Switching to DB from electric

ramrod · #1 04-13-2009, 09:42 AM

This has probably already been covered, but here goes. Ive been playing electric for many years and want to give DB a try. How hard is the switch?..Do I need to hire a teacher?..Thanks

**Francois Blais** · #2 04-13-2009, 09:57 AM

Did you check this?:
BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS

Regards,
François

ramrod · #3 04-13-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francois Blais

Did you check this?:
BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS

Regards,
François

Thank you very much...excuse my ignorance, but what did you search on to find that so fast?

RobertUI · #4 04-13-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramrod

Thank you very much...excuse my ignorance, but what did you search on to find that so fast?

He just sent you a link to the sticky entitled:
"Sticky: BASS FORUM LINKS (Newbie Links): PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING NEW TOPICS"

There's some great reading there.

ZonGuy · #5 04-13-2009, 01:24 PM

Find a good teacher and a good bow, even if you never plan to use the bow when you play commercially.

Basskimo · #6 04-14-2009, 01:01 AM

Work without the bow to get in tune, relatively, then work with bow. Then refine intonation from there. It's a little bit more work than it sounds though.

StyleOverShow · #7 04-14-2009, 02:02 AM

The toughest part of the transition is intonation, IMO. With frets you can land anywhere behind the metal bar and you're good, whereas with DB or fretless for that matter, its millimeters that make different pitches. Currently I'm going crazy watching my TU-2 tuner trying to play "So What" in different positions.

On the other hand, the range of sounds that you can make with a DB/fretless are incredibly varied and expressive. Take your time and enjoy the workouts.

-richard

**Freddels** · #8 04-14-2009, 06:24 AM

I always say that it's a little like going from Ping Pong to Tennis . . . the rules are basically the same but the playing field is a lot bigger. Enjoy it.

98mtd · #9 04-15-2009, 11:13 PM

The DB is a completely different instrument from electric. Be careful, the DB is addictive to play and is a high maintenance instrument. You also get asked to play more when you double.

ZonGuy · #10 04-19-2009, 12:24 PM

This info is not in the sticky, so I hope I am correct posting it here.

Its intended for electric players that are already playing and gigging and want to make the transition quickly as possible

My thoughts:

1) Learn the foundational technique from a qualified instructor. Period. There is no DVD or website that is going to compensate for this.

2) To ease the transition, after your fingers tire on the DB, practice the DB studies on electric bass, using correct DB fingering and thumb positioning. Playing the DB can be very tiring, overdoing it can hurt you. So using the electric can extend your practice time, plus it is familiar territory to aqdjust your mindset from thinking frets to thinking DB positions. Also, play DB transcriptions beyond your DB capabilities on electric to understand how they should sound and feel.

3) For intonation practice, I have entered several studies and scale exercises into a sheet music program (Finale) and then looped it, so I can really practice intensely. My problem is the lazy thumb and this really helped.

4) Once you have the basics down, look for easy jams or gigs to keep you motivated.

**Freddels** · #11 04-19-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZonGuy

This info is not in the sticky, so I hope I am correct posting it here.

Its intended for electric players that are already playing and gigging and want to make the transition quickly as possible

My thoughts:

1) Learn the foundational technique from a qualified instructor. Period. There is no DVD or website that is going to compensate for this.

2) To ease the transition, after your fingers tire on the DB, practice the DB studies on electric bass, using correct DB fingering and thumb positioning. Playing the DB can be very tiring, overdoing it can hurt you. So using the electric can extend your practice time, plus it is familiar territory to aqdjust your mindset from thinking frets to thinking DB positions. Also, play DB transcriptions beyond your DB capabilities on electric to understand how they should sound and feel.

3) For intonation practice, I have entered several studies and scale exercises into a sheet music program (Finale) and then looped it, so I can really practice intensely. My problem is the lazy thumb and this really helped.

4) Once you have the basics down, look for easy jams or gigs to keep you motivated.

Now you should post links to the Finale exercises.

ZonGuy · #12 04-19-2009, 01:00 PM

I don't know how to post links since I don't have a website.

I presume I would be violating copyright law if I share the exercises taken from recent books (Intonation Plus). I am not sure about Simandl.

**Freddels** · #13 04-19-2009, 01:03 PM

I don't know about that. There are sites that have a ton of real book tunes in Band in a Box format. Just figured it might save someone from re-inventing the wheel.

Gary Lynch · #14 04-19-2009, 01:25 PM

"Learn the foundational technique from a qualified instructor. Period."

I agree. Do not start off with bad habits or you will find yourself tripping over your fingering and hand/thumb positions. It's a whole new experience from the EB. As far as I am concerned, it's another level. You can't fake good DB playing with pedals and gimmicks, (Like I can on EB). I play both but personally respect the DB a lot. It makes you humble fast.

ZonGuy · #15 04-20-2009, 08:43 AM

My first DB cost $2000. $1000 for the bass, $1000 for lessons.

My second DB cost $6500. $5000 for the bass, $500 for the bow, $1000 for lessons.

I need more lessons.

ramrod · #16 04-20-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZonGuy

My first DB cost $2000. $1000 for the bass, $1000 for lessons.

My second DB cost $6500. $5000 for the bass, $500 for the bow, $1000 for lessons.

I need more lessons.

I just picked up a Concord, Christopher...so it sounds like you guys are telling me thats is very hard to teach yourself the DB?

CT DB · #17 04-20-2009, 08:58 AM

It is hard to play the DB, period. While lessons are a good way to learn, don't feel that you cannot teach yourself if you cannot get lessons for some reason. I taught myself to play, and I don't have any injuries, and I am very happy with my rate of progress on the instrument. I think in order to teach yourself you have to be diligent in researching the reasons behind the exercises you are doing, and take advantage of any resources you can, such as watching live players, finding internet lessons (Jason Heath has some good ones on his blog), and speaking to other string players. Try everything for yourself, and keep practicing. Good Luck

drurb · #18 04-20-2009, 09:43 AM

I gotta agree with ZonGuy here:

"Learn the foundational technique from a qualified instructor. Period."

Well, maybe we could leave off the "Period."

Sure, there is the rare, talented individual who can teach him/her self to play. Such people are very few and far between. Hey, as I understand it, PW is largely self-taught. Mort Herbert was self-taught.

Still, even if you are one of those rare individuals, the speed, efficiency, safety, and quality of your learning will be greatly enhanced by having a teacher. For example, a good teacher will make sure that you practice and maintain good habits right from the start so that you don't have to undo bad habits later in order to progress.

Now, CT DB is right too when he says that if you "cannot get lessons" then you can try to teach yourself. After all, the alternative would be not to play at all. Even so, I'd save up as much as you can and get to a teacher as soon as you can. There is just no substitute-- none. There's just no way around it.

400$Bass · #19 04-20-2009, 10:03 AM

Ramrod, I have been playing Electric Bass about 4 years gigging at church every Sunday. My wife bought me a DB. I dabbled around with it a few months, then started taking lessons. I have had three lessons and realized: THAT IS THE WAY TO GO!. I had already just dabbling developed inferior techniques. Remember...even very good bass players take lessons. I hope you can find a good teacher near you. It will be money well spent. What kind of DB did you get?

ramrod · #20 04-20-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400$Bass

Ramrod, I have been playing Electric Bass about 4 years gigging at church every Sunday. My wife bought me a DB. I dabbled around with it a few months, then started taking lessons. I have had three lessons and realized: THAT IS THE WAY TO GO!. I had already just dabbling developed inferior techniques. Remember...even very good bass players take lessons. I hope you can find a good teacher near you. It will be money well spent. What kind of DB did you get?

thanks everyone for your opinions.I decided to find a teacher...I bought a 3/4 Christopher DB