All bassists are the lead vocalist for their band unless otherwise noted. Only bands where lead vocals were sung are listed.
List of singing bassists.
| Name | Band(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John Lodge | The Moody Blues | Co-lead vocalist |
| Phil Lynott | Thin Lizzy | |
| Aimee Mann | Solo | |
| Paul McCartney | The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Wings, solo | Co-lead vocalist for The Beatles |
Why do bass players not sing?
As a general rule, it is harder to sing and play bass than to sing while playing the guitar. Basslines tend to consist of rhythms that are vastly different from that of the vocal line. Guitar parts, on the other hand, are often strummed in a way that aligns with the vocals rhythmically.
Is singing while playing bass easier?
If you’ve ever tried to sing and play bass at the same time, you’ll know it can be challenging. In fact, us bass players often have a more difficult time than other musicians who play and sing.
Can you play bass and sing at the same time?
Learning how to sing and play bass at the same time is also just naturally harder than singing and playing guitar. You have to focus on two separate melodies instead of just a chord progression and a melody. Ultimately, the way you learn to play bass and sing is up to you.
Is bass harder to learn than guitar?
Playing the bass requires a different knowledge base and skill set, so to speak. So no, the bass isn’t necessarily easier to play than the electric guitar. If you can’t play the guitar, then just play bass. This is somewhat connected to the myth above.
Are bass players rare?
While there can occasionally be a surplus of bass players in some less populated cities, bassists are generally among the most sought-after musicians in more populated areas. Overall, the bass is a less popular instrument than the guitar, drums, and keyboards. This leads to fewer bassists and even fewer good ones.
How long does it take to learn bass to play in a band?
Without prior experience with another instrument and about 2-3 hours of solid practice everyday, it should take you around 6 months to learn to play the bass decently (at a beginner level). After about a year, you’ll reach the ‘advanced beginner’ level.
How do you practice singing while playing bass?
Pick a tune you know well vocally and then try to just play quarter notes through the tune. Stick to root notes at first, and start upping the ante as you progress and include other notes in your bass line. Pick a song with a simple ostinato pattern that doesn’t move around at all. Start with one key.
Is it hard to sing in a band?
Singing lead is not easy, but it can be learned with the right practice. By following these simple tips and practicing regularly, you will be able to improve your singing skills and start sounding like a pro!
Can you play bass without an amplifier?
Bass guitar can be played without an amplifier in a number of different ways. If you’re just trying to hear it yourself, guitar headphones or a small bathroom with good acoustics should work. If you want to play in the open, your computer or an effects pedal can double as an amplifier of sorts.
Did paul McCartney always play bass?
Never. Not to this day.” He composed on guitar or piano, and mainly improvised a bassline during recording and kept it simple. It was only when the band recorded ‘She’s a Woman’ in 1964 that McCartney began to take the role of the bass guitar seriously.
Why did paul McCartney play bass with the Beatles?
The Beatles played a series of gigs in Hamburg, Germany in early 1961, and while they were there, original Beatles bassist Stu Sutcliffe decided to leave the band. Paul McCartney, then 18, was tapped to move from piano to bass, which meant he had to get an instrument of his own.
Did paul McCartney play bass on While My guitar Gently Weeps?
On the finished track, it’s George Harrison on vocals / guitar, Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Paul McCartney on piano and bass (his bass parts were overdubbed later) and Ringo Starr on drums. Eric Clapton’s participation has never been mentioned in liner notes on the album.
Is bass fun to play alone?
Most bassists find playing Bass alone a fun experience. Playing alone gives you the opportunity to experiment, jam, and evolve on the Bass guitar in ways that would be unfitting in a band setting. A common misconception is that due to the supportive role of the bass in a band it is a boring solo instrument.
Why do people think bass is easy?
The bass appears only to be a four-string electric instrument. Given that bass happens to have fewer strings and often has a more backing, rather than leading and more creative, a generic four- or three-piece pop or rock ensemble has given outsiders the idea that it is easier to play.
What is the hardest instrument to play?
The 7 hardest instruments to learn, play, and master
- Oboe.
- Violin.
- French horn.
- Piano.
- Hammond organ.
- Drums.
- Accordion.
Can there be 2 bassists in a band?
It’s possible to have two bassists in a band. Most bands elect to just have one bass player as this is sufficient to play music in all contemporary genres. Having two bassists generally requires writing two distinct bass parts, which leads to an unconventional sound.
What makes a good bassist?
A good bass player has a decent grasp on music theory. A good bass player plays well with others and communicates on stage. A good bass player could compose a simple groove on the spot. A good bass player can play ahead of the beat, on the beat, or behind the beat and knows when each of these is required.
Can you self teach bass?
While an experienced instructor can help tremendously, it is possible to teach yourself to play bass guitar. Take some time to get used to the instrument, even if you already know how to play guitar. Have patience, and recognize that learning a new instrument will take time and effort.
Can you practice bass too much?
You sure can; it’s called tendinitis. That’s some good advice right there.
How long should I practice bass each day?
If you are more serious about playing the bass, 2-3 hours a day would be a good amount of practice time. And, if you want to be really good you might practice as much as 6-8 hours a day.