Learning other instruments to complement bass?

[mingsta]

I'm largely self taught and my knowledge of theory is pretty minimal. Is it worth learning a bit of guitar to improve my knowledge of chords and composition etc? Or would you be better off just focussing on learning it all on the bass?

[lojo]

I think it depends what your goals are.

[chris_b]

Focus on bass but add piano to your list of interests.

Piano, as a second instrument, would be great for helping on your bass playing and understanding of music.

[dlloyd]

Piano all the way.

[elephantgrey]

In a band situation i improved more by learning the basics of drums than being able to play guitar.

[BILL POSTERS]

A bit of guitar helps me, so I can recognise what the guitarist is doing, and by thinkig in shapes, can work out what will fit in chords etc. But thats just for me, and my way of doing it, which some people find strange tbh.

I have no doubt that piano is a big big help with theory and with ear training, So in the long run, a bit of guitar and as much piano as you can stand.

Edited March 2, 2013 by BILL POSTERS

[oggiesnr]

I play too many instruments and, whilst the general musicality is useful, they don't really help with bass playing or theory. What I am doing is having theory lessons (independent of my bass lessons) and then working with my double bass tutor to incorporate what I've learnt.

Steve

[thisnameistaken]

Knowing how to play guitar can't hurt (it comes in handy when you need to teach chords to guitarists...) but I'd say piano would be more likely to give you a broader understanding of music.

[gapiro]

As above. Piano / keys always seemed to be helpful to me even though I'm not good it makes things more obvious in some ways

[Earbrass]

Another vote for piano.

[Lozz196]

Dpends on style of music you play. For me, doing punk & heavy rock, guitar has helped quite a bit.

[Musicman20]

Guitar...most of what you know (eg how to use your hands on a bass) can be transposed to a guitar in some form. The necks feel tiny though!!! I'm doing the very same thing simply because I enjoy it, and most guitarist I know don't have much creatively...so ill do it.