People have several things to say about the bass guitar; one is how boring it is if you play it alone. That’s why most solo artists never bother trying it out.
However, how true is this statement? How would it be if you attempted to defy this supposed odd?
There is only one way to find out. Read on as we discuss whether the bass guitar is fun to play alone and much more
Can You Play the Bass Guitar Alone?
Before thinking about the fun bit, what about determining if it is possible? So, can you play the bass guitar alone?
The answer to your query is a resounding yes. A bass guitar was designed to be played with another musical instrument, but it has proven effective when played alone.
However, it is highly recommended to stick to backing tracks while at. Thanks to the sound of the other instruments this track offers, it will complement what your bass guitar offers.
The backing track also helps you practice for a band performance with other members. It ensures that you don’t get bored, and your timing will also get perfect.
Equally important, play the instrument correctly for the desired result. If you have even the slightest doubt about it, listen to the various artists who are doing it excellently.
Is it Fun to Play the Bass Guitar Alone?
Given how versatile the instrument is, one can say without fear of contradiction that it is fun to play the bass guitar alone. It gives you an excellent opportunity to boost your coordination.
Besides improving this great skill, it allows you to play any music genre you deem fit. Playing bass is naturally fun, but doing it alone can take the experience to the next level.
Since you will do it solo, you have no one to stop you from playing whenever you think about it. You also don’t have to limit how you play to accommodate other band members and their styles.
Since you will solely rely on yourself, you have no choice but to be creative. Consequently, you develop a distinct style that couldn’t have arisen under different circumstances.
However, ensure that you proceed with moderation, especially regarding the advanced bass techniques. Using these techniques in small doses is advisable for a great result.
Don’t just stop at mastering a certain technique. On the contrary, also strive to improve it in a way that adds fun.
Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius prove it is fun and possible to be great solo bass artists. So, don’t be so quick to assume that a bass guitar isn’t a fantastic solo instrument.
Why is it Fun to Play the Bass Guitar?
Playing the bass guitar alone is possible and effective. It is also fun, and here are the reasons.
It Increases Your Chances of Getting a Gig
Performing for an audience is more fun than playing the guitar in your house. That’s why you should learn how to play the bass guitar.
Since it is hard to find great bassists, there are high chances of getting gigs. Besides, most people will choose to attend events performed by bassists instead of singers, regular guitarists, and drummers, among other artists.
It Allows You to Feel the Music
The role of a bassist is to bring out the link between the song’s rhythm and melody. Don’t expect the audience to feel the song without this crucial link.
If you are wondering what it would be like if the melodies were great, it won’t make any huge difference without the bass. So, your role to your audience and the band is undoubtedly significant.
Whereas the impact is undeniable, the bigger the setting, the more it is felt. Regardless, the feel you offer the audience is fantastic.
Bassists Deal with Less Pressure
Unlike a lead singer who attracts the attention of a huge fraction of the audience, the case is different for bassists. So, playing the bass guitar means not dealing with the crowd’s banter or having to entertain the people.
You get to concentrate on playing, thus doing your thing. Due to the little to no pressure, the outcome is often great.
Bass’s Versatility
Most people choose a bass guitar since it is easy to learn. One can master it easier than drums or other guitars.
However, there are other techniques you can learn with time. Whereas these advanced tricks take time, learning them improves the versatility of this musical instrument.
Such techniques include slapping, tapping, legato, staccato, muting, fretting, and plucking. Don’t hesitate to use them when playing bass for additional dimension.
It Helps Keep Up with the Rhythm Accurately
The main focus of a bassist is rhythm. Therefore, the more you play the bass guitar, the more you master the art.
It also means working on one’s ear, and that’s how a great musician is made. Learning notes is easier than learning rhythm hence needs more practice.
Regarding rhythm, you need to focus on all aspects. There’s the bass, drum, and guitar.
So, playing the bass guitar helps you learn this challenging trick. Songs may have the same melody and chord progression, but the rhythm will always differ.
Your Composing Skills Will Also Improve
Most great producers were once bassists. That speaks volumes about the importance of a composer learning bass.
Composing involves arranging various notes properly. One also needs to fill any music silence with other notes.
Fortunately, that’s something you learn easily as a bassist. After all, you can strike a balance between music knowledge and playing skills excellently
What’s a Bass Guitar Most Suitable For?
The Bass guitar, like any other similar musical instrument, including the electric and double bass, is designed for a bass solo. After all, such music pieces are written for such instruments.
Whereas the pieces involve other musical instruments, the main one is usually the bass guitar or its counterparts. One can write the pieces or improvise existing ones to fit the style.
You will usually find such pieces in rock and jazz music. Artists who own and perform such music include Gloria Jones, Miles Davis, and Brian Bromberg.
