After I had been playing mandolin for a few years, I found my eye wandering to other bluegrass instruments. I decided to give the banjo a try, and I’m really glad that I did–not because I have become a great banjo player, but because it changed the way I think about the music that I play. When I decided to give the bass a try, I found my world broadening even more, and I realized that there are benefits to playing multiple instruments, even if you don’t become proficient on all of them.
The first insight I gained was an appreciation of the experience of playing other instruments. On the banjo, the first thing I noticed was the experience of really having to think about what both hands are doing–there’s a lot going on when you play Scruggs-style banjo! I finally understood why you see so few banjo players who are also lead singers.
I also discovered that playing a new instrument caused me to think a lot more about the chord structure of songs. When playing mandolin, you have a whole half-beat to figure out which chord to play. With instruments that are playing on the down-beat, you don’t have that luxury. If you’re playing bass, everyone in the group is depending on you to be on top of (or better yet, anticipating) the chord changes. Playing bass in a jam group has improved my ability to keep time and hear chord changes–good skills for any bluegrass player.
I have more empathy for other players now, and I’m much more aware of things like rhythm. I have learned the challenge of trying to keep a banjo in tune, and now I’m much more patient when we’re changing keys between songs. I know the physical challenges of playing bass, and I’m so much more aware of the beat now. Playing the bass has made me a better mandolin player–I really pay attention to the beat now, and work hard to be a good rhythm partner to the bass player.
What’s next? With the banjo, I’m focusing more on clawhammer–I think that will be a better long-term fit for me. I would also like to become a competent bluegrass rhythm guitar player–I’m just starting to learn my way around a guitar. So many instruments, so little time…
My advice–if you find yourself wondering about a second instrument, give it a try. You may be surprised at what you can learn from the experience.