If it is different, how hard is it to teach yourself, or are lessons cheap? and how much would it cost to buy a bass?
They’re completely different instruments. The only thing they have in common is that they have four strings (although they’re tuned differently) and that the music written for them is notated in bass clef.
A cello’s four strings, from lowest to highest, are tuned C, G, D, A. It’s tuned in fifths.
A bass guitar’s four strings, from lowest to highest, are tuned E, A, D, and G. It’s tuned in fourths.
This means that your fingerings and scale patterns won’t be the same between the two instruments.
A bass is certainly less expensive than a cello; you can find decent ones for about three hundred dollars new, and entry-level models for less than that. I chose to pick up the fretless bass, but fretted basses are much more common, less expensive, and are easier to learn. You’ll be astonished at how cheap the strings are too, if you’re used to paying for a set of cello strings! However, take into account the fact that you’ll need to buy an amp; that will add at least a couple of hundred dollars to the price of the bass if you buy one powerful enough for performing instead of a tiny practice amp. You can pick up some great deals on Craigslist from serious musicians who are upgrading or looking to find new homes for good quality equipment they no longer use.
Having played the cello means you have experience with learning an instrument and how to practice, so that will certainly help you no matter which instrument you choose to take up next. I learned bass through books because I was just messing around, but a teacher is always a valuable resource and you can probably find one through ads posted at your local guitar/music store, or on Craigslist. What they’ll charge will depend on their own level of expertise and teaching experience. It will probably be cheaper than cello lessons.
Overall I found it relatively easy to pick up the electric bass when I messed around with it, but initially I had to think hard about where I was placing my fingers because when I saw a note they immediately jumped to where I’d finger that note on the cello. Don’t skip basic scale practice when you begin, because it will really help you explore the fretboard and learn where the notes are.
Good luck, and enjoy!
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I guess that it is much harder the other way around. Assuming that you intent to buy a bass guitar with frets, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem to adjust. I recommend to look for a 30 " scale bass guitar if you have small hands. In case you have large hands, you may consider a 34 " scale bass guitar. The price for a bass guitar depends on the brand, model, condition and whether the instrument is new or second hand.
References :
They’re completely different instruments. The only thing they have in common is that they have four strings (although they’re tuned differently) and that the music written for them is notated in bass clef.
A cello’s four strings, from lowest to highest, are tuned C, G, D, A. It’s tuned in fifths.
A bass guitar’s four strings, from lowest to highest, are tuned E, A, D, and G. It’s tuned in fourths.
This means that your fingerings and scale patterns won’t be the same between the two instruments.
A bass is certainly less expensive than a cello; you can find decent ones for about three hundred dollars new, and entry-level models for less than that. I chose to pick up the fretless bass, but fretted basses are much more common, less expensive, and are easier to learn. You’ll be astonished at how cheap the strings are too, if you’re used to paying for a set of cello strings! However, take into account the fact that you’ll need to buy an amp; that will add at least a couple of hundred dollars to the price of the bass if you buy one powerful enough for performing instead of a tiny practice amp. You can pick up some great deals on Craigslist from serious musicians who are upgrading or looking to find new homes for good quality equipment they no longer use.
Having played the cello means you have experience with learning an instrument and how to practice, so that will certainly help you no matter which instrument you choose to take up next. I learned bass through books because I was just messing around, but a teacher is always a valuable resource and you can probably find one through ads posted at your local guitar/music store, or on Craigslist. What they’ll charge will depend on their own level of expertise and teaching experience. It will probably be cheaper than cello lessons.
Overall I found it relatively easy to pick up the electric bass when I messed around with it, but initially I had to think hard about where I was placing my fingers because when I saw a note they immediately jumped to where I’d finger that note on the cello. Don’t skip basic scale practice when you begin, because it will really help you explore the fretboard and learn where the notes are.
Good luck, and enjoy!
References :
15+ years playing cello
2+ years playing fretless electric bass