recommendations for instructional material for a beginner?

narcopolo · #1 02-02-2009, 02:30 PM

i've been playing bass guitar for 12 years, and i finally fulfilled my dream of getting an upright. i haven't enjoyed practicing this much in years!! however, i feel like i could be more efficient and learn much faster once i get ahold of some good instructional material. as far as theory and groove go, i'm fairly experienced and confident. my needs are more immediately concerned with technique, position, intonation, and instrument care.
thanks guys, and i'm so excited to be one of you guys finally!
what do you guys recommend?

marcox · #2 02-02-2009, 05:32 PM

I'm in the same boat you are -- a longtime BG player who started playing double bass 7-8 months ago. I strongly recommend lessons. I've watched videos and read books, but nothing beats immediate feedback from someone a couple of feet away. Especially in the beginning, when bad habits are forming that may be tough to break later, get some expert instruction.

I have an unstructured relationship with my teacher. We get together every 2-3 weeks as our respective schedules allow. Sometimes, between work and band commitments, I haven't had any/much time to spend on my "homework." But I never fail to learn something useful during our hour-long sessions.

narcopolo · #3 02-02-2009, 09:58 PM

yeah, i do love teachers, and i'd like to get a few lessons in. however, between getting it set up, actually purchasing it, and buying strings and a realist pickup, it's gonna be pretty hard to spend but so much. plus, with a crazy schedule - studying for grad school entrance/ electrician apprenticeship/ working to make rent, it's pretty rad to be able to learn on my time.
regardless, though, i am so in love with my new instrument, that it's the first time in a long time i've actually had to force myself to put down the bass because i have other priorities to attend to. it's a pretty great feeling.

M Ramsey · #4 02-03-2009, 01:47 PM

Check out the two Todd Phillips instructional DVDs. Lots of good info from one talented bassman.

Alan Tompkins · #5 02-05-2009, 07:22 AM

Missy Raines has a good, short DVD for beginning bluegrass bass players. Here's a link to it on her www.missyraines.com site:

http://missyraines.myshopify.com/pro...h-missy-raines

Good luck!

Alan

wineaux · #6 02-05-2009, 08:46 AM

Narco,

I have both videos. I would start with Missy's then go to the two Todd Phillips videos.

But your first stop, even if it's a lesson or two to learn proper form and technique, should be a teacher. You can hurt yourself (really) and set yourself back quite a bit with bad habits.

The videos are terrific but they can't correct you.