Want To Get Better At Guitar? Try Bass

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.

Thanks to @philipconradmusic for joining in todays video, go subscribe to his channel and sign up for his video course here:

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[philipconradmusic]

Thanks for having me Rhett! Had so much fun making this video with you ⚡️

[ghosttownreview]

"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!

[granthill]

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.

[kbchef]

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 .

[guitarifuldexter]

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! 🤘🎸

[henrychinaski]

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?

[WarrenPostma]

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.

[mikemorrisey]

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!

[MooCowX]

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

[matthewsears]

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.

[Ratchman_]

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.

[djtommykeys]

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.

[TheReaper]

“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 🤘🏻

[davidwilliams]

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).

[BobPerrone]

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.

[txa]

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 <$500!

[mikaashton]

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.

[carsgunsandguitars]

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.

[ampthebassplayer]

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.

[Bob-of-Zoid]

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! (<: