Is Bass Easier Than Guitar?

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“Is bass easier than guitar?”
I get this question a lot.
Sometimes, it’s absolute beginners wondering if they should play guitar or bass as their first instrument. Other times it’s people who are struggling with playing guitar and wonder if bass would be easier.
‘It’s only got 4 strings, right?’
Occasionally this question isn’t phrased like a question at all! You’ll sometimes see people trying to pick fights or straight up trolling online, and few things irritate me more than these discussions.
It’s not because I believe that bass is easier than guitar, or that guitar is easier than bass. It’s irritating because it’s such a pointless and immature comparison.
In the end, I usually just walk away from these conversations before they get going. The people who think one is inherently more or less difficult already have their minds made up. There’s very little you can do to change their opinions.
Instead of worrying about these abstract conversations that don’t really benefit anyone, I’d rather be working on my own bass playing and developing that solid practice habit I talk about in the video.
Getting started on any instrument can be intimidating - especially if you’re learning your first instrument. If you have decided you want to play bass, then you might be wondering how to get started.
That’s why I put together my Beginner’s Starter Pack. It’s a collection of some of my best material for beginners that’s designed to jumpstart your playing. Inside, you’ll learn the 3 most important things to focus on as a beginner bass player, plus the order to learn it all.
To get it, just fill out the form on this page:
becomeabassist.com/is-bass-ea...
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. I’d be more than happy to help out however I can.
Good luck with the video and happy playing!
Cheers,
Luke

[@karthurhyer]

I'm 64. Been playing bass for 40 years. Been in bands, and still don't consider myself a musician. I am a hobbyist.

[@EB-so2gm]

Yes I'm a crock too. But love playing the bass. Best wishes.

[@Rama-eh9xr]

Yup, but im sure people call u a musician.

[@karthurhyer]

@@EB-so2gm That's why I play. I love it.

[@beneadie7147]

karthurhyer no sir you are a musician

[@crumbledonkeythirtyseven]

Buddy you are quite a musician

[@kennet7837]

Bass is more beginner-friendly. At least it was for me. We played guitar in music class and I found it difficult. Then I tried bass and it just worked for me. When I went back to the guitar I was 100x better at it!

[@mariap-xs1vt]

I have acoustic guitar but its so difficult to play. I think I want to play bass because I just love it and i know its not easy but its easier than guitar

[@yogurtstainz]

dem0liti0n l0ver I started playing acoustic guitar 3 years ago it was hard at first but then I got the hang of it and now I can play fingerstyle, tbh with you practice makes perfect you just have to put a lot of time and effort into it

[@davidfonseca2525]

@@mariap-xs1vt Easier to start. Equally harder to master.

[@mariap-xs1vt]

@@davidfonseca2525 i know. I have always wanted to play bass. I cant afford it right now but I'll buy it in the future and I cant wait🥺

[@davidfonseca2525]

@@mariap-xs1vt No problem in buying a cheaper one for learning. I started like that. As soon as you can, buy it. You won't regret it.

[@TheStreetking509]

The only reason why bass is sort of easy for me is because I'm coming from keyboard playing to bass. In which I know chord progression, music theory, and playing by ear so I just interpret those same theory to bass but if I did not come from keyboard playing I would find bass to be hard.

[@joshpohlner8716]

I mean I picked up bass with no music theory knowledge and found it rather easy but I probably started at a much simpler point than you will have done

[@showerstimescartoon]

Jean Voltaire Totally agree . I had been playing the piano for 8 years, starting playing the guitar at 20, now 23 finding bass easy to play.

[@davidodili8941]

Same as me

[@Hi-df2om]

Music is only a competition if it’s marching band. That shits intense.

[@kailove8767]

JustAnotherClone YT you’re not wrong haha

[@Selfishbore2321]

Imagine walking with a marching band with a bass guitar you need a float for the amp and the whole ground would be shaking. Lol

[@ajdayton101]

I learned a little guitar in high school and could play a few songs. I think bass was easier to get started and be more competent at the basics. Now that I am focusing on the theory of bass more now than ever and certainly see the challenges.

[@domagojoinky8262]

When it comes to theory, bass guitar or any other bass instrument becomes the hardest to master because they give the name and meaning to chords and glue the chordal and rythmic instruments together.

[@DanielGacke]

One of the biggest things that helped me advance as a guitar player was to learn the notes on the neck, and with them, where the chords and scales for the most common keys are. And, I think that knowledge, with the bass strings being tuned the same as the lowest four of the standard guitar tuning, made it much easier for me to learn to play many songs on the bass, as well. I imagine more advanced techniques would take time, but just knowing where the notes are, and what key a song is in makes it pretty easy to play along a lot of the time.

[@ldoubleg2006]

I couldn't believe I got chosen in the band due to my perfect timing and always in the pocket according to the advance drummer. They had tried 10 bass players. I wasn't a complete beginner but I had 10 years of playing cello. Me and the drummer just quickly stayed in sync. I found out bass is about staying in complete sync.

[@cultofsucc5807]

Thats the thing, yes actually playing it is simpler tha a guitar, but there is NO margin for error at all.

[@Eddie-uf6bs]

I’m a drummer taking bass

[@hamishsummers8585]

At the start of this year I bought a bass thinking "it's an easy instrument, I'll learn that and it will make me a better guitar player". Since then I have discovered that it is not only a very different instrument, but I enjoy playing it a lot more and have a better aptitude for it. So much so, I am now considering selling my guitar and buying another bass.

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Everyone has a better aptitude for it, it's an easier instrument.

[@mayashtag]

@@TheBigMclargehugedid you watch the video ☠️

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Does it contradict me? It's wrong. @@mayashtag

[@mayashtag]

@@TheBigMclargehuge it does contradict you and YOURE wrong. I wonder how old you are or how long youve been playing guitar to say that, or if you even ever touched a bass. Youre just immature if you spend your free time hating on people for playing an instrument

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

LOL you fuckin drama queen, disagreement isn't hate. You and the video are wrong. That's all. Get over yourself. @@mayashtag

[@macdonald715]

Just because bass has 4 or 5 strings doesn’t mean it’s easier. Cliff Burton for example. His solos were harder than some of solos played on guitar.

[@Mole_m4n]

Cliff Burton was sloppy

[@powerpointepic1122]

MoleMan cliff burton was one of the greatest bassists ever.

[@stevec6427]

@@Mole_m4n Cliff Burton only sounded a little sloppy because Lars couldn't hold time. Listen to one of his solos with a metronome. Cliff is spot on, Lars is all over the place.

[@markgueren9633]

Luke!!! Excellent explanation!! Been going through you videos.. I’m a bass player actually coming back to bass after years of playing guitar..why? I feel more connected to the bass!! You’ve definitely earned a subscription!!

[@kabirpalamadai3742]

That was an amazing talk. It totally changed my perspective on this whole argument. Thank you.

[@bigsaucy8296]

Ive played guitar for 3 years and picked up a nice precision bass around new years this year and it only took me like a week to get used to it and it was just the string spacing and the finger movements that were foreign to me. I can even do slap now, I found it insanely easy to learn

[@paolopesare3566]

I'm a bass player but I started as a classical guitarist. I think bass Is Easy to learn but hard to master.

[@dambrooks7578]

I started of thinking I wanted to be a guitarist, but then discovered it was the bass where I wanted be, now I like learning classical stuff like Bach's Chello Suite. I might be able to play some of (Prelude in G Major was the first, after I had learnt Solfeggietto by C.P.E. Bach). That said I still consider myself a beginner because I am not ever going to stop learning.

[@DMSProduktions]

Chelo?

[@philjones7870]

I always considered myself a guitarist; however, about 4 years ago I was asked to fill in on Bass to help the band/team out. I found that I liked it. It was fun. I am now reasonably comfortable on Bass but by no means proficient, but I can get by in most general situations except in a jazz band environment or anything resembling top professional. I have played with a few guitarists who have said Bass is real easy but funnily enough, they never volunteered to play it. What does that tell you? I now see myself as a guitarist (lead, rhythm, acoustic)/vocalist who is also reasonably capable on Bass :-) I have never regretted picking up the Bass :-)

[@DMSProduktions]

I am exactly the same Phil! I do all 3 quite competently! Surprising how many full time bassists do NOT know how to play WITH the drummer! I do! That's why many drummers ASK for me!

[@SULTANRS]

I tried guitar i liked it and i kind of want to try out bass i love to hear groovy solo’s on the bass and would love to make one myself

[@detlevgebers]

As you said. With a bass you can get fast results. In addition, every instrument is a challenge. It is important that you like to play your instrument. I don't want to be the trumpeter playing thirds throughout the evening. Or kettledrum in a symphony orchestra.

[@alexhamilton4084]

I’ve recently switched from lead guitar to Bass and I’m finding it easy to play but this is because I’ve had many years of playing lead and rhythm guitar. Many years ago I tried playing my nephews bass and struggled because I was learning guitar at the time. I actually found it harder than guitar at that time. Partly because of the string thickness and partly because of the fret spacing as I have quite short fingers. I have great fingers for a welder but not for playing an instrument lol 😂 I’m loving the bass by the way. I now own 5 basses but only 3 lead guitars.

[@yasirujayasuriya7026]

My opinion is that in general bass is fun and it makes the band sound good, ever listen to a band with and without a bassist? the difference is massive. Playing guitar is harder at the begging it's more stressful, its really obvious if you screw up but its more versatile. A bass player without a band isn't going to have too much fun. I've played both and you can't really have one without the other having a wicked bass player and a average guitarist works but having a trashy bass player just makes the whole band sound bad.

[@dougarnold7955]

I've always thought bass is harder... always being since 1977 when I tried both...lead guitar came easy for me but working with bass is very good discipline for me. I think more about music structure and technique.

[@maliatfirst9]

Music isnt a competition..wow i really liked this video. He made some amazing points Very good job Luke

[@joshpohlner8716]

I originally played guitar (not at any competent level, I would find tabs online for a really simple song and give up really quickly) and I had absolutely no musical knowledge and I decided to start playing bass because it looked easier and, for the first few months, it was. I only had to think about where one finger was at any one time and I was loving the simplicity. When I started appreciating bass for what it was, that's when I started learning properly, but since I had already developed an enjoyment for the bass, I found learning stuff like music theory, I wouldn't say easy, but it was never frustrating and it just took a while to begin to wrap my head round it all. I've never really picked guitar up since, but I imagine learning all of the stuff I have on bass, but for guitar, would probably have been harder for me personally

[@alowlypawn]

Only a weak intellect compares two art forms by which is easier or better. Things are what they are and they produce value in unique ways. As a society we seem to have lost the art of nuance.

[@dogeyt5995]

Justin Mooney guess I have weak intellect

[@auntjenifer7774]

Instant gratification generation.

[@DMSProduktions]

Snow FLAKE generation!

[@110380michael]

Meh, comparing things, relating or not is what makes us smart.

[@Xx_Ultimate_Noscoper_xX]

Weak intellects these days smhhh.

[@mrdavisdance]

Guitars are harder to pick up at first. Things even out when you get into advanced playing though. The bass is lacking in flash but superior in individual play styles.

[@benjones8876]

I’ve been playing guitar for a few years, I feel good with it, but I’ve got into piano as well and like getting into multiple instruments. What’re the differences between bass and guitar?

[@onehourof-relaxingandambie1882]

First, they have different musical roles, while guitar is mainly a lead instrument, bass is a rhythm instrument, bass supports the harmony of the band, and it kind of glues everything together. Secondly, bass is longer and heavier than guitar, it also plays notes an octave lower than guitar, that's the why many people say things like "I can't hear the bass in your song" (sometimes it's hard to hear it, but it depends on things like the band or the player itself).

[@LanxPenzenpepper]

People say bass are easier but they are not... It just happens that bass community have less people than guitar community, and because there's that stigma that bass players are failed guitarist... People ends up not expecting much from bassists. In short... Less pressure from perfectionist people who thinks that instruments are just about being fast af... bassist can learn faster because there are no people who keeps on forcing them the shred as fast as possible... Long story short... Less people in community means less pressure... Less pressure means peace of mind Pierce of mind means more focus... And More focus means faster learning

[@Neil-qf6df]

playing fast isn't always the sign of a good guitarist, sometimes slow and accurate is much better.

[@bryc3391]

Does anyone know a budget entry level bass

[@chessdude67]

Enjoyed this very much! But, the total white background is tuff on my eyes. Just my 2 cents. Thumbs way up on a great topic. Thank you. Peace!

[@OmegaTou]

I think the key point he makes is, "in the long run." I would say that bass has a shallower learning curve. I happen to have stupid fingers, so I find a bass guitar much easier to manage because much of the time I'm not trying to form complex patterns with my fingers. Love your videos Luke. Keep up the good work.

[@Haunter.x.Haunter]

As a singer and someone who does hip hop, I’ve always had crazy good rhythm, but fingerstyle or solos were never it for me. I can do great strum patterns on guitar with basic chords and make it sound good, but never got past that. I think I’m going to give bass a go, since it’s usually more rhythm based.

[@hexkwondo]

Bass is a lot more beginner friendly. Guitar chords and scales are currently kicking my butt right now but, I’m progressing pretty fast with learning bass.

[@kelvinatkinson4038]

Great Topic!!!🎸🎸

[@BecomeABassist]

Cheers Kelvin! Thanks for checking it out.

[@layyah0905]

Metallica's "Some kind of Monster" highlights the vast difference between bassists.. When Trujillo auditioned ,it was incredible how much better he sounded than the other top quality bass players competing against him when playing "For whom the bell tolls". So there's obviously much than just knowing the instrument and playing it vs hitting it out of the ballpark with the sound,timing ,etc.

[@Alexandra-xc4vs]

yall i really want to learn bass. any tips?

[@x_noku_x52]

BRO SOMEONE NOTICED THE OBOE! im in 8th grade band and im the only one who plays oboe, the teachers dont even say my instrument name they just include me with the flutes

[@serenaramirez9563]

same with my band's oboe lmao

[@colonelmothgod1517]

They just say Floboe at my school to include them

[@malicant123]

Bass has a number of advantages that make it easier to pick up as a beginner. One doesn't need to learn chords, there are fewer strings (if that really matters), and the tuning of the strings is consistent from low to high. Anyone can pick up a bass and produce basic music within a few weeks. One thing that makes bass a challenge for me is that as a very low instrument, one needs to be conscious of what they play more than would be the case on a higher instrument. The low frequencies carry the whole band, and if the bass is not there, something will sound "off". Lastly, if you think bass is easy, go and learn Donna Lee on a fretless and come back to us :)

[@grannygumjob8290]

Bass is easier to pick up and get going in a few weeks but past that bass is really fucking hard to master

[@average32potato]

And there I was all those years ago, always making my little brother play bass in guitar hero

[@punkdoggo211]

Me, a drummer, watching the bassist and guitarists argue knowing the drums are harder to master than both bass and guitar: 👀

[@BecomeABassist]

Tell me you didn't actually watch the video without telling me you didn't watch the video...

[@michaelhamill6919]

I’m a guitarist. Does anything think it may be easier to perform my songs That I write the guitar and just play bass and sing instead of guitar and sing? I see a lot of bands with technical guitar playing have bass playing vocalist figuring I might buy a bass and try it out try teaching someone else my guitar songs

[@BecomeABassist]

Possibly @Michael Hamill, although it would depend a lot on the songs you're writing. A lot of people struggle to sing and play bass - more so than singing and playing guitar (I talk about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGeompdpgrd4fdE) - but it's absolutely possible with practice. Although, if you were going to practice anyway, you could always just practice singing and guitar together and teach your songs to a bass player. I would always recommend that instead of trying to find the 'easier' path, try figuring out the path that's going to *sound* the best.

[@michaelhamill6919]

@@BecomeABassist wow dude appreciate the quick response. Gained a sub

[@SvyatogorTS]

I failed at guitar so... I got a 6 string bass

[@-whiskey-4134]

I became a better guitar player after playing a 6 string bass only for 2 years. I’m actually buying an 8 string guitar in a few days because I’m so used to the wider neck now that a regular 6 string feels too small in my hand haha same with my 4 string bass actually. In terms of what’s better? Well that depends on what youre doing with the instrument/what youre going for. Music is music and the possibilities are endless.

[@arizonawildcat3821]

As someone who played Trumpet for 5 years, I advise anyone out there to pick up a guitar and learn it. I just starting learning it and the capabiltites of this instrument are truly infinite, where as most instruments are very limited.

[@rishabhinc2936]

I have never played any instrument before....but I want to learn bass guitar so do I need to learn Guitar first ??? Or I should just buy a bass guit

[@BecomeABassist]

You don't need to learn guitar before you learn bass @DJ Venom official. If you want to learn bass, go ahead and learn it!

[@rishabhinc2936]

@@BecomeABassist thnx sir

[@arkhamnights]

For me the barrier with he guitar was not being able to do the basic things on the guitar that you are expected to do normally. It can be frustrating to not be able to arpeggiate the notes. A lot of it has to do with the physicality of it and your own physical limitations. If it is never comfortable for you to have proper technique but for other, it is then you will always be behind the 8 ball. It is just more cramped the extra to stings and narrower fret board just make it harder. It is easier to learn how to play the bass. It's two less strings and the job of the bass is different than the guitar. Now it is still hard in the sense that you have to keep time and the strings are thicker so it's still tough physically. But It is actually a bit more comfortable for me. It's not as cramped and the longer scale is nice. It is easier to learn how to play the bass no questions that but it is hard to be a good basses. You still have to learn the same amount of music theory as everyone else and it is still a pretty physical instrument, and you are still playing a guitar. But I know why it is easier for some and why they would choose it and be able to know the same amount of theory as any other musicians it's just easier for them to play.

[@SkNiazi786]

Any slapper?

[@KeisukeAndrew]

Can I learn to play the bass with fingers that have minimal flexibility? My fingers are so tight from decades of martial arts that most of them can't straighten, let alone bend backward. I found that it doesn't affect learning Ukulele, at least not at my level. The Guitar, I've given up as I feel like I will break my fingers trying to learn.

[@BecomeABassist]

I can't give you a definitive yes or no @KeisukeAndrew I'm afraid. It will greatly depend on your individual situation. I _can_ say 2 things though. #1 - With bass, you're usually only playing single notes rather than chords, so the finger-gymnastics you need to pull it off can be a lot lower. The only way to know for sure though is to give it a try; ideally with an in-person teacher who knows about your finger situation so they can guide you. #2 - I do have a lot of students in similar shoes to you; adult beginners who have either had jobs, lives or medical issues that have hampered their fingers' flexibility. It *does* make things more challenging, but it absolutely is possible.

[@KeisukeAndrew]

@@BecomeABassist Thank you for the quick and informative response!

[@daggercatz7297]

What would you recommend a 15yo student who doesnt have too much time to play... Bass or Guitar Edit: who doesnt how to read notes Edit2: Id enjoy both the same i think

[@misael4939]

G3HERO :D bass

[@doopum1]

I started on guitar, but really couldn't get comfortable with chords. Then 3 years later started drums and have played for 31 years. 5 yrs ago, I started playing bass, because I was the one humming the bass lines to play and the guitar players I was recording with would try playing bass and it just sounded like a guitar line on bass...also, they wouldn't pay attention to what the drums were doing. And to make sure they didn't pick up the bass again, I bought a fretless (I also play cello, so i was already comfortable without frets). Now I have two fretless and one fretted.

[@MichaelJohnson-eg4bj]

Love the sound of a good baseline add body to a song

[@mellm2005]

I would like to learn bass but i like electric guitar too😭 which one should i start to learn?

[@tristanheath4037]

Bass, just because their harder to find.

[@Neil-qf6df]

Bass is rhythm and guitar is melody, two totally different instruments

[@christianhenry4173]

As a matter of fact it's harder to master bass than it is to master guitar. The 6 strings makes harmony easier on guitar however on bass your limited with chords so to advance at soloing takes more patience Because the instrument wasn't designed to go past the bass limitations in music.

[@Cheyymariex]

As a bassist I assume guitar is more hard cuz of so many strings but have never tried so idk

[@peterbayol6651]

It is easier for me to play bass because I can see the strings. I started on bass because I thought it would be easier. I was wrong! Awesome vid and excellent advice! Great video!

[@BecomeABassist]

Thanks Peter - I’m glad you liked it.

[@damiensdarkcorner7924]

But if we talk about the 7 strings bass it's another story, this colossal piece of glory are so hard to play for everyone (except for professionals)

[@alexx9252]

i agree they are both difficult in their own rights, well said sir

[@brucesmith9144]

I will cite Paul McCartney as an example guitar player-turned bassist. He is anything but the weakest musician; let his body of work as a bass player speak for itself.

[@Chaiwala2021]

Bassist+songwriter wow❤️

[@user-dj3ip4it3r]

I tried guitar and I think guitar is not for me but I still haven't tried bass hoping my mom would buy me one

[@oraltsuki]

Hopefully someone in my family's next generation will like music as to learn the drums, bass or guitar, as for now I'll be the only musician in my whole family's line.

[@thevis5465]

I like the Olympics analogy.

[@TakuaaSwipe]

He said what I needed to hear to decide that I really wanna learn to play the bass

[@BecomeABassist]

Awesome! Welcome to the world of bass players!

[@gloriouscontent3538]

Bass guitar is a guitar.

[@BecomeABassist]

Agreed.

[@josephmcmanus476]

I'm a bassist in a Prog metal band and the guitar player is the opposite of most guitarists he respects me and the bass we end up getting a whole lot more work done because of it

[@mejsjalv]

Bass may seem easier, but it is not. In the end, even you are playing a very simple line (like AC/DC's Thunderstruck), you gotta hit the right notes in time, so it's not just the note. You gotta keep the groove. It is easy to wrap your head around for sure, especially with single note bass lies, but playing it in time with no mistakes... you gotta practice and rehearse. If you put chords and techniques such as slap, then bass gets freaking hard to play. And sure you can make bass your lead instrument, so yeah... it gets as hard as any instrument. People like Jaco, Wooten or Manring they sure make the coolest sounds and music with bass. Bass may contribute to your music reading, much like wind instruments, since most music for bass is mostly single lines. Reading for guitar is a pain when there's a lot of chords voicings to read using all 6 strings. Takes way too long to get used to stacks of 6 notes all clustered together. It's like people talking shit on a triangle. They may need to check a Brazilian percussionist playing a triangle solo.

[@houken4996]

i can play accoustic guitar and i can do many chords, but im not good at playing it by plucking, i just know how to strum,im planning to buy bass because i think i can be more of myself by playing the bass, me and my friends are making a band, and i decided to play bass, now im having second thoughts of buying a bass guitar because some people said its harder than the guitar, should i just buy a bass guitar or just buy an electric guitar?

[@Eden_Rubin_Music]

I think that the answer for this question is simple but complex at the same time: There's 2 things we need to seperate here, the actual technical potential of the instrument and the "general use" of the instrument. If we're talking about the general use, so bass is easier than guitar, because of few simple facts: 1.Bass usually plays one note at the time, while guitar players often plays harmony, chords, solo's and stuff 2. Bass usually plays "what needed" for the song, which are mostly root notes, simple patterns of groove and riffs, while guitar players do that but mostly also need to play solo's and stuff, and complex rythem harmony patterns On the other hand if you would look at it from the point of the actual technique potential of both instruments, I think they're equally hard at the same levels, with some sides that make bass sometimes harder, and sometimes guitar harder. The things that makes bass equally/harder can be: 1. First, the fact that bass has wider frets than guitar, which means that playings fast on it is actually harder 2.Because of fact 1, it means that if a bassist chooses to play things which are harder than the "general use" of the instrument, it can be even harder than guitar. Take guys like Wooten, Pasturious, Dirty Loops bass player Henrik Linder, I mean this guys are monsters, they playing very fast and hard grooves, they can even play on the high register of their instruments chords(which is very hard because it's high and intense for the hands), they can play an amazing solo's, and can even play "chord melodies"(and sholdn't we talk about their creativity as players and amazing groove). So according to this bass is absolutely not easier than guitar. The thing is that most of bassists out there, because of the fact that the "general use" of their instrument is mostly not too hard, not pushing themeselves to that level. The reason for that is mainly because there is also a need for bassist out there,and very few people who are actually a proffesional bass players, so they don't always have to be too that good to get gigs. On the other hand there are way too many guitar players out there, so if you are not gifted with virtuosity, you'll probably won't get a job in it, so it pushes most guitar players to be as virtuosic as they can. And this brings me to the next aspect of the question of which one is harder, and it's not about technique, it's about importance: Bass is way more important instrument for a band than guitar!!! Guitars can many times be even replaced with instruments like piano/keys or whatever, but a bass, this instrument have no replacement! Their job is so important for the groove, the harmony and the rythem, what makes their job very hard not from the technique perspective, but from the musical perspective. If they and the drums doesn't function well, you can bring Jordan Rudess, Petrucci, Van Helen, Michael Brecker, Stevie Wonder and even Hendrix to your gig, but without even a "mediocre" bass player, a one that plays one whats needed, the "general use", and the gig will suck! If they Suck, all the pyramide falls apart! So I think when you put it alltogether, no, it's not easier than guitar, but the truth is that mostly you don't need it to be more than guitar, mostly, even great bass players knows, that it enough to keep it simple that it'll work. The only problem is that because of that "general use" many of them not pushing themeselves to thier limit, and focusing more on their main function which is the rytehem and the groove, more than their technique(because, as I said, in bass the groove is more important than the technique). So the only thing I would say, is to call all of you bass players out there to show all this snob guitar players whose the boss, and lerne from monsters like Wooten and his friends, and show everybody how crazy bass can be! With deep respect to this amazing instrument, that anyone disrespect, because it's so taken for granted(let's put a mute on the bass channel and on the guitar channel and see what will do worse!). Thanks for reading!

[@TheTopGun920]

Thanks for the long story about the history of music, but I just wanted to know what's easier....

[@BecomeABassist]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@RockYouVideos]

I agree that mastery of any istrument requires equal amount of practice and dedication. That being said, any decent guitar player can generally fill in okay on most bass duty. Just saying. Haha.

[@TheBroknPezDispenser]

Thank you.

[@MarioGarcia-tr4ev]

Bassist ego at its finest.

[@mmmhmm6865]

Anyone else thinking about extremely easy instruments to learn while he was saying all instruments were equal like the Triangle and the Cymbals

[@estarling8766]

Every hit stands on the shoulders of a bass player. It takes time, effort and passion to become that basement.

[@Neil-qf6df]

Personally for me i find the bass easier to play, i am 59 and my brain doesn't think as fast as it used to and the generally slower pace of the bassline compared to the guitar is easier for me to follow, also the bassline tends to be more repetitive and that works for me also

[@ikigai47]

For 90+% of amateur bassists, bass is definitely easier and by FAR the most beginner friendly. I think bass and guitar are only on equal ground when you "master" the instrument. Or get anywhere near the area of mastering. I've played with some truly bad musicians playing bass, that could honestly not hope to play anything else (except maybe drums at a beginner to intermediate level if they put their heart and soul into it, but even that is questionable). When I hear "so and so plays bass" I know odds are I won't be impressed with his playing, as great bassists are very rare.

[@techdad5606]

Playing four strings should be easier than six and playing one note at a time is simpler, but to be great, you have to work at stretching your fingers to accommodate the larger frets and string spacing as well as really practice muting so unwanted strings don't ring out. Clean bass playing takes time and work.

[@SirBugger]

Love what you said. Totally nailed it. I have played cornet, tuba, piano, classical guitar and finally bass. There is no such thing as an easy instrument.

[@SirBugger]

Really? Name 5 highly respected kazoo players.

[@iLiekLemonade]

Piano is the best instrument to start with, visual layout is much more easier to understand

[@SirBugger]

@@iLiekLemonade I actually did have 2 years of piano. No choice. My mom taught piano.

[@TheChosenOne1_]

Mayonnaise:allow us to introduce ourselves

[@auntjenifer7774]

Yeah, I was playing my bass last night and was pissed off that it really isn't easier because I was hoping to funk bass by it sounded more like fart bass😉

[@ALEN1ful]

The cowbell and triangle are easy to get started on but take years to master.

[@mrnohax5436]

Don’t fear the reaper is one of them

[@bohanananza5443]

Bass is easier than guitar as a concept. You can do harder stuff on bass. Also bass is mor note friendly.

[@astreas]

We all love bass and 6 string basses also 😌

[@zetsu_akatsuki797]

I played bass and a little bit of guittar, i think the reason why i found bass easier than the guitar is because I loved it.

[@sarahm390]

i have a ukulele, i want to learn bass cuz i struggle with strumming patterns lol

[@jonastorkelsen1813]

The most important thing to consider is to find the instrument that motivates you the most to play. You learn way faster when you like you instrument. I would rather play in a band with dedicated people than educated ones.

[@themaskedmusician4846]

Thank you I play guitar and bass and I think the same thing they arent harder than each other they are equal

[@outorii4659]

Omg as a total noob to both I think base sounds 1000x funkier, but with either you can do cool shit with pedals

[@rtepik9976]

I am a guitaris and if someone is a skater or a guitarist will hate me BUT Skate is like a guitar and scoot is a bass Skate is a bit harder to ride but a scooter hurts more when you fail a trick but skate tricks are harder to get and learn but when you get to the Realy complex tricks it is the same so dont judge anything and say oh this is beter everything has its +and -

[@letstalksports4800]

I’ve always wanted to learn bass guitar, but my friends and family are always saying I should learn guitar first before any other string instruments too.

[@BecomeABassist]

You can if you want, but you don't *_have_* to learn guitar before you learn bass. That'd be like telling someone they have to learn to play tennis before they learned to play badminton. Yes - some of the skills will be transferable, but you can just go straight to badminton if you want, the same way you can go straight to bass if you want.

[@letstalksports4800]

@@BecomeABassist I’m actually a decent badminton player and it’s fun. But yeah that’s pretty good advice thank you.

[@brandon2893]

Learning music is hard, on any instrument, period. You have to make sure you sit and think about your musical self. What draws you to music, what in a song makes your hair stand on end gives you that scrunched up music face (lol). For me, Bass is the most beautiful thing I hear when I hear a song, It is a rhythm instrument that can anchor everything else going on, but can also be as expressive as a guitar. Watch bass players play on the higher frets and you will see what I am talking about. The best Bass players are able to groove and hold down the changes happening in the chords, which is our job. But like I said, don't get it twisted, great bass players can make the bass sing just like other instruments.

[@BecomeABassist]

Beautifully said!

[@diarykeeper]

*Bassist defending his profession* J/k. Good to know that it is complex just as much.

[@bobfrediii2131]

it deprends on the genre, and band but yeah, any instrument at its highest level is equal in difficulty

[@MrClassicmetal]

How about the tambourine, does that take years to master?🤔

[@BecomeABassist]

Classical percussionists, who play tambourine at a professional level absolutely take years to master their craft.

[@thewomble1509]

what have small oranges got to do with it?

[@aldolson2273]

What about the triangle 🤔

[@BecomeABassist]

Do you mean in the context of orchestral/classical percussion? Or in the context of Brazilian forró music? In either case, the answer is yes.

[@faizahbulao9064]

The title says it all😂

[@clopper3753]

If you want to play bass and play as it is intended you have a hell of a lot more job to do than a guitar player on all fronts. Tone, Tempo, Time, are just three. Not to mention to remember chord patterns and scales while holding the tempo and time down. Look at Geddy Lee. RUSH was only a three man band. But look at any of their live performances and they made it sound like they were an orchestra. Why?... Because each of them learned to master their instrument and form a wall of sound that became... RUSH. And that is how you do it. And yes it will take time. But practice makes perfect! Good luck!

[@tweeshrew]

My dad used to play both because he was in a band he just says Bass is a little easier at first

[@kylefarlow]

"Very rarely do you hear about garage string quartets or garage wind ensembles..." OK, that was funny.

[@domagojoinky8262]

I would say that piano is easier than guitar and bass and one of the easiest to begin on. You need to press the right keys at the right time and music will happen. Sightreading can be difficult because you need to read in f and g clefs at the same time. Piano is a wonderful instrument, it can play melodies, chords and basslines at the same time.

[@draknagar]

I see two distinct components in the topic. Instrument and the work/output/music. the starting question is about instrument. As analogy we can put it which is easier under which conditions an ink pen, gel pen, pencil or felt pen.This is the instrumental part. For each individual the answer will vary. The second part is, using which instrument it is easier to write a poem. !?! Are both part related? art is a pathless journey. here the role or image of instrument haze out. Yes, the effort and time taken to produce a desired sound certainly varies, but what next? scope and way of using that sound matters, that is why as a child we are attracted to sound of a particular instrument and as we grow mature, our approach changes. Playing bass for 12 bars of Elvis Presley's composition and a track from 'Weather Report' is entirely different game.

[@BecomeABassist]

Great analogy with the pen Dr. Arun. And spot on about art being ‘pathless’. Great insights all around. Thanks for sharing them.

[@angeloplus4]

i turned 16 on the day this video was uploaded!

[@BecomeABassist]

Happy late birthday!

[@jornalcfontes2494]

I think it depends on you. Depends the fingers, technical skills, ears and creativity. Both are different. Maybe the bass is good if you like to compose. But a guitar will be missing. But if you want to compose for mostly everything in a single instrument, I think piano would be the best for.

[@juliusch3632]

I like guitar and i can play the guitar. But i looooooove bass and play bass

[@yourfriendlybulbasaur9165]

i want a bass but only have guitar

[@perfektpitch]

Keyboard players (particularly synth players, as opposed to strictly piano players) are the most unappreciated musicians. When it comes to playing in a band, they usually have to learn multiple parts, program the sounds for each of those parts, and of course, play all those parts. And then they're usually stuck in the back with the drummer. Bass players have it made.

[@jcwab]

It’s easier to sound better on bass.