Armadeus

Hey Guys

I've recently wanted to decide to play bass guitar but I need to know some information because I am a bit of a novice when it comes to guitars.
I do plan to go the local music store later but was just wanting to do some research before hand.

What's the best beginner guitar I can get? I really see myself getting into playing with the bass so is it best to get a cheap guitar straight up and move onto a better one later?

What are some things that I should know/learn about before I plan to learn the bass?

Because I've actually never played guitar before, is it necessary to learn a standard acoustic guitar, before I try to learn Bass? I would think I would but the acoustic guitar is played differently to how a bass should be played (so I've heard) so I'm just not too sure atm.

Thanks a heap!
Armadeus

mr dave

Best beginner guitar or bass is the kind with a straight neck, that stays in tune, and makes you feel cool when you look at it. Don't worry about what's written on the headstock yet.

Technically in your situation this isn't even a beginner instrument it's a learner's instrument. That's not meant to be a bad thing or dismissive. The whole point of a learner's instrument is to figure out how to play, what to expect, and what your personal desires turn out to be. You might still end up with an Epiphone or Ibanez or Yamaha, or you might end up with some no-name knock off from the 70s or 80s if you hit up pawn shops. Either way it doesn't really matter, so long as it looks cool and plays in tune you're set. This way you can also figure out what a more ideal bass for you will be and save up for something nice in the near future. As cheeky as it sounds the coolness factor is a real thing too, you're far more likely to sit down and practice if just looking at the guitar makes you feel cool.

Playing the bass is as complicated as you want to make it. Depending on the style you like it can be relatively simple. You only have 4 strings and play 1 note at a time the VAST majority of the time anyway. The other thing is the fingertips on your fretting hand are going to get monster callouses, same as your plucking fingers if you go fingerstyle.

__________________
i am the universe

Armadeus

Thanks for your input Mr Dave. Do you think its neccesary that I learn the standard acoustic guitar before i try to teach myself the bass?

GuitarBizarre

Not necessary whatsoever. They're very different instruments to play.

__________________

mr dave

Agreed, though it never hurts to have an acoustic kicking around for fun either but there's the whole future ahead for collecting gear.

Let us know what you end up with Armadeus

__________________
i am the universe

littleknowitall

Buy cheap. Watch a lot of youtube and worry about how the Bass plays after a year or two. It's not worth it until you know your going to like it and you'll almost indefinately upgrade from whatever you first buy anyway as long as you stick with it.
A lot of people say you should learn Acoustic guitar first. It's the same tuning so it makes for an easier transition I guess but if your end goal is to play a bass guitar then you might as well just focus your efforts in learning to play the bass guitar. Good luck. You need any help just ask and I'd be happy to oblige. =)

ElephantSack

True that. I ended up learning guitar just by watching the guitar players in my band as I was playing bass. Not to mention, if you learn playing bass with your fingers, it can give you a leg up on eventually learning flamenco if that interests you at all.

__________________
OF THE SUN