Thinking about switching over to bass

[songofish]

I guess this is a question for you guys that play both guitar and bass (or just bass.)

I'm really starting to think that bass would be a better instrument for me. I've been playing guitar for 8 years now; and I really don't have incredibly agile fingers (never could pull off shredding)...I think my strength is more in a sense of rhythm/melody. I'm not implying that bass is easier or anything, but it seems like it would require finger strength, rhythm and melody as opposed to say lightning fast fingers (unless we're talking like Les Claypool or John Entwistle.) Jack Bruce is a great example of this I think. Fairly complex bass lines, great melody but nothing too flashy.

My only real concern is that bass is really no fun at all if you're playing by yourself. Guitar tends to fare better in that category. With bass, you pretty much have to find people to play with.

Any input from you guys that have made the switch to bass? Or just input in general in regard to the ups/downs of each instrument?

[BassManAJ]

No Fun!?!? You sir, are nuts. BASS IS BOSS
Once you get good, you'll find you can jam out just as much as guitar. Especially went you get to slappin' .. Give it a try - Play Along To Some Red Hot Chili Peppers, that got it started for me.

[dmb spook]

I play Drums 1st... and both guitar and bass as well. Being a drummer i know a lot about not having fun because there is no one to play with. But you just have to be creative and love the music your playing. Bass IS about grooving, so your not going to be arranging solo parts that dazzle people ( most likely). But I find bass extremely fun to play along with a cd... learn dreaming tree and tell me that its not fun to jam, with that. IF you like what your playing its FUN...