Should a guitar player own a bass guitar? Yes.

In my videos you periodically see a keyboard in view. Sometimes when I'm writing songs I use that for drum and bass tracks. However with certain songs, I need the real-deal electric bass guitar, and that's why I own one.

If you know how to play guitar, even if you're just a beginner, playing the bass isn't that difficult. The reason you want a bass guitar is the same reason I did - because it sounds better compared to a keyboard or detuning your electric guitar way down for the bass notes (which will sound awful).

My suggestion to anyone who wants to put a bass guitar in their collection is to buy the cheapest one that sounds good. It's not like you're going to play it very often, so it makes no sense to put any real money into it.

The only thing you really have to be concerned with is the pickup configuration. In my experience, the configuration to go for is either straight/straight (Jazz Bass style) or straight/split-coil (P/J style).

If the bass only has split-coil or only straight, don't buy it because you'll hate it, and it will sound "loggy" to you. The combination of straight/straight or straight/split-coil makes a world of difference because it covers the most range of tones that a guitar player would want. You can do anything from blues to rock to metal to country and everything else when you have one of the two bass pickup configurations.

Also, don't talk to bass players about buying a bass. You're a guitar player, and you want something that plays easy, won't wreck your fingers and can be played with a pick.

The best bass guitar for a guitar player is a cheap 4-string with one of the two pickup configurations listed above. This will be a bass you can record with easily.

4-string bass guitars that you'll like as a guitar player

(5-string models will be listed after these for those who want one of those)

• Yamaha RBX170 - I own a Yamaha RBX personally. Feels good in the hand and the neck isn't too long. The straight/split-coil pickup configuration fits any style I throw at it and it works great. This is not the cheapest bass there is, but in my opinion is the best low-priced electric bass that exists. The design hasn't changed in years because it was done right the first time.
• Squier Affinity Jazz Bass - This one has a straight/straight pickup configuration and is a very comfortable player.
• Ibanez GSRM20 - This is a "Mikro" short-scale bass, which for a guitar player is preferred because we play on shorter necks. This one in particular is the next best thing to a Yamaha RBX170.
• Dean EVO XM - This one has a bit of a "fat Les Paul" look to it and gets the job done.
• ESP LTD B-50 - I'd have to say this is the best-looking inexpensive 4-string. If looks matter to you, this bass looks really expensive, but it isn't.

5-string bass guitars that you'll like as a guitar player

The only reason you'd want a 5-string is for the low B on top. Rock and metal players particularly like having that super-low B note, so if that's your thing, here's some 5-strings to check out:

• Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V - Has the classic Fender look.
• Dean Edge 1 - At this point we're already probably getting into more than you want to spend. 5-strings do command a higher price.
• ESP LTD B-55 - Same thing as the B-50 4-string mentioned above, except in a 5-string version. If I were to buy a 5-string, it would probably be this one.
• Peavey Millennium 5 BXP - Peavey makes a good showing here with their straight/straight pickup configuration model.
• Ibanez GSR205 - If comfort is a big deal for you, this one probably has the most comfortable shape when playing.
• Schecter Riot Deluxe - This is one badass looking bass and has the hardware to match.

Are multitrack recorders any good?

It is true that if you wanted to, you can use your PC (Windows or Linux) or Mac to record multitrack audio completely for free using Audacity. That app may be ugly and not the most user-friendly thing in the world, but hey, it's free.

A problem when recording to the PC is that it's tough to get your guitar tone to sound right, and this is especially true if you use pedals. If using a Line 6 POD, then sure, you should be able to get a good sound when plugged in direct to your sound card, but with pedals it's not easy. Typically, pedals when connected directly to a computer sound very "buzzy" and there's not much you can do about that.

What's a multitrack recorder?

These are standalone devices that can record multiple tracks of audio, which some of you may call "layers", as in you "lay down" one track, then lay down another, and so on. Multitrack recorders are completely self-contained and do not require a separate computer to operate.

There are a few distinct advantages to owning a standalone multitrack recorder.

Compact

You can take a multitrack recorder almost anywhere. It goes where you go. You can't do that with a PC, and even if you have a laptop, it's not like you want to lug that thing around whenever you want to record.

Convenient

A standalone multitrack recorder is the easiest way to record your band. Bring it along to practice, plug in, mic up and start recording.

Yes, it's a studio!

Today's portable multitrack recorders are stuffed full of features that used to cost many thousands of dollars. Built-in effects, filters and a whole bunch of other cool stuff.

Computer connectivity

I know of no multitrack recorder that doesn't have PC connection options when you need to export audio, so it's there when you need it.

Here's a few multitrack recorders you can check out

• BOSS Micro BR-80 - One of the smallest multitrack recorders you'll find. The only real drawback is that it's mainly made for guitar players and not recording full bands, but if you write a lot of riffs, you'll love owning this.
• Korg Sound on Sound Unlimited Track Recorder SR1 - This is also a small-sized multitrack recorder with unlimited overdub capability, and has tons of effects and drum patterns as well that a lot of people like.
• Tascam DP-008 Portastudio - Tascam and its PortaStudio line has been around for a very long time and almost wrote the book on how portable multitracking should be done. Years ago I used to own compact cassette-based Portastudios, and they were great. Tascam is still holding up the tradition with modern digital models like the DP-008.
• ZOOM R16 - Not cheap, but worth the price. Very friendly operation, easy menus and one of the best for recording bands with.
• BOSS BR-800 - The big brother to the Micro BR-80. Sort of complicated to use, so read the description carefully before considering this one - but it's a powerhouse.

How to avoid Stratocaster-Les-Paul syndrome

I don't have a problem with people who play Stratocaster or Les Paul guitars. If that's what you like, that's fine. What I do have a problem with however are guitar players who are absolutely unwilling to try something different every once in a while.

I own Strats (both by Fender and Squier), and I've played Les Paul guitars (both by Epiphone and the real-deal Gibsons). However I've also tried other electric guitars that break out of that Stratocaster-Les-Paul thing, and some of them are pretty cool.

Before I list off the guitars you should consider trying out, the key to avoiding Stratocaster-Les-Paul syndrome is just a willingness to try different guitars that AREN'T Strats or Les Pauls. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy a Strat or a Les Paul. What I am saying is don't limit your options to just those two guitars.

Here's a few you may really like (and most of them are very affordable):

1. ESP LTD M-53 - This is primarily a rock/metal guitar. Has the reverse headstock, looks good, has the HSS pickup configuration and easy controls.
2. Squier Cyclone - Definitely different. Somewhat similar to a Fender Mustang, but without the complicated electronics and a really good looker to boot.
3. Dean Z-X - It blows my mind how Dean can sell a guitar this good that looks awesome for as cheap as they do. Fantastic looking burst, and fits just about any style of music you'd want to play.
4. Dean VX - Like the Z-X, except in a V-shape. Very cool.
5. ESP LTD V-50 - Another V guitar, but with sharper body edges. Probably the "most metal looking" guitar you can buy for the lowest possible price. I remember when buying a guitar in this shape used to cost $500+, but now it's half that price.
6. Squier Jagmaster - Very cool guitar to have for that awesome retro look, and probably one of the most comfortable body shapes Fender has ever put out. You wouldn't think so to look at it, but it's very comfy when playing sitting or standing.
7. Peavey PXD Tomb - If you want something that will get you noticed on stage (or even with just with your friends), you should get this. The body has a wild-but-nice shape and the headstock looks like bat wings (seriously!) Very cool. Stupidly simple operation. One pickup, one volume knob and that's it. Gorgeous all around.

Rich's top 6 recommended guitar effects pedals

I'm of the belief that there's basically no such thing as a "cheap guitar" anymore. Yes, there are inexpensive guitars, but just about all of them are well-made. What this means is that the price of an inexpensive guitar is cheap, but it doesn't feel, play or sound cheap. Some may tell you differently, but I can say with 100% certainty there are inexpensive guitars well under $300 that are built just as well as those costing $1,000 or more.

One place where you shouldn't go cheap in price however is with effects pedals. Cheap pedals are literally built with parts that will break easily, have knobs that will start to get "scratchy" quickly when you adjust them, have poorly-constructed in/out ports and so on. With a guitar effects pedal (commonly referred to as a "stomp box"), the thing has to be built right the first time. After all, you are operating it most of the time with your foot, and it should be able to be used without worry of the pedal falling apart on you.

"But Rich, you don't use effects pedals"

No, I don't. I use a DigiTech GSP 1101. However, if I were going to buy pedals (which I most likely will be doing at some point), this is what I would get and this is what I recommend.

Each pedal below will have a link next to the image so you can check it out to see the price, specifications and so on.

Rich's recommended stomp boxes

MXR M169 Carbon Copy

Digital delay is nice, but the analog pedals are much easier to operate, and in my experience sounds better through an amp compared to digital. This particular MXR is built like a tank and can take a lot of abuse.

BOSS DD-7

If analog delay isn't your thing and you want the digital which gives you more options, the only one worth having is the DD-7.

MXR M135 Smart Gate

I'm a Strat player, and the 1st, 3rd and 5th position pickup settings on a traditional SSS pickup configuration will exhibit 60-cycle hum when the distortion or overdrive is on unless you have special noise-cancelling pickups (which Squier Strats don't have). To get rid of this noise from an amp, you use an adjustable noise gate. The M-135 does the job nicely to get rid of that hum.

MXR M234 Analog Chorus

Electric guitars when played clean (as in with no distortion) usually don't sound that great no matter what guitar you have. To "fatten up" the tone, a chorus pedal helps out a great deal and everyone should have one. I like the M234 in particular because it basically gives you everything you'd ever need out of a chorus pedal. And yes, this is again one of those instances where analog sounds better when going through an amp.

BOSS DS-1

A classic distortion pedal. If you've been around other guitar players, I guarantee you've seen this familiar orange box on the floor. A must-have for anyone's pedal collection. It's simple, easy, works, sounds good and it's well-made.

If there's any pedal you should buy first, the DS-1 is it.

Dunlop Crybaby 535Q Multi-Wah

Tons of guitar players use a wah pedal, and if you're wondering which you should get, the Crybaby 535Q is it. I suggest this one over other wah pedals because of the "Q Dial" that allows you to shape the wah sound to your liking. Other wah pedals only give you one non-adjustable sound.

Rich's 5 recommended rock songs for beginner guitar players

(Quick notes before starting this: If you're shopping for a starter guitar all-in-one pack that includes guitar, amp, cables and picks, go here. Or if you're ready to upgrade to another guitar but want to keep it cheap, go here.)

It is absolutely mandatory that you learn rhythm before lead. What this means is to completely ignore the solos in songs and concentrate on the melodies, as in "the riffs", instead. The songs below are my picks for beginner guitar players to learn. Yes, most of them are very easy and some don't even have solos in them, but that's the whole point. Remember, no guitar player is worth anything if he can't play a riff in proper time.

1. Black Sabbath - Paranoid - Originally released in 1970, this is probably the most-played rock song of all time for guitar players. Note: The tuning of this song is slightly higher than the standard E, so you will have to tune up your strings slightly.
2. The Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop - Originally released in 1976, this is a classic punk song that's easy to play and has no solos whatsoever. But that doesn't matter because the song is great just the same.
3. Green Day - When I Come Around - Released in 1995, this is a simple song with a very simple solo. It also has a slower tempo that's easy for beginners to pick up.
4. The Troggs - Wild Thing - Released in 1966, this is probably the simplest song in the list. If you happen to have a band with other beginner musician's like you, this should be the first song you do because it's just that easy.
5. Blur - Song 2 - Released in 1997, this is a very dirty-sounding song, but the riffs are easy to learn and the song has a good groove to it. This is another easy one for a band with beginner musicians in it.

5 songs that sound easy but actually aren't

1. Led Zeppelin - Rock And Roll - This is one of those songs where on the surface it sounds simple but in fact has several "layers" to it that give it its sound. Rock And Roll is not for beginners but rather an intermediate-level song.
2. Deep Purple - Smoke On The Water - The intro riff to this song is one that most people play incorrectly, as it's actually played by plucking fingers on higher frets. Also, the solo isn't easy and when the lyrics start, that's the part that confuses a lot of players. This, like Rock and Roll is an intermediate-level song.
3. Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven - This is absolutely not a beginner's song. It requires knowing how to fingerpick properly, an understanding of proper chord structure, knowledge of how to play an acoustic guitar properly, switching from acoustic to electric, and a whole bunch of other things. There are fortunately many YouTube tutorials on how to play this song, but for a beginner this is a very frustrating one to learn. I would consider this song advanced-level, and also know this one is very tough to perform live, so I wouldn't go near it.
4. ZZ Top - La Grange - A whole bunch of guitar players play this one wrong - even the ones that know what they're doing. There are subtleties throughout this song that require studying it closely in order to get it right. The reason it's not for beginners is because it's a swing and not a straight rock beat, which for beginners is a little too much. This is an intermediate-level song.
5. Guns 'N Roses - Sweet Child 'O Mine - There have been countless beginners who have tried this song and realized quickly that this song isn't simple, because it isn't. I place this song into the advanced-level category mainly because of the intro that requires high-fret playing, knowing how to get that sound properly and the solos involved as well. If you're a beginner guitarist, tried this song and said, "Wow, this is hard to do..", you're right. Eventually, yes you will be able to play this - but it'll take a while. Go with the simpler songs first and master those before trying to learn Sweet Child O' Mine.