Just starting

[bjbass1]

I just got my first bass for christmas and of course I'm new to the forum . I'm 30 so I feel like I got a lot of catching up to do . I don't know how to read music and honestly I'm more interested in just learning the bass inside out than reading music. I've been practicing about everyday since christmas. I am already getting pretty comfortable with strumming , but I can tell that fretting will be more difficult.

1. How do you eliminate the "buzzing" while fretting
2. How do you build up your pinky finger ?
3. Do I HAVE TO take lessons ?

[meev992]

1. Fret harder
2. Use it more
3. depends. Did you take piano lessons? If you have NO musical training, yes u need lessons. If you've taken piano already, ur okay.

[beausejour_boy]

re: 1. How do you eliminate the "buzzing" while fretting...

I think that most of us have encountered this problem at one time or another. Assuming that you have a bass guitar that is capable of "not buzzing", then I would suggest that you practise your finger placement when playing a note. You will find that a small correction either further away or closer to the chosen fret position may be the solution.

You will be surprised one day to find out that you can play without constantly looking at your fingers. The placement of the finger on the neck will become second nature.

At least, that is how it worked for me...

[Vincent P]

Originally Posted by bjbass1

1. How do you eliminate the "buzzing" while fretting
2. How do you build up your pinky finger ?
3. Do I HAVE TO take lessons ?

1. One mistake that most new players make and this applies to any insturment, is they play or feel they need to play fast. First thing I would suggest is get yourself a "Metronome" this is the most valuable tool a new player can own. Start simple E string first fret, first finger, second fret, second finger, third finger, third fret and of course your last finger the pinky on the fourth fret. At the begining you should not be concerned with speed as you should proper technique. Set the metronome low and 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1. I'm guessing your right handed, so with the middle and index finger of the right hand and the thumb planted on your pickup. Pluck the E with both fingers (they will look as though their walking) legato notes 1nnnn-2oooo-3eeee-4rrrr in time with the metronome. Practice this until you have good clean notes with a nice rythmic pattern. Then begin to add the A, D, G strings working up to the high string and back down, slow pace with the metronome. You will find as you practice that speed will come along with this.

2. Practice the above and you will find your pinky will strengthen.

3. Taking lessons. I would suggest lessons if its in your budget. My reason is that a good teacher will show you proper technique and placement, something which will be very hard to do once you have been accustomed to playing a certain way. You could also search the internet for videos, there are tons out there.

4. I would add one last thing. Setup a practice time of 1 hour every day. Try not to practice 1hr Monday skip Tues/Wed then make up with a 4hr practice on Friday. A good routine will make the world.

[Jazz PLayer]

Hey there. Cool to hear you got a new bass. What is it? I used to fiddle about on bass years ago, and only re-discovered it 3 years ago and I'm turning 50 in April, so age has no place here.

The other posters replying here have pretty much got it nailed. Buzzing is usualy due to not enough pressure. I still buzz now and then when playing around the first fret notes. It's best to place you finger just behind the fret, but real close. If you get this positioning right each time you fret, you should see (or hear) the buzz disappear quite quickly.

Yes, use your pinky a lot more. 1 finger per fret, including your pinky. I still slip sometimes and slide up or down on the same finger, but it should be a different finger for each fret.

As for lessons, I never did until this year. I attended a Weekend Warriors convention in Queensland (Aus) and met up with Roger McLachlin, the original bass player from a great Aussie band 'Little River Band'. He coached us during the convention, and I realised how much I could learn. I asked if he taught, and he did, so I am taking lesson (about once a fortnight for an hour). It is hard to 'do it right' after so long doing it my way, but it is paying off.

If you are really new, then yes, take lessons now and avoid regrets. Good to hear from you, and great advice from the other posters.

bye

[bjbass1]

Thanks for all the advice. My sister gave me a Tradition B-100 bass. I know it's not the best. I've been looking at the Studybass.com website and the way he plucked he used the index and middle finger. I've been practicing this way and I slide my thumb down to mute the other strings. I use my multitracks metremone to keep time and I usually keep it between 75 - 85 bpm . When I'm finished practicing I just play along to a video or a cd at whatever tempo. I notice I don't really to much buzzing when I pluck with my index and middle finger , but when I get to the ring and especially the pinky finger I get the buzzing unless I go VERY slow.

[Vincent P]

Looks as though your off to a great start. Practice Practice Practice.

[Valerus]

Lessons are suggested, if available.