learn a rhythm guitar part (lead was intimidating, and also frowned upon in the 80s punk/ hardcore scene), and turn around and learn the bass part.
When I got to my late 20s/ early 30s, I started getting more bass gigs, and being able to sing backup vocals was definitely a plus. Almost 15 years on the local band scene before I moved... I've been able to get gigs here and there, then pandemic things happened.
Bass is great for breaking out of ruts, and exploring sonic possibilities.
And it is pretty damned fun.
Y'alls intro jam was vaguely reminiscent of the Alabama Shakes, among a few other influences. Good stuff!
Thank you 🙏
old saying I always agreed with "you hear the guitar but you feel the bass." I really enjoy both.
That opening bass tone! Dayumm
LOVE this video Rhett. As a bass player first, these are all fantastic ideas. What I would love to see is a video for bass players who want to get better at guitar? It would be an interesting comparison for bass players taking up electric.
I started playing bass almost a year ago and I've never played guitar. I did that because people told me that it would be more valuable for me to be a bass player as opposed to just another guitar player and I don't regret it one bit.
Sounds like something a bass player would say
Just jokes
Great timing! I got a birthday bass last year, Hofner ignition violin, and I'm getting another this year - a Squier P Bass. Everything y'all said here is gospel. I think I enjoy bass more than guitar now, so that comment hit home. Bass really forces you to "pre-hear" what you're playing. Like I can hear what I'm supposed to be playing in a way that I can't running up and down a pentatonic scale on guitar. On guitar, I know what note I'm playing, but I can't always hear it. On bass, I can. Does that make sense?
Your left hand's pinch strength will get sooo much stronger. Since starting on bass last year I had to change strings from 9.5's to 11's.
So originally I used to be a drummer (still am) but two years ago I started teching myself guitar and one year ago I started playing bass. A friend of mine had a band but no bass player so I joined and it is so f*ing awsome.
Excellent video thanks!
Right when I discovered your channel some years ago, I've also been searching for Philip's content on UA-cam. Glad he took the UA-cam leap, too!
I completely agree. I played bass in a band for about 10 years after playing guitar in a touring band for over 20. When I came back to guitar I found I was much more in the pocket and my lead approaches were expanded
That intro jam was bad ass, bass tone was spankin! Guitar too
I got with a band earlier this year playing guitar and we got rid of the bass player so I stepped up to the plate and learned bass and it's honestly the most fun I've had playing with a band ever.. Definitely alot of great points in this vid! Awesome as always Rhett!🤙🏼
The McCartney effect
Very true, I play guitar, bass and piano and depending on what instrument I’m composing on, the ideas that flow are different
I started playing guitar first, and then I started playing bass a year later and I improved drastically in both instruments, and I also improved in the theory side of music. As of now I’m mainly a bass player, but I feel comfortable in both instruments.
6. You won't feel as bad about sucking at guitar because now you'll suck even worse on the bass. This worked like a charm for me.
Rhett, I was just thinking the other day how much I'd like to see you talk bass... Thank you! I found this content to be top notch.
Opening Jam was one of my favorites so far. You and Phil seem to have taken a lot of inspiration home from Germany.
As a guitar player, I started bass maybe 10 years ago and didn't really make much of it. Until I got my hands on a P-bass and put flats on it. It completely changed how I view bass and how I can play it, and how I can compose bass parts and guitar parts. It definitely did everything you said in this video
The kick drum is the heartbeat of the song, and the bass is the soul of the song.
Philip is so great, this is a good video. The bass is part of the rhythm section, but like Philip said, you have to listen to what others are doing as well. I started as a drummer and have now played guitar for many years, but I always tend to listen to, and follow, the bass line of most songs.
Since I've gotten my bass , my sense of time has improved a lot! Also, It is the most fun I've had with a purchase in the last year and a half.... I find myself loving to just grab it and come up with some bass lines.I should say the Ibanez talman TMB 30 is AWESOME and very cheap.
every word of this is true. as a guitar player first.. what was really eye-opening to me... when i'd take gigs with the same band... sometimes on bass. sometimes on guitar. whole different paint job on the same songs. you hear and feel things differently. and it forces you to get better on both. and now... i'm pretty much only doing gigs on bass these days. and loving it.
@rhettshull can you do a follow up video demonstrating how you record a great bass tone in a mix. I’m always impressed by the clarity and tone of bass in your mixes.
I've had a cheap bass in the closet for years and have been thinking of gettin' it goin'. When listening to music nowadays I do focus a lot more on the bass, drums and how they work together. Music is awesome!
Excited. I asked for this video!
When he was talking about listening to the others and playing with not over the other instruments. Bass is the glue that links the drums to the guitar. That’s the way I hear it.
Someone once told me to play the bass like I was playing drums but with tone instead of a lower guitar and it's really changed how I play bass
Wow, real black keys vibe from that intro! That was a great wee track!
Thanks for showing us bass players a little love...I played a rock gig just this past weekend and 2 of the 4 bands that played didn't have a bass player.
That opening jam is 🔥
What an interesting episode.
Thank you.
And - for reasons I wish I understood better - that is the best UA-cam bass sound I have ever heard come out of my speakers !
For anyone wondering, the rebuilt bass looks like it started life as an Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat. The pickup looks like it came from a Guild Starfire. I'm sure getting the poly finish off that bass was tons of fun...
Great video all around! As a mediocre guitar player, I aspire to be a good bass player. Also, that jam at the beginning … killer! Awesome reverb tones.
The more instruments that I’ve picked up over the years have just made me better at each instrument. I can see the instruments from another perspective.
That intro jam was epic! 🤩
It’s nice to see you giving the Manly Instrument the proper respect…
That bass tone at the beginning is awesome!!! My bass is a Squier Mustang Bass, that I love for adding bass tracks on my recording, or just having fun with it. It sounds and plays great, so I'm really happy with it.
...and now I want to put flat wound strings on it :)
Couldn't agree more with this, Broaden your tool chest! Thanks