Why Don't Bass Guitarists Ever Sing Lead?

Question

I was just thinking, I want to play bass guitar in a rock band. I also would like to sing lead. I noticed that of all the bands I've ever liked, listened to, or even just heard of, it isn't uncommen for the guitarist (or at least one of them, if there's two guitarists) to sing lead to. My question is, why don't Bass guitartists ever sing lead? I mean when I thought about it at first, I thought it might seem weird because usually if the lead singers also play an instrument they play guitar, but then I thought, I'll play bass guitar and sing anyway, what have I got to lose? Why conform because of what others might think?

Then I realized, I myself have never played bass guitar. I haven't so much as PICKED UP a bass guitar! So is there some a reason for bass guitarists not to sing lead other than it just isn't done?

Answer 1

It's because Bass Guitars are normally used for rythm, where as Guitars are used for the actual melody.  It's also more dominant and tasteful to do solo's on Guitars, because people like it better that way.

Answer 2

they do, sting in the police

numerous punk bands

"tasteful to do solo's on Guitars, because people like it better that way."

wooo budy speak for yourselph wtf "tastfeul"  

santana's bassist did a 30 min bass solo it rocked!!

"tasteful" go listen to a pop concert

Answer 3

ummmmmmmmm.............

ever heard of KISS, THE POLICE, THE BEATLES, PAUL McCartney & WINGS, RUSH, THIN LIZZY, JUDAS PRIEST, all the bassists from those groups sing lead!

personally, i believe that most lead guitarists are outgoing gloryhogs & most bassists are a bit introverted & that's the only rational reasons i can see for the industry having more singers on lead gt than on bass, ya know?

Answer 4

Look up Ginger Sling. The chick named Ginger was lead vox and Bassist for her band. Now she plays bass for the Smashing Pumpkins.

Answer 5

Sting , McCartney...plenty...it is not as easy as for other free to sing musicians ...Usually those guys is seriously talented...

Answer 6

Tom Araya from Slayer as well.

Now, let's get down to another answer besides slinging bassist names and mocking you for your musical tastes.

Playing the bass is either really easy or really hard. You can either doodle along and hold down the root note for the whole song (nothing wrong with that), or you can do some intricate harmonies to match the rhythm guitar. Bassists are practically soloists half the time, like Geddy Lee from Rush and that uh...skinny dude from Green Day. Pay attention to the bass lines on some of rock/metal songs, and then think to yourself "that's like playing a slow solo with frets twice the width and strings the size of pencils".

Okay, it's not that bad...but playing bass means you're part drummer, part lead guitarist, and you also have to leave the showiness to the androgynous dude with the tight pants who's squealing on the mic. Bassist TAKE CARE-a tha BIDNESS! Yea.

Bidness. heh

Answer 7

HERE'S MI Q...

IF IT'S UR BAND... ISN'T IT GONNA BE UR CHOICE?

IF NOT ASK THE LEAD IF U CAN SING LEAD AND DO BASS TOo...

If ur that curious on playing the bass guitar... goooo get lessons!

Answer 8

I can think right away of 5 very influential lead singing bass players, the first being my favorite bass player, Geddy Lee from Rush.  They released their first album in 1974, and hes fronted the band now for 34 years. (besides doubling on keys, and synthisizer while playing bass AND singing!)  Hes been the only bands lead singer.

Another is Lemmy from Motorhead,  Paul McCartney (former Beatles bass player, now solo artist) , and Peter Cetera from Chicago, and lets not forget Sting (The Police) as well.  These are just a few off the top of my head... I may research this and edit later!