Does anyone know if Rhonda plays guitar as well?

Can't say for certain. I would assume that she can at least play some chords. Most people that I know who play bass also play guitar, at least a little bit. But I don't think that she can wail on guitar like she can on bass.

rialb said:

Is it, in most cases, ever the other way around? In other words, can most people who play guitar, play bass just as well, but is that not necessarily true for bassists playing guitar?

okaypimpn said:

Well the notes and tuning are exactly the same (except the guitar has 2 extra strings) so in theory you can jump from one to another if you're playing riffs or bass runs. Technique is slightly different though, most obviously you generally use an open hand with the bass and a pick with the guitar. I would assume that Rhonda can play the guitar and probably to a reasonable level.

okaypimpn said:

Most people who can play one can at least do *something* on the other. A bass is just the lowest four strings of a guitar an octave down. So if you can operate one you can operate the other generally.

However there is a big difference between "playing the bass" and being a "bass player". Bass players have a certain sensibility that makes them what they are. I can "play bass". I've even been on a few records. But I would NEVER call myself a "bass player". All I have to do is listen to the bass player in my band for 5 seconds and I realize that! Tha brotha rips!!

Same w/ guitars. Some people can play a few chords, even write songs but still not be a "guitar player". Again there is a certain something that guitar players do. Luckily I am one of those or my band woudn't need me!!

I think that an example would be when certain bands do an acoustic portion of a show. Lots of times the bass player picks up an acoustic guitar and plays chords. I'm sure that Rhonda could do that. But I don't think she would be a great lead player. Example no Purple Rain solos for Rhonda. Of course I could be totally wrong.

speaking of Rhonda - there was rendition of an old Prince song that she does on that broken down cello thing where she strokes it 4 times in a row, through out the song . . .

what song is this? and is it on any of the videos he's released? i can't remember where i saw or heard it - maybe it was at a concert . . . but i just LOVED it!!!! and would like to hear it again . . .
[This message was edited Fri Mar 5 10:30:31 2004 by Lenae]

Thanks for the input guys!

Yes, I'm pretty sure... Like alot of other instruments for example. I can play the alto sax, which is nearly setup the same way the baritone sax is, just a lot bigger, lower pitch, both saxes are E flat instruments.

For a quick example of a Bari-Sax. Pop in N.E.W.S. and listen to East, or rent the movie 'Wild Things' with Denise Richards.

Blue

TheBluePrince said:

best....movie.....scene.....ever.....

krebsne said:

You're so right. I tried out a buddy's 5-string bass, a few years back, and let him hold my electric guitar. While he was strumming it, he listened to me try out his bass:

"Hmmph! You play bass like a guitarist."

ThreadBare said:

So, I guess you would just have to be a genius (like Prince) to be able to play both. Although Prince is known as a guitarist, he's a good bass player as well, but just how good of a bassest is he?

okaypimpn said:

IMO... he is a good bass player. But not great. Not a legend. He's very good at what he does (Check Sheila E's LOVE BIZARRE, I'm pretty sure he played that) but he's not really groundbreaking, IMO. I wouldn't put him up there w/ Jamerson or Bootsy or even Larry Graham in terms of originality.

This is not a slam! I think he's brilliant at bass, but its not his strongest instrument. I would rate his strengths as a musician as:

#1 vocals
#2 guitar
#3 keys
#4 bass
#5 drums

I was going to put things like songwriting and production on the list... but that's actually apples and oranges.

Just my opinions. Take them or leave them if you don't agree!

krebsne said:

I've often wondered if that was actually Prince playing bass on "New Position" or if it really was Brown Mark.

Not sure.. but i know my boyfriend use to love her..

She aint' that cute..

BabyCakes said:

I've always found female bass players to be very sexy.
That bass player in David Bowie's band is kinda cute. Not that she's a supermodel, it's just how she stands and moves when she plays. The instrument is an extension of her. Very nice .