FNG

[Ubida]

so, I'm a FNG here.
I have no Bass guitar playing experience, whatsoever, but I really want to learn.

I'd like to take influences from Paul Grey of Slipknot , Justin Chancellor of Tool, Ryan Martinie of Mudvayne, and a few others.
Eventually (ultimately), I want to be playing metal, but I think it's also good to learn other styles too.
But for now, I must learn how to play, period.

I visited a few guitar/music shops, like Guitar Center, and a few local places. When I tell them what I'm looking for, they name off a few different basses, but one of them I heard repeatedly was the LTD B-55, and they all said the same; it's a great bass, a great bang for the buck, something a beginner can learn on, and grow into, without upgrading.
For those of you who know about this particular bass, any opinions?

About me, I'm 23, moved around a lot when growing up, switching between living with my mom and my dad.
At the age of 18, fresh out of high school, I joined the Army as an Infantryman. I served 2 tours in Iraq dodging bullets , a year each.

After 4 years (I was only supposed to serve 3), I am now out of active duty, finishing my obligation in the National Guard. Since I got out on Nov 1st, 2010, I am living with my wife in South Texas, but haven't been able to get a job down here (I think it's because I'm white =P ).

Let's see....
The wife is joining the Coast Guard, so soon we'll be out of Little Mexico.
Hopefully then, I can start school to be a mechanic.

Nothing else I can think of...

[Byron92]

Whoa... influenced by Paul Gray and Ryan Martinie from Mudvayne? I would have never thought to meet or talk to another person like other than me x) Although Duff Mckagan is really influencing me now, I still like the other bass players. Also I agree with you on listening to other type of music besides metal and rock, you can always learn something from the other styles... welcome to TB

[Ubida]

Thank you.
Like I said, I don't yet have a bass, and haven't ever played one at all.
Yes, Paul Grey and Ryan Martinie, to me are 2 very different styles, and both in my 2 favorite bands.

I figured I'd come here and ask all of the pros about bass guitars and different styles and techniques of playing.
Also, if anyone has any tips, feel free to post.

[Ubida]

Thanks for the welcome.
Yea, Paul Grey, all of Slipknot even, are the main influence that make me want to play. I've tried guitar before, but I can't even play twinkle twinkle little star without my fat fingers getting in the way.
I'm glad to have another Slipknot fan here as well.