50 years old, just boutht my first bass, am I crazy??

sweetmarie58 · #1 02-09-2009, 03:06 PM

Yeah, probably crazy. Been wanting to play bass for probably 30 years. I was always the one playing "air bass" while everyone else was doing the "picking".

Couple of probably stupid questions. Do you use all four fingers to strum the chords and frets?? Or just the index and middle finger for strumming?

tks anyone

MonetBass · #2 02-09-2009, 04:13 PM

Never too old to start, man! Congrats on your first bass. A couple of pointers:
1) Get some lessons, at least to start. This will help you tremendously.
2) Once you get comfortable enough, find some friends to jam with. You'll learn a heckuva lot that way.
3) Try to use at least two fingers for plucking (not strumming

), but in the end, do what's comfortable for you.

Hawaii Islander · #3 02-09-2009, 04:22 PM

No you aren't crazy. I'm 50 years old (err young?) too!

I played bass as a teen, but took a 25 year break before starting up again.

Welcome to the forum!

sweetmarie58 · #4 02-09-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonetBass

Never too old to start, man! Congrats on your first bass. A couple of pointers:
1) Get some lessons, at least to start. This will help you tremendously.
2) Once you get comfortable enough, find some friends to jam with. You'll learn a heckuva lot that way.
3) Try to use at least two fingers for plucking (not strumming

), but in the end, do what's comfortable for you.

I knew strumming wasn't the right word, couldn't think of the other. lol

Thanks, there's a few good bass players around, some are my age and I know them well.

kesslari · #5 02-09-2009, 05:34 PM

Welcome aboard. Learn some stuff and then play music.

To clarify about the fingers thing - typically, all 4 fingers on the left hand to fret the notes, and 2 fingers on the right hand to pluck them.

You're in for a lot of fun.

sweetmarie58 · #6 02-09-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

Welcome aboard. Learn some stuff and then play music.

To clarify about the fingers thing - typically, all 4 fingers on the left hand to fret the notes, and 2 fingers on the right hand to pluck them.

You're in for a lot of fun.

thanks bud. Started reading about notes: egbdf and face.

**Stumbo** · #7 02-10-2009, 02:14 AM

Welcome to TB!
Check out the link in my sig. Great info there.

RED5 · #8 02-10-2009, 07:54 AM

[quote=sweetmarie58;6952297]Yeah, probably crazy. Been wanting to play bass for probably 30 years. I was always the one playing "air bass" while everyone else was doing the "picking".

Couple of probably stupid questions. Do you use all four fingers to strum the chords and frets?? Or just the index and middle finger for strumming?

tks anyone[/QUOTE

Good to see ya! Never too old to start anything. Don't limit yourself, dream big. 58 here and the most successful I've been in my entire career. Get a teacher to sort out the basics and learn your favorite song as soon as possible. then find some like minded souls and play it like ya stole it! Good luck brother!

unbridled · #9 02-10-2009, 10:27 AM

Are you crazy? Definitly not! In fact, I believe once someone decides to become a bassist, their IQ automatically goes up! Welcome aboard! You can also use a pick with your right hand if you want. Bass players have a lot more freedom than other musicians as far as style/technique.

What bass did you get? Post pictures!

Stinsok · #10 02-10-2009, 10:29 AM

You're not crazy, just late for the party.

shamus63 · #11 02-10-2009, 10:32 AM

Better late than never!

Enjoy driving the bus!

excane · #12 02-10-2009, 10:37 AM

Welcome to the crowd ya old fart!!

Just kidding

Enjoy the bass and all of our shenanigans here.

IHeartAmpeg · #13 02-11-2009, 12:28 PM

You played before? Then, welcome back! You answered the call. You did the right thing and you'll sleep better.

LowDown Hal · #14 02-11-2009, 12:33 PM

I hope not. I bought my first Bass at age 50 ...

WELCOME

Brick Top · #15 02-11-2009, 12:49 PM

Welcome to the club. I just started and I'm 49. Check out studybass.com for some things to get started. Lots of great resources here as well.

Good luck,
BT

sweetmarie58 · #16 02-11-2009, 08:16 PM

Gee guys, thanks a bunch. I bought a used (could say brand new) Hamer Slammer black and white.

Learnt a few things past couple days. Yeah, music wasn't written for guitars, lol. All the high notes are at the top of the staff and my high note string is at the bottom??? What's all that about, he he, he,

Now I KNOW Beethoven wasn't playing guitar.
Makes sense though, the higher notes at the top.

Stupid question: Is that why some (very few) play their guitar upside down? I've seen this before or was I dreaming? Would make sense if they didn't want to get confused.

Anyway, I learnt happy birthday on my g string (OOPS) today, was fidlling around and hit a couple of notes and sounded like the start of that song. Kept plucking and found all the notes, at least I think I did.

Here's what I found, could someone tell me if I'm close, I"ve never done this before, ever.

G G A G C B
G G A G D C

G G G'' E C C B A (C C B A on D string)

F F E C D C

sweetmarie58 · #17 02-11-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHeartAmpeg

You played before? Then, welcome back! You answered the call. You did the right thing and you'll sleep better.

No I haven't played before, this is my first guitar. Got a couple of harmonicas, never really mastered them. I love music though. Finally decided to take the plunge.

**jumbosilverette** · #18 02-11-2009, 11:00 PM

Started 3 years ago; now 52.

Blackhawkokla · #19 02-13-2009, 06:15 PM

Good luck I am having to relearn every thing

nortonrider · #20 02-13-2009, 06:25 PM

Sorry but you waited too long!
"you can't teach an old dog new tricks"

Now, go sit on your porch, yell at the neighborhood kids, sip a cup of tea and talk on and on about the good old days. Before it's too late... the clock's ticking.