re: Whats the easiest way to learn an instrument?

I would say a fair amount easier, though I don't actualy play bass.
Theres no chords.
Bass can be as simple or complicated as the player makes it (depending on the songs played)
You can get by with just some minimum plucking or you can add some funk into it.

depends on the genre,coutnry, rock and blues, and hip hop are easier then jazz, funk,classical and walkabilly