How easy is it to learn electric bass guitar if you already play an instrument [clarinet]?

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I’ve been playing clarinet for four years now and want to play electric bass. I would like to learn to play by myself. I have heard is is easier to learn a second instrument after you have played one for a few years.

It depends on the person. It’s not easy to switch from a wind instrument to a string instrument. You’d be starting from scratch. The only advantage you’d have is notes and theory. Dynamics are played differently for each instrument. I went from string to wind, and it’s pretty challenging. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Good luck.

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

savory@ymail.com April 28, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Not very easy. Bass is a pretty easy instrument to learn if you already know guitar but with know prior experience with stringed instrument its not easy to master.
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fiddlegirl April 28, 2010 at 8:14 pm

It might be a little bit easier, but it’s basically like starting over.

The bass and clarinet have such different concepts, and are from such different instrument families, that there are virtually no similarities.

You will have the advantage of already being able to read sheet music, but with that comes the disadvantage of already having fingerings in your head for each note. If you’re anything like me, you don’t see a note on paper, but rather a finger pattern.

Anyway, you can buy books and even computer programs that will teach you the instrument. My favourite is the "Of course you can teach yourself to play the…" series.

Good Luck
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I play the clarinet and bass, as well as violin, piano, mandolin, and guitar.

Pockets April 28, 2010 at 8:56 pm

It depends on the person. It’s not easy to switch from a wind instrument to a string instrument. You’d be starting from scratch. The only advantage you’d have is notes and theory. Dynamics are played differently for each instrument. I went from string to wind, and it’s pretty challenging. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

Good luck.
References :

Raw Rock Kills April 28, 2010 at 9:16 pm

whenever you go from one instrument to another you already have an advantage in that you understand music theory to some degree. unfortunately the techniques of playing clarinet will probably not help you play bass but that is ok it is not too hard to learn if you already understand music
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jojox11x11x11 April 28, 2010 at 10:00 pm

not that easy. it might be though. it depends if your gonna learn with tabs or use the staff. i think the clairnet and bass have different clefs. i learned the acoustic guitar really quick, but i take lessons. hope this helps and good luck .
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Eric S April 28, 2010 at 10:23 pm

Only thing that will help is that you can read music. Learning guitar is completely different from clarinet. You’ll be starting completely over. Bass guitar is hard- if you really want to try, start on a small guitar first.
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