5 Ways to Spot a Guitarist on Bass (tips to think like a bass player)

[@hazystudios]

I had to overcome being a guitar player, so to speak. I had to basically unlearn certain guitar-esque tendencies or I would always be a guitar player plaing bass. I agree that it's difficult for a guitarist, a lead player in particular, to reel themselves in to just playing a groove, playing "in the pocket", serving the song. Not only is it in the doing but it is in the mindset of not standing out, and just being a supporting player. It's just the nature of the instrument. Sure bass players can do all sorts of phenomenal things, but to be a viable member in most bands, you must be able to be the foundation. After many years on the instrument I feel safe in saying I am a bass player. It's almost laughable to see guitar players who don't really play bass get up there and think they're going to show us how it's done. If one comes to the instrument from guitar, I'd strongly advise them to let go of their ideas about it, such as guitar player automatically means tgey can play bass, and learn it as if they were learning another instrument like the trombone. They'll make greater strides and really come home to it.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you so much for this great insight. Pinning this so more people see it. So glad to have your perspective on this! ⚡️

[@timnewman1172]

This! It was definitely a learning curve going from being a guitar player to playing bass, but I now consider myself a bass player that also plays guitar...

[@93greenstrat]

I'm a guitar player who also plays bass and I 100% agree with the point about locking in with the drummer. Bit in addition, the entire rhythm section should be synced with the drummer. The guitar is part of the rhythm section in most gigging situations although you're more likely to get solo opportunities than you do on bass. But playing bass not only "requires" that you be tight with the drummer, but that you also pay attention to the chords because you are like the glue between the rhythm and the harmony.

[@philipconradmusic]

Yess!! Well said. I agree 100%

[@dchauser4]

#3 is absolutely foundational as a bass player. Guitar players surf on the waves generated by the rhythm section. If you come to bass and still try to surf, it's going to be noticeable. Locking in with my drummer always brings a smile to my face. We've been working on Just Like Heaven by the Cure, and the connection in the rhythm section for that song is just amazing.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing Clint. I hope you are well! ⚡️

[@dchauser4]

@@philipconradmusic Doing well. Braving ITP tomorrow afternoon to pick up my two G&L's from Onorato. :)

[@philipconradmusic]

Oh man I bet they will play/feel amazing! Never gotten him to set mine up but heard nothing but good things!

[@dchauser4]

@@philipconradmusic Outside of all his press from 5 Watt World, Rhett, and Rick, I also had him recommended by Kurt Thomas' bass player. So after Paulding Music did a less than stellar job on my Kiloton, I pinged him and got on his schedule.

[@philipconradmusic]

Let me know how it goes!

[@valdochez25]

I started on Guitar and did play bass for a band for 5 years. I consider myself a guitar player first but really enjoy playing bass. You can learn a lot from playing bass for a band. I know that my guitar playing got better and so did my rhythm.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! ⚡️

[@mcpribs]

I still think of a drummer I played almost 25 yrs ago, because of how tight we locked. On songs we’d never played before, wherever either of us went, the other was always there. I’ve always cherished being that absolutely locked in with someone.

[@wildpinesmusic4581]

As a guitar player who has recently been playing bass more for a friends band this is helpful!

[@philipconradmusic]

Glad to have you here!

[@zakolache4490]

Been playing bass for almost 20 years, just recently started learning to play with a pick. Very humbling having to start at the bottom of the technique ladder, going very slow & getting scales down again, finding my tone, and all that. Would definitely recommend!

[@philipconradmusic]

I had a similar story with the pick. Never too late! Thanks so much for sharing ⚡️

[@matthewdale9450]

Thank you for this. As a guitarist who was lead singer I then went on to play drums in a few bands and had to unlearn everything, through that I learnt conviction and meaning what I say, to be the backbone. Then my journey now to playing bass I've found letting go is what I'm learning. One big difference from when I played lead guitar to bass is going from soaring and creating the colours to working with restrictions. I have really found the joy in the drummer and the song restricting what I play and seeing how I can be creative within that framework.

[@benjamin6909]

This actually made me feel a lot better about my bass learning journey. I heard my dad say once that someone (who was a guitar player) played bass like a guitar player, and I was never quite sure what he meant. Number two is why it is so important to practice with an amp or headphones amp. When playing with a pick it is so easy to mute all the other strings because of the angle of the strumming hand. But when I play with finger plucking it's a completely different thing. I was practicing the James Jamerson exercise from Bass Buzz, and I was unplugged and playing a 5 sting. I thought I was doing fine, but then I plugged into my preamp pedal and heard all the low string buzz. I realized I had to go back to the basics of muting on a bass, because it really is a lot harder than on the guitar. It is also part of why I have switched to a 4 string.

[@AdamEmond]

Gotta pay attention to when the notes STOP, too.

[@philipconradmusic]

YES. Well said! ⚡️

[@YannickROGER]

It would be fun to have a follow up about bass player who picked up the guitar as a second instrument (maybe featuring a guitar player friend). At least that is my case and it is quite a journey.

[@johnny.musician]

I sorta knew these 5 things but reinforced learning never hurts, right? I’m 80/20 guitar/bass and a thing I’ve noticed that when I fret a note on my bass as most guitar players might, I’m using my fingertip…a lot a bassists fret with more of the ‘meat’ of the fingertip. Hope that made sense. I reckon there’s no right or wrong to it but I find bass easier and more comfortable to fret in that ‘meatier’ area.

[@philipconradmusic]

I think that’s good insight! Thanks for sharing. Glad to have you here! ⚡️

[@MrWilson-WithaPbass]

Yes John ,Huge point . I'm a career bassist and yes I dont use my finger "tips" at all . Playing guitar ,except for Bar chords, your almost completely using fingertips . I play guitar rarely and notice that every time . I dont even have Callouses on the tips, but have insane callouses on the "front" (for lack of a better term )of my fingers .

[@johnny.musician]

Cheers MrWilson and PhilIip. I suspect it’s almost an intuitive muting thing, too. The meaty bit of the finger means the juxtaposed string is more likely muted. Perhaps I’m making too much of this…

[@LXferg]

Agree with all your points thank you, as a 45+. year guitar player and picking up the bass recently I noticed an interesting thing particularly with recording, my timing is so much better as a bassist, and it has helped my guitar playing generally in both the recording environment as well as live.

[@loopydemos]

Great teaching! Exactly what I needed to hear. When I record bass and guitar, I often lean towards tayloring the bass to the guitar. I sometimes mute the guitar to only hear the drums and write a bass line that locks with that. Also +1 on fine motor skills. Sloppy playing is much more noticeable on bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing! So glad to have you a part of this channel ⚡️

[@bengraham2549]

Hi Phil, love the videos youre putting out. Wondering if you are maybe going to a video on your routine maintenance of your gear and how you take care of your kit. Love the Mustang.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks Ben! Great idea for a video ⚡️

[@bengraham2549]

@@philipconradmusic Only a thought as I was cleaning basses while watching your latest video 🤣

[@jimbeaux4988]

I'm a guitarist who picked up bass for recording. I managed to overcome the 5 things on your list because I needed my recordings to sound like a BASS player. What is still hard for me is note choice. Whenever I sit down and learn other's bass lines, I'm always amazed at the notes that I never would have thought to play. It's an ongoing process to write interesting lines.

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@SalmonFume]

Been playing the guitar for 16 years. Drummer saw me playing some bass lines on the guitar and said I should pick up a bass and get in the groove with him. From the first minute I knew I was going to be playing bass for the rest of my life. We played for 6 hours straight that day. Realised how drums and bass are the real fundamental groove, flow, and feel of the song. Also, when another guitar player joined us, I realised I love being more in the background. Keeping time, keeping the track flowing. Love it. It's almost meditation for me. Most guitarists can't keep time at all. I think that will be the most difficult if they ever decide to pick up the bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@northernbrother1258]

I'm a guitar player who switched to bass and one of the things I did to inoculate myself against the "guitar player on bass" thing is I learned to slap. 😁

[@timnewman1172]

I learned to play with my fingers, it took a year before I perfected it but I rarely us a pick now...

[@camillephilippon9594]

Hey! I'm one of these guitarists that bought a short scale bass to play low parts on the looper. Good points there. I started as a classical guitarist before a big dive in electric rythmic funk/blues guitar. I'm liking the 4 strings a lot; playing fingerstyle again on the bass is cool! I try to stay on the money making notes: the lowest fundamental ones with a rythm pattern mimicking the drums. Guitarists have a tendancy to play the melody or the riffs on low octave and sometimes leave the beat. I need to learn to overlay chord changes and play in trio with the drums and the rythm guitar/section. Getting there... I bet a bassist would spot the guitarist in me in no time^^

[@MartyWilson100]

Carol Kaye, Joe Osborn, Tommy Cogbill, Noel Redding and Paul McCartney are great examples of guitarists turned bass players. They use their background for great effect

[@rothloaf1980]

Spot on assessment. I play both but, if asked, I'm a basssist. In their hearts, bassists love playing time with drummers. I'm only truly happy tying and dotting notes with and around the drums.

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said! ⚡️

[@swoooner4304]

I started out as a guitar player but picked up a bass for recording purposes a couple of years after and now I feel like I have definitely come a long way in thinking and playing differently between each instruments!

[@ckturvey]

Great video. I have been that Guitarist filling in on Bass and definitely was playing the bass like a guitarist. Your list is spot on. I would add a couple of things that i notice. One Is the note placement on the beat. The bass has to be locked in with the drummer and place his note exactly where the drummer is. To me that is a dead giveaway of a guitarist playing bass. Guitarist react to the drums more often than not by playing off beats and slightly ahead or behind based on the style of the song. Another one tied to "Simplify your Ideas" is a guitarist on bass will fill in way to much space. That can be riffs or holding notes too long. The space the bassist leaves is as important as what they play. Funk is a prime example of this. If you don't leave space in the right places, it will not be funky! I would use your same points for being a better rhythm guitarist. #3 (listening to the drummer) and #4 (Simplify your Ideas) are essential. Guitar has to be as locked to the drummer as the Bass. The bass is the extension of the bass drum while the guitar is the snare (or backbeat). When the entire rhythm section sounds like they are all in the kit with the drummer, it is truly a magical thing. Thank you for your insightful videos!

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@MarcG7424]

Attempted to play guitar for years and one day I just didn't have the passion for it but I love music I concluded I'm more attracted to the rhythm parts of songs so decided to try bass and I'm so much further ahead on bass even though I was on guitar a lot longer

[@Maydoggie]

I play in two worship bands: one on Sunday mornings and a different one on Thursdays at a different church. I play bass with the Sunday band and guitar with the Thursday band. I'm trying to train my ear to focus on the drums when I play bass. My ear naturally goes to the keyboard for whatever reason, but I am working to be more cognizant of the drummer and interweave with him.

[@ITigerbaum]

I'm a bass player trying to learn guitar! Great video. I DO miss playing with a drummer, and will again.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@timnewman1172]

Practicing at home is great, but you really need to play with a SOLID real live drummer! They will teach you soooo much about your instrument than either of you will ever know... I prefer drummers who play slightly "behind the beat", but sometimes you need to be ahead of the beat as well. You won't learn that off of an online video!

[@erstwhilerambler]

I had played guitar for 30 years or so before recently buying a bass - ostensibly for my daughter, lol. As soon as I started messing around with bass, I realized I love it and it’s “my“ instrument. I did have to start by playing pretty much everything with a pick, but I’m getting more and more comfortable playing with my fingers and find it preferable for most songs. It’s a great tone, and now I finally understand why it’s mostly a finger-style instrument. After years of showboating as an electric guitar player, then a bluegrass flatpicker, then a mandolin player… I enjoy sitting back and laying down the low end. It’s fun, it’s (literally) groovy, and it suits my life stage. I’ve tried really hard to concentrate on becoming a legitimate bass player rather than a guitarist covering on bass. And, in fact, now I am a legitimate bass player for a cover band - after having picked up the bass less than a year ago! Anyway, another great video, and I’ve decided to subscribe to your channel because I’m seeing other videos in the list that are intriguing.

[@jaypie0864]

Nailed it P-Con! Now I need a video to send to drummers with the exact same principles.

[@neilcoo]

#3 all the way. As a bass player it melts my brain how so many guitar players (and lead instrument players in general) apparently don't consider that they should also be listening to/working with the rest of the band, especially around time.

[@ericbrocious6047]

I started playing bass at 14 and 6 string at 19. Been in many bands over the years on either. I feel like my approach is vastly different with whichever I pick up. I’m 50 yrs old now and playing bass in a band again. And have been trying to up my chops to another level. Thanks for these videos, they are a great help. Also I play bass with both fingers and a pick depending on the song. It changes the attack with a pick I think. And not appropriate all the time.

[@MrWilson-WithaPbass]

All good points Phillip . In my one project I have 3 different fill ins (all guitar players) . I see (watching the video back ) everything you mentioned and ... Being afraid of 1st position . They tend to play everything too high on the neck . Like you mentioned bass is about groove and fatness and fit . Undergirding the band .Not playing a slightly lower guitar line . And yeah the biggest ,you mentioned, listening to and playing off the drummer . The drummer is not a click track so your solo is in time ,with a cool effect kicked on .No, he or she is literally half of what you are playing . Great vid man ,thank you .

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said! Thanks for sharing and for being a part of the channel ⚡️

[@solkvist8668]

I played guitar for 16 years before picking up a bass, but almost exclusively as a rhythm guitarist. Many of these things I learned myself, but the one that also changed my guitar playing was listening to the drummer and locking in. If you can do that as a rhythm guitarist your band is going to love you. It’s critical for bass as well, but a good rhythm guitarist plays a pretty similar role in a lot of ways.

[@julianmorrisco]

Good points. Every one of these is also an issue with new bass players, even if they’ve never picked up a guitar. Look, I know you youngsters are miles better technically than we were at the same stage in the 80s. But everyone has to start somewhere and most people need some time to find their place. I’m not a bass player, or a guitarist really, although my DOC switches from one to the other each decade, it seems. I’m a songwriter and sound designer and it took me a while to decide where I sat. After 30 years my technical skills on any instrument could be better - even keyboard, and that was the instrument (well - synth, really) I fell into most often professionally solely because I owned a Roland Juno 60 and Korg Poly 800. That’s what it was like in the punk and post-punk days - I never cared for keys, it’s a terrible instrument to get wasted and rock out on but I had one, so I gravitated to it against my will. For years, I couldn’t even use both hands on a piano or organ (which turned out to be beneficial playing synths actually). Keyboards are a pretty good instrument to write on and if I’d never played one all my songs would have been a lot more bland, guitar-y things. Actually, the two songs of which I’m most proud were written on bass. Go figure. But if there’s one thing I leaned is that to play an instrument that is new to you, the single most important thing (once you can hit a note or chord in time and tune, but that’s a low bar) - the one thing I’d say is key is to be honest to the instrument you are playing. If you can think like a bass player, or guitarist, drummer or whatever if you are trying to get the feel of another instrument (I’m thinking if you want to use a keyboard/synth to give the feeling of, say, a saxophone) then you need to get into the headspace of that instrument. I don’t mean copying or apeing your heroes - I mean thinking about what that instrument does or can do for the music you’re playing. I really love bass as I’m not really the extrovert type and what I love about it is that the best bass (with exceptions like Peter Hook or whassisname from the Stranglers) is the sort of thing that doesn’t draw attention to itself unless it goes wrong. And when it goes wrong the whole shebang comes crashing down. For bass (and many guitarists can do with this lesson) - how do you support the rhythm and bottom end? How do you mesh with the other sounds? And, as laid out in this video, the spaces are at least as important as the notes. Once you have this working in your mind, the rest is just technique and practice.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insights. Thanks for sharing! ⚡️

[@msspi764]

Picking up bass strengthened my technique on the guitar. Even if you're playing a boom-chuck rhythm on the guitar you need to be able to mute strings to get a clean sound. I knew that but I picked up some tricks from bass muting that worked better.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@richsackett3423]

I wanna play too! 1. No claw. You know those bass guitar drumsticks? Playing like that. 2. Fretting with the finger tips versus pads. Q.v. #1 3. Simply too many notes, Majesty. 4. Playing too hard. 5. Not properly matching the volume and tone of the drums. You're kinda your own mix engineers back there.

[@richsackett3423]

@@simon_patterson "Guitarist fingers" gives them away every time.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insights! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@mcpribs]

Timing is one I think of. Guitarists typically play ahead, and (good) bassists, behind. When I hear a dude trying to ouch’s the kick, it usually means (s)he’s a guitarist…and also ticking a few of the other boxes you mentioned. I should know…I started out as one (and am still one).

[@judih.8754]

Good advice for anyone learning the Bass.

[@conorlarkin1111]

Man. So much good wisdom on your channel. I play both bass and guitar, but I actually started with bass, and you hit the nail on the head for sure. I really love your earnest advice and open approach with your videos. Hope to see you perform in person one day!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for the kind word Conor. So glad to have you a part of the channel! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@timnewman1172]

Very good tips, I would not disagree with any of them! Here are my 2 cents tips: 1) Remember there is difference between an electric bass and guitar! You need to think differently when you play them, I play both instruments and it takes a different mindset for each. A bass is a mainly rhythm instrument, it's all about the groove!!! Another is left-hand technique, always fret your notes on or immediately next to the fret to sound clean & articulate. Lastly, learn & understand dynamics and how to use them. If you do this and can stay "in the pocket", you are the person that will get the gig... Good luck, and have fun!

[@billsmith2212]

The all night pick , penta scale , three fingers and box or double box shape is a giveaway .

[@redghost3170]

I’m a guitarist that also plays bass fairly well. Problem for me is not being able to “hide” in the rhythm. If I get lost, everyone knows. Lol.

[@timnewman1172]

It's all about the groove, keep playing and it becomes easier & easier!

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Good points! As a guitar player, I love playing bass because it is a different approach and way of thinking about how I play. It could be argued that a lot of this actually applies to guitar as well, it's just a bit different on bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

Good insight! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@steven_kuijper]

I'm a guitar player and occasionally play bass to get inspired; it sometimes helps to pickup a different instrument. But what I notice when playing bass, is that I keep time by lightly tapping the string so that the string and frets make contact and you hear a distinct "click" in between notes . This is fine on guitar, especially playing acoustic rhythm, but I found that on bass it can be really annoying to listen to -- the bassist is not the drummer after all. But I see many guitar players who pickup the bass do this (including myself). Interesting phenomenon. One of those things when bass techniques and guitar techniques are really different, I guess. Cool video Philip!

[@philipconradmusic]

That’s a great point Steven. That clicking can be a huge problem in the mix. Thanks for sharing! ⚡️

[@kwt7667g]

I play bass. One thing I notice that's really different in the approach is that the guitar is about focusing on getting all the strings to ring out clearly (except the ones to leave out), but the bass is primarily about muting.

[@jrpipik]

As a guitarist who plays bass, too, I think all these are on point. And your mix sounds great!

[@philipconradmusic]

Awesome! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@JuanMotta]

I have started playing bass about year ago and all You said is right!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@philipconradmusic]

Hahaha thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@dw7704]

I play both guitar and bass. I started on guitar & added bass about 2 1/2 years later, but didn’t take bass seriously for many years, but I do now Good list, but them I line up with those things. I mostly use my fingers, but can use a pick Muting isn’t something I think about, it’s something I do. But I have also approached guitar more as a rhythm guitarist I’m not a virtuoso at either guitar or bass, but I have fun, and try to adapt my playing to the song, conrextb& others playing

[@philipconradmusic]

Sounds like you are in a great place! Thanks for sharing your perspective. So glad to have you here ⚡️

[@devinwilliams4038]

The biggest thing I’ve noticed is guitarist playing bass being afraid to, or not even knowing how to “walk” a bass line. They just ride root notes the entire song. They never add any counterpoint whatsoever.

[@philipconradmusic]

Walking bass is definitely and intimidating concept. Maybe we should talk about that in a video soon…

[@psychoticxombie]

I'm a bass player and I do all these things very well. I actually mainly play with a pick but I'm just as good with a pick as I am fingers and its because it's brighter and more trebly when I pick. I'd argue playing fingers is better since you're actually limited with using only pick. I kinda have to disagree somewhat on the 4th point and a tiny bit on the last. Yes simplicity is probably better and more popular but it shouldn't have to be consistent and honestly some of the best bass players i've been around and heard and just listened to on records, are better because of their knowledge on theory and how to "zest up" a line. Simplicity sometimes can actually just sound awkward and throwing a lil extra note or pazzaz doesn't hurt. On the last point, some basses can't always pack a punch yknow. You of course get close enough to the point it is but it aint always the case. Also when you demonstrated, you used a pbass which is the fattest round sounding bass in the world other than maybe humbuckers. Tone aint always as cruical as it seems in live settings i've been around. Of course everyone has their taste and thats just my perspective but for your situation, your techniques and strategies might fit your playing better. Again it just depends on the audience, music genre, band and personal tastes.

[@samsantanamusic]

Very useful tips and always such high quality content from you Philip!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much Sam! ⚡️

[@victor2510]

Thanks for this Phil

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching Victor!

[@francoisdallaire5424]

That bass looks awesome !!!

[@stan_likes_single_coils]

Vey useful video! Thank you!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@jwmanz]

I'm definitely part of the target audience for this video. I notice that you play both short and long scale Fender style basses. Do you think its better for guitar players to start with a traditional scale bass (like a P-bass) where it might be a bit uncomfortable at first or start with a short scale bass (like a Mustang bass) which is closer in length to a guitar?

[@philipconradmusic]

Really good question! I don’t think there is any problem learning short scale. BUT you will limit your tone options long term. If you want to get into bass there are a ton of amazing long scale basses to check out. Best case is to be comfortable with both. Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@jwmanz]

@@philipconradmusic Thanks! I saw your video for the Tagima bass. Would you recommend that as a good starter?

[@philipconradmusic]

Yes!

[@jrpipik]

I play short scale bass and don't have any problems with tone. These days tone is almost completely manipulatable through EQ and digital stuff. I recently got a P bass, but it isn't set up well yet and the action is way high, so I have to work on it before it's playable. Then I'll see if I can handle the longer scale length with these arthritic little paws. But bass is all about position. If your hand is in the right place on the neck short or long, you'll be fine.

[@johnsilver8059]

Short scale basses are still 4-6 inches longer than the electric guitar scale (24-26 inches). My first bass was a P and I still own a P and Jazz, but I spend a lot more time on my Mustang, not because it is easer but because it has great sound.

[@musicfromakido]

That bass has aged very well! Is that a nitro cellulose finnish?

[@philipconradmusic]

Yes! Thanks for watching

[@keithclark1197]

Speaking (writing?) as a guitar player who finds himself playing bass on a song or two, I've also noticed that we guitar players sometimes play more vertically as opposed to bass players who seem to typically play more horizontally. Does that make sense?

[@philipconradmusic]

I think so! I personally prefer the sound of the notes on the E and A string as opposed to the D and G. Which lends to “horizontal” playing. Great observation! ⚡️

[@Andyanddiana467]

#3 is an absolute FACT! I started on guitar - I found what helped me avoid sounding like a Crap-guitar-player-slumming-on-bass was paying WAAAY more attention to the drums and the relationship of the kick-snare-hat.

[@stevengonz]

I've only played bass for 2 years so my opinion may be incorrect, but one this I notice guitar players do is constantly using the ring finger instead of fretting with their pinky (on bass)

[@SorenLane33]

thank you for this video

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you for watching! ⚡️

[@henryjirsak6844]

Great video, thanks! I absolutely agree on all points, I guess we could break everything down to being able to listen(which is true for every “position” in the band). If you then respond to the drummer, the vibe, even the room…. brings you to lock in more, groove more aaand ENJOY more making music! Cause that whole thing should be fun in the end!😃

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said Henry! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@devilsboxcar3925]

Another awesome video, I definitely struggle with no.5!! I also think that musicians generally, whatever instrument, not listening to each other is a growing problem nowadays.

[@philipconradmusic]

Yes I think you are right!

[@NJSonye]

You would see me in front of my Mac eyes fixated at the“ EZBASS” GUI!

[@Toast917]

I feel like everyone plays the bass off as a simple instrument because it only has 4 strings but it is so much more complicated than that. It is one of the most important instruments in a band. People compare play lead as surfing to a wave, but without the rhythm section there is no wave to surf, flat water. I incurage people to try playing the bass. Once you find a song you can just groove to and feel the stank of the beat. The high you feel from just vibing and meshing with the music is addictive.

[@kodaisik7324]

always so good! By the way, do you have daily routines for practicing bass? Thanks!

[@koconnor90]

Such good energy.

[@Tonceitoys]

So now we need a how to spot a bass player playing guitar!

[@philipconradmusic]

Not a pretty sight if it’s me 😂

[@timnewman1172]

I'm a pretty decent rhythm player, not much on leads, LOL!!!

[@Tonceitoys]

@@timnewman1172 Hahah, that's kinda the inverse situation that happens to me when I play guitar, much better playing licks, riffs and not so technically difficult solos than changing chords and such

[@normg2242]

A very important part for guitar players to be aware of is that they are used to playing riffs. But when you play bass lines like you play a riff, the groove just isn't happening. As bass player you have to take your riff and split it up so as to match the pulse of the song and emphasise it. With riffs this just isn't possible because they are meant to flow on top of the music and get carried along by it. The bass however cannot be carried by the music, it has to carry it. I think that is the most important thing to watch for, but unfortunately also the hardest part to overcome. It's like a foreigner trying to overcome his accent.

[@Hansreinaaa]

Question about Nr. 2: Is it not necessary for guitar players to mute the strings?! I always thought that it is just the same like with the bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

Yes! But a lot of times guitar players switch to bass and let strings ring that shouldn’t. Thanks for watching!

[@frans688]

Very useful, What do you think about bass players playing guitar or any other instrument? (a small suggestion; A video about bass strings (new ones, old ones, super olones etc.) Thankas .

[@philipconradmusic]

I think the more we learn about different instruments the more we learn about different perspectives and roles within music. Never a bad thing!

[@timnewman1172]

My strings video begins & ends with flatwounds... a good set of flats will last forever and will feel like butter!

[@blackdogsheep5631]

The things that I notice about a guitarist playing bass is: 1. They don't walk or lead to the next progression of the song. i.e. like playing 12 bar blues. They will just switch to the next part and not walk or lead into it. 2. They don't seem to fully understand / hard for them to work with the idea of countermelody. 3. "What's, in the pocket mean?"

[@glennw3909]

Another tell: Sees slide on finger (woops..how’d that get there?) 😅

[@philipconradmusic]

😂😂😂

[@TurkeyShaman]

I try more so to be the multi-instrumentalist than just a guitarist playing bass, but what I notice that lots of guitarists do while on bass is just simply following the guitars. When I'm on bass, I try to turn the guitar's chords into an arpegiated bass line instead of just hitting the root notes that most guitarists do on bass. It's something that irks me a bit and I noticed instantly.

[@philipconradmusic]

Nicely said! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@sharnoldpapa7339]

No arpeggiation at all in their playing is a big tell for me. They can be so used to chord shapes that they look like they’re playing barre chords when fretting but don’t often play arpeggios in their movements. Another one would be using the pentatonic box on everything!

[@philipconradmusic]

Agreed! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@ileutur6863]

I've never felt the need to arpeggiate anything unless I'm doing a fill or a boring ballad

[@danoeb-g418]

One thing I've always told guitar players that are playing bass for whatever reason. Learn to create excitement in your part rhythmically, not melodically. Melodic bass parts and fills sound great, but if you just transplant your favourite pentatonic riffs from guitar it's not going to sound very good. Learn how to fill with as few notes as possible while still creating excitement leading into the next chord or section of the song

[@philipconradmusic]

THIS! Great insight. Thanks for sharing! ⚡️

[@GregSB1]

The use of the pinky finger is a big separator.

[@sherlock4791]

Are you using dr string legends flat?

[@philipconradmusic]

I honestly don’t remember what I had on for this video, sorry dude! ⚡️

[@ChadHargis]

Guitar players who play bass do some strange things. I saw one use a capo. They also typically try to play "lead bass" by playing a note every beat. A great bassist understands that the notes you DON"T play are just as important as the ones you do. The other common mistake I see guitar players make playing bass is taking the attitude of a "support" instrument. As you mentioned, not many bands have bass solos. The bass and drums should combine to lay the foundation for the rest of the band to play over.

[@sagittated]

Why is capo bad for bass? I'm new, but I just assumed that if a capo unlocked the most direct and easy way to play a song, there's no reason not to. I'm curious to know the downside.

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@philipconradmusic]

Really good question! There are no rules saying you can’t, but you would lose access to low notes in the key of the song you are in. Capos are great for chords on guitar so you can’t get open string voicings. But on bass it will limit your octave choices. And you don’t typically play chords on bass, so I think it would hinder more than help.

[@adamknutson5773]

Right hand thumb placement

[@mykhedelic6471]

My bass playing is too busy... as I am a guitarist. No Entwistle am i...

[@philipconradmusic]

Agreed that Entwistle can do whatever he wants. But not every band can have an Entwistle ⚡️

[@mykhedelic6471]

@@philipconradmusic Entwistle worked in The Who because Pete wasn't a busy guitar player. I'm probably a little too busy at both. I hear all the registers singing counterpoint.

[@randygomez9595]

Another common mistake I hear guitar players make when trying to play bass is they don't learn the actual bass part for a song, but instead just play the bottom notes of the chord voicings of the rhythm guitar part. In doing this they totally miss important ways in which the bass part is different rhythmically and harmonically. The worst examples are a few different players I've heard trying to play bass on AC/DC songs and they just played the root notes for each chord totally missing all the chord inversions and pedal tones Clif Williams played that were so crucial to the songs.

[@philipconradmusic]

Well said! Thanks for sharing ⚡️

[@gcvrsa]

it's funny, it's a hard thing to describe, but you know it immediately when you see it, a guitarist playing a bass guitar like it's just a big guitar, and not a completely different instrument that serves a completely different purpose in an ensemble setting. A bass guitar is not "just a long guitar with two fewer strings, so it's easier to play". And yes, playing with a pick is one really common tip-off, but it's not so much about how you play, it's about what you play. Human hearing can't as easily distinguish distinct pitches at lower frequencies, so overplaying a bass usually sounds terrible-it's probably the only way in a band context to sound worse than guitar and drums with no bass at all. Although you can play melody on a bass, the primary role of bass in an ensemble is harmony and rhythm, and guitarists often don't think in those terms.

[@xero_2003]

With me being a bass player who plays with a pick. Everyone thinks I’m primarily a guitar player. Even though I started on bass

[@philipconradmusic]

There’s nothing wrong with primarily playing with a pick. I love that sound and find myself using it more and more.

[@vayabroder729]

That applies to a few of us; gotta talk to Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Paul McCartney and Greg Lake about that….😂🤣

[@vincentm4717]

They all were fine in a rock band setting but none of them would be called to play in a variety of settings. People would call Leland Sklar or Marcus Miller or Chuck Rainey.

[@philipconradmusic]

Exactly. There’s not room in every band to be the center of attention. Well said! ⚡️

[@vayabroder729]

@@philipconradmusic Actually I started in guitar but have been digging bass more and more. I find that being the foundation and the groove of the band is so fun; downside to that, you screw up and EVERYBODY notices! 😉

[@philipconradmusic]

Haha yes absolutely! But when everyone is dancing and the band is grooving there is no better feeling. Good luck with your bass journey. So glad to have you here! ⚡️

[@vayabroder729]

@@philipconradmusic Yes sir!! Love it!

[@TheMemo659]

I've been playing bass for 37 years now. My approach has always been guitars get the solo, I get the entire song. I add passing notes, framing notes, counter melodies and fills when there is room and space to do so. I have noticed guitar players on bass actually follow this vid's "keep it simple" theory more often than not. They still consider guitar the lead instrument and play bass with intent to make the guitar parts sound fuller rather than adding a unique bass line to the song.

[@philipconradmusic]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing. Very glad to have you here a part of the channel ⚡️

[@markfoster_mkfbass]

I think the points you make in this video are spot-on. Coming from a multi-genre improvised music background, I would add that listening to a drummer's ride cymbal...or his cross-stick pattern on the snare...is just as important as listening to his bass drum or hi-hat patterns.Different styles of music will feature their respective fundamental rhythmic languages. Also listening to the way chordal instruments voice chords and alter the harmony on-the-fly is an important skill. The simplicity point is so crucial and adhering to it allows the individual player and the band to have a starting point from which to build a musical narrative. The skill that is foundational in all of this is LISTENING...while playing...to the whole ensemble, and hearing, in real time, how your own playing fits in that sonic/musical scheme, and being able to alter what you are playing to flow/sync with what is unfolding in the collective musical conversation...Paying attention to and reacting appropriately to shifts in dynamics, song form, cues, beat placement(behind, on, or on top of the beat), key changes, etc. are included in this listening skill set...Just my 2.5 cents' worth...😁 Loved the video.🤗 Cheers to all of the guitarists making the effort to learn how to play bass!

[@juanmedina3867]

I picked up a bass and play it like a guitar with really low strings. It creates a unique musical flavor, but a lot of purist bass players tell me to just play guitar instead. They don't understand the complexity involved in integrating bass and guitar lines into a song. Case in point is Mike Kerr from Royal Blood. So if you don't play bass the traditional way you are not considered a bass player, I'm calling bull! You better get used to hearing the the words "Lead Bass Player". We're coming and we won't stop!

[@StevenTheWonderPony]

While it's absolutely possible, the big issue is the frequencies. Lower frequencies get 'muddy' when played together and often lead to dissonance instead of harmony (which is generally what a lead plays). There's absolutely a space for that kind of bass play, but it's not the intended purpose of the bass, or where it slots in best in most genres. It'd be a bit like playing a lead guitar as a bass (not a rhythm guitarist. As in actually plucking single strings), which is technically doable and there's a time and a place for it, but in most cases the weaker higher frequency will get lost in the mix.

[@redwawst3258]

😊

[@philipconradmusic]

☺️

[@nizarbourak8764]

Maaaaan ... let me just say that, as a bass hobbyist i admire your tone and want to know more about that if you don't mind ... it's just too rich and punchy yet so smooth ... love it !

[@philipconradmusic]

Hi there! I think I used the colourbox if I remember correctly? Thanks for the kind word and watching! So glad to have you here ⚡️

[@peekaboo4390]

Guitar players also need to smarten up with their attitude towards bass players, we are not simply failed guitar players choosing bass because it's easier, we choose the bass because it is always a challenge and its place in the tone spectrum and band setting... it's not a band if there is no bass.

[@ofir_likes_beer]

I just suck at both

[@philipconradmusic]

I’m sure that’s not true. You are being too hard on yourself. Just take the next step.

[@ofir_likes_beer]

@@philipconradmusic I'm kidding mate

[@BOSSMANBUDDYLEE]

Not using the pinky finger

[@Drtydeeds]

“Use a both pick and fingers” - when a bass player tries to use English.

[@Drew_Gliebe]

Ok, that smirk during the intro feels like an attack….😂

[@adammartin8026]

Fingernails + guitar = 👍 Fingernails + bass = 👎

[@owenbruce4120]

I used to believe some of this guff, fact is you're either a musician with innate creative abilities or someone that's going to be steered by others...do what you do and don't be pigeon holed by polarized attitudes, diversity n creativity don't grow in a box

[@philipconradmusic]

Hi Owen! Great insight; you are right there are no rules with creativity. My point is some things will get you hired or fired. Thanks for watching my video; glad to have you here even if we don’t agree on everything ⚡️

[@owenbruce4120]

@@philipconradmusic what keeps people employed is demand, in an industry full of wannabes being dynamic n interesting overrules technique hands down...would you really want to work with a polarising ass, nope, it never lasts and is seldom enjoyable,

[@indiependent121]

another dead giveaway is playing vibratos instead of steady notes.

[@maksymrokosz8238]

You have an apology video energy

[@philipconradmusic]

I don’t know what that means, but thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@rustedsunday7489]

Paul McCartney played with a pick

[@therandomman6647]

This is just biased tips on how to be a bassist, not how to spot a guitarist on bass.

[@philipconradmusic]

I stand by these being common patterns for beginning bass players coming from guitar. Not true of all, but important to talk about. Thanks for watching! Glad to have you here ⚡️

[@tvtime1505]

Yea. Someone call McCartney and tell him to learn to play with his fingers. SMH.

[@philipconradmusic]

Sir Paul McCartney can play however we wants. For students of bass hoping to have a career, learning some fundamental techniques is pretty important 🤷‍♂️