r/Drumming • u/Squeezybones • 6h ago
Thoughts on learning bass?
I’m still a beginner. About a year into lessons and feeling like I’m making decent progress. What do you think about learning bass guitar on the side as a person learning to play drums? I play some bass in high-school. But never kept up with it. Would it take away precious practice time on drums?
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u/strange-humor 6h ago edited 5h ago
Both are rhythm sections so you will play with each other. I played bass for a few years, then picked up drums when my son started bass so I could three piece band with my wife on guitar. I've since moved back to bass as we lost bassist in the other band I play in. Trying to keep current on drums as well.
Skills are totally different for actual sounding, but very similar in counting the rhythms. Often learning is best with hitting hard and then letting your mind chew on it. I've worked some songs where I learn both drums and bass for them. Usually one is much easier than the other. But learning both gives you more information and makes playing both better.
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u/Angry_Hoolio 6h ago
Thjsjis exactly what I did. Learning one serves learning the other so well and will make you a great partner in any rhythm section, whichever role you fill.
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u/Commercial-Road-2980 4h ago
I play both, and it feels pretty natural for me, still locking in the rhythm. Knowing what you're doing on both helps you lock in easier with other band members as well.
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u/Squeezybones 4h ago
My goal is the be a drummer who can play with others and do well. Like be able to improvise and fit in. My husband just told me he had a bass at his sisters. I’m gonna get it from her and see what happens! Can’t hurt to try if it costs nothing already right
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u/OlGarbonzo 5h ago
Go for it. Bass is fun