FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Playing Bass Guitar

Question:
After not playing an instrument for several years (and back then it was cello, badly), I want to take up an instrument again (especially since I'm in college and half the student body seem to have guitars). I like the sound of bass guitar, and would like to take it up, but people have objected that: a) everyone that plays bass guitar starts out by playing regular guitar, so I should study that first, b) I don't have the rhythm needed to play bass guitar in a group/band/ensemble/anything other than solo (this is true), and c) bass guitar is not a solo instrument. My questions are: Do all bass guitarists start off with regular guitar? If so, why? Why isn't bass guitar a solo instrument (I'm not planning on really performing anyway - as I said, my rhythm sucks and I also can't sing)?

Answer:
No. I began playing bass in middle school and then played baritone horn so I could read bass clef music. Guitar came much later.