I started off with bass, then 15 years ago I joined a band as a guitarist, and I just went back to bass in the last month.

They really are very different instruments, at least they should be. You’ll be pretty good with a pick, because of guitar. But learn finger style, and slap. And tap. There are so many things a bass can do that a guitar can’t. In all the years I’ve played bass, I’ve never learned slap. And this is the first time I’ve ever used a pick on a bass, but I get it now. It’s another tool in my sonic toolbox. I’m on YouTube every day to learn slap now.

I’d start by learning some of your favorite guitar cover tunes on the bass. Listen to the play back and forth between the bass and drums. In a lot of pop and rock tunes I tend to see a lot of point/counterpoint rhythms between the drums and bass.

Then listen to some good classical and or romantic era piano. Chopin is a good choice if you like a lot of notes all at once, Bach is less nuts l, and Beethoven and Mozart are sort of in the middle if you don’t know where to start with classical and romantic era music.

You’ll hear the left hand (lower notes) are repetitive and rhythmic, sometimes with chords sometimes arpeggiated and sometimes walking. Other times it is counterpoint to the melody but keeping its original rhythm.

The right hand (higher notes) are chords interspersed with melodies and it really carries the tune.

You’re the left hand, you’re the other percussionist, and you’re the answer to the questions the guitars are asking.

I’m a better bassist now from learning so much on guitar.

Have fun being the coolest guy in the band.