Why Learn Bass Guitar?

Why learn to play bass guitar? After all, it’s the guitarists who get the admiration and glory, while the lowly bass players stand in the shadows. Can you name six famous bassists? Most people will have difficulty naming more than a couple, but they could probably name several famous guitarists with ease.

If your goal is to join a band, become famous and surrounded by admiring fans then the bass guitar is probably not the instrument for you. You may get the fame you desire as a bassist, but the odds are against it. However, if you want to have lots of fun doing something you will love, then read on.

Once you begin playing the bass guitar you will discover an exciting and versatile instrument that is a crucial part of any band. Together with the drummer you form the rhythm section which provides a foundation for the music and is the driving force behind the band. Without it the music will be lifeless and lackluster. You will soon learn to “lock in” with the drummer and will find the experience both rewarding and highly satisfying.

Although most people in the audience will not be consciously listening to you, they will feel your groove and dance along to it. Oh sure, the lead guitarist may have people staring in awe as he fires off another blistering guitar solo, but you the bass player are the one who gets them up off their seats and makes them dance.

Another reason to learn to play bass guitar is that is a relatively easy instrument for beginners. Now that is not to say that it an easy instrument to master, but you will find yourself able to play along to simple songs quite quickly. However, once your ability increases you will come to realize that it requires a lot of practice to become a great player, but it will be worth it.

You may also want to consider that it is usually much easier to get into a band as a bass player as there are fewer of them around – most people want to be the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton; consequently, good bass players are always in demand.

To help you find out whether the bass guitar is the instrument for you, begin actively listening to the bass when you listen to music. Decide whose playing style you like best. Call in at your local music store and try one or two instruments out. If you become hooked, you will have taken your first steps on a long, satisfying journey.

So why learn to play bass guitar? Well, you won’t get all of the glory, and you probably won’t have thousands of admiring fans begging for your autograph, but what you will get is the knowledge that you are playing a vital role in the band and you will take a great deal of pleasure out of that. Not everyone in the band can be the star, but the stars cannot work alone. They need you behind them! Without you, they are nothing.