I play Bass and Rhythm Guitar alternately, and I've never played a 6-string Electric Bass.

I was wondering if a 6-string Bass could be played alternately as a Rhythm Guitar and a Bass, using guitar chord fingering on the upper strings and regular one-finger Bass notes on the lower strings.

For example in 4/4 time: Playing a Bass C on beat 1, then a C chord on beat 2, then a Bass G on beat 3, and then the C chord on beat 4, completing the first measure.

My right hand would have to alternate between a single-finger Pluck for the Bass notes and a Strum for the chords.

I understand that I couldn't do a "walking bass" line and still have time for chords with this plan, so the chords would have to go.

Also, the chords would sound one octave lower then my normal guitar chords, so would this be too "muddy" of a sound?

Old Hal

...if you're asking if I can do it, Hal! LOL!

Yes, others can:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN_zeIHf6qY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPYttU5TRYc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vffDcP2x3b4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcpOuywZkE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HU_MfBqPsI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSuYYn08wjs

I do chord on a four string bass though, Hal. It requires near perfect intonation and tuning. 5 cents (5% off) off on the tuning is hardly recognizeable on a guitar, but sounds nasty on a bass. Ric

Now, that's interesting as hell...thanks for the YouTube links!

That cat Todd Johnson is some kinda Bassman!

I'm pretty well checked out on 4-string Bass patterns, and can walk pretty good, and I'm also well experienced on Guitar chords, having played them for 51 years.

The big question is this:

In order for me to be at home playing bass notes AND chords, I would need a 6-string Bass tuned just like a standard Guitar: E-A-D-G-B-E.

Can a 6-string Bass be tuned like that?

I also noticed that Johnson's chords and solos were not muddy at all, but bright and well voiced.

How is his 6-string Bass tuned?

Thanks...
HAL

I'd have no real use for a sound like that. What you described is pretty typical structure for any country song played on a regular six string. I've got a 16 track recorder for when I need to be more people. Good luck with bass/rhythm thing...

HP