Any bass guitarists out there?

[Kaeldre]

For years I've been wanting to give the bass guitar a try.  I'm afraid that if I do go out and buy one that I'll make an attempt to learn how to play it and then either get bored with it or get frustrated with it and never touch it again.

Is it a fairly easy instrument to pick up and learn?

[TornadoLovesMelody]

I, myself, suck at strings other than the piano - but the basics of the bass are pretty easy.
There's a big forum : http://www.talkbass.com/  where I'm sure you could get loads of advice regarding the instrument and how to go about buying/hiring/learning etc

Best of luck to you

[Eviecorn]

I found the bass guitar a bit easier to pick up than regular guitar.  It's fun to slap out riffs and adapt your own, so I don't think you'd grow bored of it. 

[Vintergatan]

I suggest you try and find a bass on the used market and even if things don't work out, you can always sell it ^^

[Gingerbread]

I have played bass for about 20 years. Due to my hands being a bit pants I'm never going to be ripping riffs out and mahoosive speed but it's amazing fun, the simplest of riffs sound great and they are just my most fave instrument ever so I am totally biased You can pick up second hand bass guitars at relatively cheap prices, just make sure the amp you get is compatible with a bass guitar otherwise you'll blow the cone out

[GazeboMouse]

I can't play, but my husband is a bassist, he's had loads of bass guitars over the years, but he still has his first (Bass Collection blue 5 string!) and his fave (Warwick Streamer, Maple with Wenge fingerboard!). Getting a second hand one is good, my husband got one for a pal of his who he was teaching from one of those shops that give you not much cash for your valuables and dvds. To me, basses sound much more different to each other than electric guitars do, so if you get tired of one sound, even with effects pedals, get a different bass!
My husband has become more interested in different types of music over the years since dumping guitar for bass. And listening to famous bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, Abraham Laboriel, not just rock bands, gives a lease of life when playing and not getting bored of it.
There, that sounds like I have a vast knowledge, doesn't it! And yeah, don't blow up any amps...

[ZennaBug]

I played for a while.  I have my first beginner's bass still and my favorite (a Fender P Bass).  Depending on where you live (yikes, shipping) I've been thinking about selling the first.  It's a good learner's instrument, not super fancy (so you won't throw down a lot of money) and not crummy cheap either.

[Gingerbread]

Bass guitars are amazing...if you have talent and patience you can make them do this -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAlGo11Jza8&feature=relmfu

I LOVE this bloke, seriously he is awesome!!!

[melodys_angel]

If you can shift from treble to base, you should be ok   Its sometimes confusing to shift from one to the other but, from what ive seen, its easier to play.

I havent attempted it though, since im a leftie and just holding any type of guitar is alien to me..but thats something else entirely

[Sonata]

*waves hand* Here !!

I played the violin for about 8 years or so, so the bass is a lot easier for me. I don't play it much to be honest, but I love it nonetheless. I don't really know if it's difficult or not for the average person because I played a much difficult instrument first, but you could always give it a go. Also, for starters, try to grab a starter pack at your local music shop. It includes a bass and an amp and all the other bits and pieces you'll need to start playing. That's what I have at the moment - although I would love to get a new amp - and I am fine with it considering I don't play much.

[Kaeldre]

Thanks guys.

If I do end up getting one, it won't be until either my birthday in October or for Christmas.  Right now, I'm just looking and trying to decide if I /really/ want one and plan to stick with it.  From what I've heard from you guys, it sounds like I probably will end up sticking with it if it's as fun as y'all make it sound.

[kaoskat]

I don't but best of luck!

[elish2]

I personally do not, but my husband is an expert guitar player and he says that bass is easier to play then guitar. Good luck with learning a new thing.

[TwistedWindSox]

I'm just picking it back up after a three year hiatus.
I personally don't find it a whole lot easier than regular guitar (I played guitar for about three years and switched to bass because I thought it would be easier). This is largely due to the fact that I have teeny weeny hands and a full-scale bass, though. >.< It's a super fun instrument, and probably my favourite instrument to play.
Good luck!

[SaphTalon]

I am playing Guitar and piano. I am great at guitar but still getting through the basics of piano. I am on sharps and flats right now but at the rate I am going I should be able to play with key signitures. I know a lot of theory because of playing guitar and writing my own songs.

If you play bass I will tell you strait off that you will find a band. Bass guitarists are hard to find and you will not need any luck finding a band. Oh and take it from me. Take lessons and do not paint by numbers. What I mean is don't learn anything that tells you how to play something that can't get you to being able to play tabs.

If you can afford it get Guitar-pro6. Google it "Guitar pro 6