bass or guitar?

[Capricorn IV]

I've just bought Rocksmith and now looking to buy a guitar or bass. Which would be easier to learn to start off? I'm a complete beginner and have no experience.

[Boris the Animal]

I wouldn't break it down like that. I would break it down as to which instrument you prefer to invest your time into. They're both very similar to each other as the bass is the same as the lowest four strings of the guitar, except one whole octave down. Both take a lot of time to develop your fingers, techniques, hand to eye coordination, etc.., but once you develop that on one, you also have it mostly down for the other. Most people that play one, tend to play the other as well. So it's really up to you as to which you prefer to start with. The differences are really as to how the bass holds the groove and sticks with the drums. The guitar holds either they rhythm and lead or both. Due to their similarities, that's why I say to start with the one you find yourself drawn to.

Here's an article that might help you decide. Best of luck and I wish you well with your music learning.

https://spinditty.com/learning/Bass-vs-Guitar-Difference

[Eagles Fly]

I agree with Msyn. I started with guitar for a few years before buying RS. One day I decided to try sim bass (in-game) and was hooked. But I don't regret for a moment the foundation I have built through learning guitar first.
imo, it's better to learn how to play guitar first and then everything seems easier from there. (ie: learning to play bass, piano, etc)
Just make sure you get a solid instrument too. Don't go super cheap or you'll suffer from low quality parts and frustrations such as losing tune, fret buzz and so on.
Do your research, ask around and listen to your gut/intuition. On top of all that, be prepared to invest your time in learning. This is not an overnight pick and go type of thing. You need to put in the effort. It's not uncommon to see RS users with hundreds if not thousands of hours invested in the game.
Good luck and play songs that you find fun and want to learn. Nothing sucks the enjoyment out of anything faster than feeling like you are forcing yoursefl to do something.

[Boris the Animal]

Op, thought you might find this video and further info helpful as well. As Eagles Fly mentioned, you don't need a super expensive guitar, especially since you're just starting, but not one that's so cheap that it's crap either. You'll learn as you go about things you may like later on or what to invest in. Here's a guide on choosing the right guitar, but you can find plenty of videos and articles for bass as well, or any instrument for that matter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1SGCHUfwI

You mentioned that you bought RS, but make sure that you've purchased the RS cable as well since it will make your life a lot easier when using RS. There's plenty to do outside of RS as well, as this is just one tool. Here's a site we usually refer to budding guitar players as his advice and his teaching are very acurate. You'll find ones for bass as well should you go down that road.

https://www.justinguitar.com/

Remember it takes years, so enjoy the learning. If you can, start recording yourself playing tecniques or any songs you learn. This way, later down the road if you start to feel that you're not making any progress, you can have a listen to what you used to sound like. I mention this since sooo many people give up on learning an instrument. If you stick with it and learn to keep pushing yourself beyond those days that you're incredilby frustrated, it will pay off. If you ever need any tips or advice, feel free to let us know. That's what we're here for.
Again, best of luck.

[Barabajagal]

I couldn't agree more - great advice from Mysn and Eagles Fly. I might add the Justin Guitar Beginner's course is free to use on-line. I started with an electric telecaster guitar and RS 2014 but I supplemented with Justin's beginner course. Later I aquired a bass from my brother and really enjoy praciticing/playing it but the guitar is my first perference. Which ever route you take, please get your instrument set-up properly. It does make all the difference in the world when it comes to playability. The guys here and gals (if any) are very approachable, knowledgeable, and helpful. So welcome to RS and good luck!

[zerozerozero]

i have guitar and bass, and in my opinion, what do you want most as beginner is actualy play something (like a song, not just boring lessons).. and i think you will achieve that faster with bass guitar.. it has only 4 strings, there are bigger gaps between them, and last - bass guitar will "punish" your fingers faster and prepare them to play for future learning.. WATCH OUT FOR INJURIES - you can hurt your hand badly if you play incorrectly or too long sessions..

[DeathJohnson]

I'd go with bass, neither instrument is easier to master, but just to play along with songs, the general trend is that the bass part will be much easier. There are some songs that notably defy that and have harder bass parts, but there are exceptions to any rule.

[Hemmingjay]

Again, the bass is easier to pick up but will quickly ramp up to equal difficulty as you advance. You can do some serious damage on one string and 3 frets on a bass riff. That will get you started with some confidence. However, really learning to play is equally difficult in the end.

Do you find yourself grooving on bass to a song or do you prefer the chords and licks of guitar riffs? Thats the decision.


Bonus: Start on the bass and when you switch to guitar later the frets will feel much easier to span with your fingers. Music theory, scales, chords and rhythm are going to be challenging no matter what.

[Paladin]

I would learn both. Start with a 6 string guitar and then when you need a bit of diversity go get a bass.

[Capricorn IV]

Thanks for all the replies, Think I'm going to start with Bass and and see how I get on, I'm naturally a lefty but going to try and force myself to play a right handed bass as there's more choice. Any suggestions on which bass I should get? I already have the real tone cable, just need a bass to start playing :)

[Hemmingjay]

For an easy to play beginner bass https://www.zzounds.com/item--EPIEBG0

For cheaper https://www.zzounds.com/item--SQU0328800

for small hands or cramped computer area https://www.zzounds.com/item--IBAGSRM20


Or just get a cheap used bass from a nearby shop. A guitar store will set it up for free and make sure your intonation is proper(important for the game and learning).

[Kinder Lijk]

Originally posted by Capricorn IV:

Thanks for all the replies, Think I'm going to start with Bass and and see how I get on, I'm naturally a lefty but going to try and force myself to play a right handed bass as there's more choice. Any suggestions on which bass I should get? I already have the real tone cable, just need a bass to start playing :)

Go to a guitar store and sit with a regular and a lefty bass (or guitar) and screw around for a bit, choose what feels most natural.
I'm a lefty as well but play a regular bass, just felt 'right' when I started.