Did you play upright string (orchestral) and then learn bass guitar?

[NCbassgirl]

Did you play upright string (orchestral) and then learn bass guitar?

If so, I would appreciate any information and advice you have to share - what did you learn during the process?

For instance, did you find that fretless or fretted worked best? For someone who plans to continue with both instruments, what should I consider? (I'm looking to do jazz band at most (not rock) so no screamin' guitar needed. I kind of like an acoustic-electric for the flexibility and low-key, highly portable options it provides.)

How did you go about learning - just pick it up and play? Get an instructor? Do you use 1/2/4 fingering consistently on both instruments?

I am an experienced bassist but completely new to guitars...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[kid_squanto]

Originally Posted by NCbassgirl

Did you play upright string (orchestral) and then learn bass guitar?

If so, I would appreciate any information and advice you have to share - what did you learn during the process?

For instance, did you find that fretless or fretted worked best? For someone who plans to continue with both instruments, what should I consider? (I'm looking to do jazz band at most (not rock) so no screamin' guitar needed. I kind of like an acoustic-electric for the flexibility and low-key, highly portable options it provides.)

How did you go about learning - just pick it up and play? Get an instructor? Do you use 1/2/4 fingering consistently on both instruments?

I am an experienced bassist but completely new to guitars...

Thanks in advance for your help!

I started on upright then switched to bass guitar. For me, bass guitar was sort of natural because I had taught myself acoustic guitar.

If you're looking to play bass guitar in jazz band, I would say go with a fretted, but that's just personal preference, I'm sure you could go with a fretless and still be okay...but isn't that what uprights are for?

As for a teacher...I just kind of picked up the bass and learned it through school and whatever I could get my hands on. If you can kind of pick it up and learn it, and get experience through that, I'd say do it, otherwise a teacher isn't really a bad choice either.

I would also advise using the same fingerings for both instruments.

[jsbarber]

Since you already have proficiency on the DB why not find an instructor who can help with both? DB is such an awesome instrument that it would be a waste to set it aside to solely focus on BG. I am a big advocate of getting instruction, because unless you are really very advanced you will benefit from the guidance of a good teacher.

As far as the fingering is concerned, it is somewhat of a waste to apply 124 fingering to the BG. I have a 6 string bass guitar with a 36" string length and I can finger 1234 all the way to the nut.

My 2 cents worth,

Jim

[-Kramer-]

Originally Posted by jsbarber

Since you already have proficiency on the DB why not find an instructor who can help with both? DB is such an awesome instrument that it would be a waste to set it aside to solely focus on BG. I am a big advocate of getting instruction, because unless you are really very advanced you will benefit from the guidance of a good teacher.

As far as the fingering is concerned, it is somewhat of a waste to apply 124 fingering to the BG. I have a 6 string bass guitar with a 36" string length and I can finger 1234 all the way to the nut.

My 2 cents worth,

Jim

+1
DB is perfect vehicle for jazz, but EB has its uses as well, you should know both to be a well-rounded bass player IMO. Having said that, I learned DB first and then did a full switch to EB. If I could do it again I would have spent more time on DB before switching; you can take just about everything from the DB to the EB, but not the other way around. Again this is PERSONAL and you might be completely different.

[Masters2010]

I recommend fretted to start. Even if you play DB, I find that doesn't automatically translate to playing in tune on EB, and in reality it is actually fairly difficult.

On the fingering, I definately recommend using 1-2-3-4. There really isn't a point in using 1-2-4 and it really isn't efficient, though depending on your hand size, it may be easier to use 1-2-4 on the lower notes because of the stretched frets.

[Tritonis]

I went from Orchestral to Guitar. Start with a fretted guitar. You shouldn't have too much trouble with it, especially after building some technique on upright.

[drurb]

Originally Posted by primusrhcpjaco

... DB is perfect vehicle for jazz, but EB has its uses as well, you should know both to be a well-rounded bass player IMO. ...

Now this could be the subject of a thread in and of itself! I admire those who can play both. It really is like playing two different instruments-- okay 1.75 instruments. I believe, however, you can be a stunningly accomplished DB player, never play BG, and never miss a beat (pun intended). I think we all know of many examples of this. Personally, I have no desire to pick up a BG. I did that when I was a kid. I never really could switch from 1-2-4 to 1-2-3-4 successfully.

So, how many jazz DB players here also play BG?

[Tritonis]

Originally Posted by DRURB

So, how many jazz DB players here also play BG?

*raises hand*

[musicman5string]

Originally Posted by DRURB

So, how many jazz DB players here also play BG?

*me*

Also I started on BG.

[toman]

I play both. I started playing cello, then picked up BG and DB at the same time, a few years in. That probably accounts for why I've always used a four fingered technique for both, becoming five-fingered when I got into learning thumb position and then studied with Glen Moore for a while. I've always found the instruments, including fretless bass guitar, really interchangable. I have no problem bouncing from one to the other, and even though I was probably three or four years into playing bass before I picked up a fretless, it was like second nature, even an unlined instrument. Oh, and I should note that I've always played classical music almost exclusvely on upright, though I used to play a fair amount of jazz on electric a few years ago. I still dink around with it, but I really fell like I've mostly outgrown the electric bass, although I'd really like to get into playing classical solo works on a six or seven string bass, or perhaps even some sort of fusion/progressive rock type music...

[5stringDNA]

I play both, but I started with BG. If you can play upright, BG shouldn't be too big of a challenge. I would actually say taht starting fretless would be a good idea because it forces you to pay attention to proper hand placing and keeps training your ear. I play an unmarked fretless salb, and IMO, it easier to play in tune than on my DB most of the time. I play 3-finger a-la-Simandl on DB and 4-finger and BG.

[Baird]

I did something very similar to what you are explaining NCBassGirl, I got rather proficient on Upright and then moved to BG to extend my range of playing.
I started on a cheap ole fretless Jazz and used 1-2-4 fingering for ease of switching (if you try this, remember you will have to get used to the much smaller scale length compared to upright). I have never received any professional instruction on BG (while I have had a lot on upright), so I just stuck with what was easiest for me at the time.
I have now been playin BG off and on for several years and I can play efficiently all over the instrument with similar (or not) technique that I use for my upright. I like this method because you can cross-over to try a different sound very quickly, and it comes in handy when they want you loud and you gotta do some sightreading.
Anyway, that is what I have done, I don't suggest that you don't get a teacher, it is just that my technique serves me well and I like it and I don't feel restrained in any way playing 1-2-4.
Do what is comfortable for you, give different things a try (unlike me) and pick the one that makes advancement as easy as possible!

Ryan

[hensonbass]

I agree with most everything being said. I started playing "classical" DB then later got a BG. I always studied DB and learned the BG myself. However IMHO:

I would get a teacher to show you some things technically on BG. It will speed up your progress. I spent a lot of time trying to figure things out on my own and I could have answered most questions with a good teacher. My biggest problem with playing BG was pulling the strings too hard a la' upright style. The bass guitar is a guitar and benefits from guitar techniques. Also keep in mind the electronic aspects of tone production. The upright is a violin or viol related instrument and requires a different set of skills.

Yes they are tuned the same - but that's about it. Yes, you can fake it on the BG coming from DB first however, don't just think you will automatically sound and play equally as well on both.

[spdrswb]

I started with BG.

Fretted or fretless: you have the pleasure and excitement to choose. Whatever you buy, buy also a cheapo from the other kind. It can happen that you consider switching later.

Fingering: BG is a guitar for me. I tend to think it was invented for people wanting subcontra, but coming from the guitar world. I would try to use 1234 whereever I can. If you keep using 124, please try longer mensures than 34 inches. 36 is OK, you'll enjoy it.

Freedom!

[drurb]

Originally Posted by toman

...That probably accounts for why I've always used a four fingered technique for both...Oh, and I should note that I've always played classical music almost exclusvely on upright

Classical on the DB with four fingers? Huge hands? Small bass? Both? Sorry, I grew up with Simandl and played almost nothing but classical as a youngster and through college.

[drurb]

Well that could all be Chapter 1 of the Ken Smith story. Maybe you could do installments that will be posted as a sticky.

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

In actuality, the BG is a different instrument bridging the DB and the Guitar.

I couldn't agree more! It is a different instrument. I never thought it right to assume that one could just play it like an upright given that there are styles and techniques of play so unique to each.

Originally Posted by KSB - Ken Smith

The DB bridges the Bass and Violin Cello

Huh? By "Bass" do you mean the gargantuan ones of old times?

[toman]

Originally Posted by DRURB

Classical on the DB with four fingers? Huge hands? Small bass? Both? Sorry, I grew up with Simandl and played almost nothing but classical as a youngster and through college.

Neither, sorry. I don't think it's particularly relevant, unless taken to an extreme. If I had a cookie for every classical player or teacher who has critisized this technique, I would be a fat, fat man. IMO, it's perfeclty legitimate, and even logical. You have five fingers, why not use them? But I don't think this is the place to rehash this old debate.

[jtlownds]

I started playing DB in 1956when I was 19. I don't know when Fender came out with their BG, and wasn't aware of it when I started. Prior to that, I played guitar, violin, mandolin, tenor banjo and trumpet. I took up DB because decent guitar players are like horse sh*t in a western town - they're all over the place. Bass players are hard to come by, hence less competition for gigs. In 61, I finally got my hands on a Fender Jazz bass. With almost 10 inch increase in string length, my guitar chops really didn't translate that well. For a couple of years, I held the BG in as vertical a position as I could to simulate the DB, much to the amusement of my band mates. (It worked!!!). I use the 1 - 3 - 4 fingering on the DB, and 4 finger on slab now.

[jsbarber]

Originally Posted by jtlownds

... I use the 1 - 3 - 4 fingering on the DB, and 4 finger on slab now.

Does the audience think you're flipping them off? [I think you mean 1,2 4 fingering - sorry, bad joke...]

Jim

[tZer]

Originally Posted by NCbassgirl

Did you play upright string (orchestral) and then learn bass guitar?

If so, I would appreciate any information and advice you have to share - what did you learn during the process?

I switched from violin (1st chair, 1st violin - so I didn't bail on it because I couldn't play it! LOL) to string bass in junior high because I wanted to be in the high school jazz band. I figured unless the jazz band changes pretty drastically and starts utilizing violins, I better find an instrument that is more standard for that scene - hence the bass. So I spent a year in Jr. High getting to know the upright in the orchestra in advance of getting a bass guitar and going for the jazz band.

I too continued on both through high school and into college.

Originally Posted by NCbassgirl

For instance, did you find that fretless or fretted worked best? For someone who plans to continue with both instruments, what should I consider? (I'm looking to do jazz band at most (not rock) so no screamin' guitar needed. I kind of like an acoustic-electric for the flexibility and low-key, highly portable options it provides.)

I started with a fretted Fender Precision bass (4-string). I found it easier to play then the upright for a lot of reasons. So for me, that was a big plus in getting into the jazz band - playing the fretted electric bass was much less 'intonation intensive' and I could focus a lot more on rhythm and technique. I didn't experience a fretless electric until many, many years later, so I really don't know how I would have taken to a fretless at that time - maybe it would have been easier to start that way - but I didn't, so I don't know.

Originally Posted by NCbassgirl

How did you go about learning - just pick it up and play? Get an instructor? Do you use 1/2/4 fingering consistently on both instruments?

I would say if you can find a good teacher, that is the very best way to go! Otherwise, get some really good technique books and be dilligent with your practice. But a teacher will get you moving in the right direction much faster.

Originally Posted by NCbassgirl

I am an experienced bassist but completely new to guitars...

Thanks in advance for your help!

I think you will find adding the electic bass to your repertoire will be rather easy, technically speaking. The only thing I feel that starting in the orchestra did for me that was NOT a plus was the fact that it was so structured, formal and predefined that when I needed to be able to improvise in jazz, I was always looking for the written part. I did not take to soloing or improvisation very easily coming from such a structured world.

But that is really my only complaint.

Good luck!

--tz