I'm a bass player in rock band. We've been together for like 2 years and are not getting much better. But that's cool because it's still fun to play with them. But I want to take music more seriously and for advice I just firgured that the guys here on the fender forums were the most noledgeable of these things.
My big problem I need some advice on is my instrument role. Don't get me wrong the bass rocks! I love to play it and always have but I'm thinking I if I want to take music more seriously I should start a new band and I want to sing and play guitar in it. Two things I have close to no experience with and am willing to learn.
Finaly what do you people think. I'm a pretty good bass player, are my skills transferable and is there much hope in getting pretty famous with out working for Disney? Tell me what you think!
By the way my life goal is to do this and make it big in the Canadian east coast music scene

Well Paul McCartney and Sting both seem to have done pretty well in a triple roll so it's do-able.

Hello, and here is my two cents:
Do what you want to do, and if you find happiness... then it is right.
I think you should voice your opinion to the band members as well.
Dont leave them hanging.... (you may not have as much time, if you are going to learn guitar)
Most of all have fun and remember: Anythings possible if you put your mind to it....
J

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I can't find the Crossroads, my GPS must be broke....


2001 Fender Highway One, 2004 Fender SE Ash, 2011 Fender 200 SCE '99 Washburn WR120Pro, Amps: Fender Stage 160, Vox Valvetronix 30, Peavey 212 400 watt, Ibanez 50 watt Toneblaster

Paul is actually a real good guitar player.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

I think your skills are partially transferable. The problem is the six-string is a whole new beast as far as your brain-finger coordination is concerned, and that will likely cause some initial frustration. But, you're starting out with hands that are well-conditioned in stretch and strength, and any music theory you've accumulated is certainly transferable.

If you go this route, get a good in-depth multi-media self-study course. Start at the beginning to make sure you don't miss anything. I suspect you'll wisk through the introductory lessons. Plan on devoting at least 30-minutes each and every day on learning new material and working through your weaknesses.

Getting famous without working for Disney? Good Luck. Taking music to the next level? Depends on what you mean by the next level. It's cool if you want to pick up the 6 string and tread down the tried and true guitar/songwriter path. I will say there is not nearly enough talented bassists out there today, I'm almost to the point where I'm going to pick up the bass. <_< I'd say push yourself even further in the bass department, because for every 10 good guitarists there is one good bassist (In other words, there will be gigs ^^). Picking up the guitar will help you play bass also, it is always good to break new ground. IMHO I think it would be sweet if you followed in the footsteps of Geddy Lee, Jack Bruce, Roger Waters, Lemmy Kilmister, Sting, Phil Lynott, Les Claypool, and a few more I can't think of atm on the path less traveled, the bassist frontman. That's my two cents, best of luck on whatever road you take ^^

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I traded my car in for a microphone.

As a fellow bass player, you need to push yourself to be better. If your current situation is not helping you improve, voice your concerns to your bandmates and/or look for other players to play with that are better than you. You say that your current band is not getting much better, but it's still fun to play with them. IMO you are in a comfort zone with the others. I don't know if your playing covers or originals, but possibly introduce some new artists into your repertoire. Something to push and make you guys better. Even in your individual practice time, look and practice new styles and genres. 70's funk? Jazz? If you want to take music seriously, then you need to surround yourself with like-minded musicians. Things may not happen over night, but if you start walking in that direction then things will fall into place.

And don't quit the bass. As it was said before, a good bassist is a hot commodity wherever you may live. I am not knocking guitarists at all, but everyone wants to play the guitar. You can have 1,2, or even 3 guitarists in a band, but there is always just 1 bass player.

JMO

We're all growing all the time. You can't stand still even if you wanted to. I'm willing to bet your bandmates are ready for a change too.