I'm a guitarist. I'm borrowing my friend's bass.

[AndyTran]

It's fucking cool. Just a cheap as shit squier P, but it gets teh base toanz. Inspired me, so I'm buying a mustang bass from Craigslist.

What should I know, as a guitarist playing bass who doesn't want to look like a guitarist playing bass?

[bigchiefbc]

It's fucking cool. Just a cheap as shit squier P, but it gets teh base toanz. Inspired me, so I'm buying a mustang bass from Craigslist.

What should I know, as a guitarist playing bass who doesn't want to look like a guitarist playing bass?

Don't sweat how you look. Play how you want to play, sound like how you want to sound. I switched from guitar to bass 14 years ago, and I still play bass "like a guitarist". I play with a pick, I play chords and double-stops, I play solos, I use a shitload of effects and I play bass through a "guitar" amp. I've embraced it as my own personal style of bass-playing, and my bandmates love it.

[Mudfuzz]

It's fucking cool. Just a cheap as shit squier P, but it gets teh base toanz. Inspired me, so I'm buying a mustang bass from Craigslist.

What should I know, as a guitarist playing bass who doesn't want to look like a guitarist playing bass?

Don't sweat how you look. Play how you want to play, sound like how you want to sound. I switched from guitar to bass 14 years ago, and I still play bass "like a guitarist". I play with a pick, I play chords and double-stops, I play solos, I use a shitload of effects and I play bass through a "guitar" amp. I've embraced it as my own personal style of bass-playing, and my bandmates love it.

I totally agree. Although I pretty much started on bass and can do all your normal bassdude type stuff most of my favorite bassists are guys that do a more bass/guitar style of playing and if all else fails get a pair of sunglasses

[kbit]

Playing chords might still make you look like a guitarist, but it's awesome.

[ChetMagongalo]

Don't worry about being a bassist, worry about being a musician

[Greenfuz]

mccartney lemmy redding

all awesome guitar players playing bass

[MaxMaps]

It's fucking cool. Just a cheap as shit squier P, but it gets teh base toanz. Inspired me, so I'm buying a mustang bass from Craigslist.

What should I know, as a guitarist playing bass who doesn't want to look like a guitarist playing bass?

Fuck everyone and beat that bass like no tomorrow. Do it your way and and give people the finger if they say otherwise. Also light it on fire on the end.

[theavondon]

Bleed on it a lot.

[morange]

"Bass player" is a term made up by bass players as an excuse for not knowing how to play the guitar. If anyone gives you shit, tell them that.

[morange]

Also light it on fire on the end.

Speaking of this, I was looking at celluloid picks online and found out celluloid is super flammable (nitrocellulose). Put a celluloid pickguard on that thing and you're in business.

[metalmariachi]

It's fucking cool. Just a cheap as shit squier P, but it gets teh base toanz. Inspired me, so I'm buying a mustang bass from Craigslist.

What should I know, as a guitarist playing bass who doesn't want to look like a guitarist playing bass?

Don't sweat how you look. Play how you want to play, sound like how you want to sound. I switched from guitar to bass 14 years ago, and I still play bass "like a guitarist". I play with a pick, I play chords and double-stops, I play solos, I use a shitload of effects and I play bass through a "guitar" amp. I've embraced it as my own personal style of bass-playing, and my bandmates love it.

I totally agree. Although I pretty much started on bass and can do all your normal bassdude type stuff most of my favorite bassists are guys that do a more bass/guitar style of playing and if all else fails get a pair of sunglasses

Don’t forget the hat!!!
If you wear an old beat up hat people will think “man this guy’s been around, he must be good”.

I own several LOL
MM

[fiddelerselbow]

Playing chords might still make you look like a guitarist, but it's awesome.

I remember seeing this band called Jogging that had a bassist that played mostly chords. It was cool as fuck, every song sounded fucking huge.

[one bad monkey]

Don't worry about being a bassist, worry about being a musician

That's brilliant. Most people will never even understand that.

To the OP, the whole "play what you want" holds true, but remember as such that bass still has its own sonic space in a band context that you need to fill without musically stepping on toes. And depending on your band lineup, that role can and does change.

But still, if done right, chords on bass are sweet. No denying that.

"Bass player" is a term made up by bass players as an excuse for not knowing how to play the guitar. If anyone gives you shit, tell them that.

So, would the term "Guitar Player" be made from guitarists as an excuse for not knowing how to play bass?

[kbit]

"Bass player" is a term made up by bass players as an excuse for not knowing how to play the guitar. If anyone gives you shit, tell them that.

So, would the term "Guitar Player" be made from guitarists as an excuse for not knowing how to play bass?

Duh

[benjuro]

...remember as such that bass still has its own sonic space in a band context that you need to fill without musically stepping on toes. And depending on your band lineup, that role can and does change.

NOTHING taught me this as much as putting the guitar down and learning to play bass. When I picked the guitar back up years later, that time playing bass made me a much better guitar player and all around musician, especially in a band context.