Beginner Tips.

[Dulahey]

So I just got my very first double bass and now I need to start learning.

I am in the process of looking for a teacher, and have been recommended to go to a monthly bluegrass club meeting where people have jam sessions, but I'm looking for suggestions on what I should start doing NOW at home.

I guess first thing would be learning/memorizing all the notes in first position. I'm pretty sure I'll be playing these notes 95%+ of the time. But other than that what should I do? Should I just pick a couple songs that the rest of guys(guitarist, mandolin, banjo) are working on and start learning them?

I feel pretty clueless here. Should I just get their songs, see what chords are played and just play I-V's the entire song? Is that TOO basic? Are some runs required? Will it sound bad if all I do is I-V? Just seems like that's the easiest/quickest way I can start playing with them.

[waleross]

Maybe you can find a Bass player nearby to tutor you as how to play bluegrass and then get a formal teacher. I personally don't play or have a Double Bass anymore but when I did, I had to build up my chops to be able to play say I IV V patterns, easier said then done......Go to the bluegrass jam and jump in, you'll have fun I'm sure.and you'll meet other bass fiddle players and go from there.....................

[pickerpete]

It is NOT bad to play I-V at all. In fact that is an excellant foundation to work with in bluegrass. Play that in good time with a solid sound. Later ad a bit of walking and you'll be on your way. Keeping it simple is key.

[Dulahey]

Originally Posted by pickerpete

It is NOT bad to play I-V at all. In fact that is an excellant foundation to work with in bluegrass. Play that in good time with a solid sound. Later ad a bit of walking and you'll be on your way. Keeping it simple is key.

Just got back from my first practice gig ever and yes I totally agree. If I can learn to I-V really well, I have no problem at all with that. It adds a GREAT sound to the band.

And yeah, exactly like you said, once I get a little better I can start adding in some walking.

[wallawallabob]

Building up your hands - both of 'em - is important. I would recommend playing scales, first to learn the notes (keys E,A,D and G will do virtually any BG tune), then play 'em as fast as you can.

I find that practicing new music on a bass at home is not only tough, but somewhat boring. If I can find a recording of the song I loop it and play along with it over and over to get the bass line, then I play it over and over while singing only, then I do both.