Just started on bass

vYu223 · #1 09-11-2007, 09:17 PM

Hello everyone, I've considered recently to start to learn how to play the bass (for the church band), and I've come here to ask for some advice. I know that for the church band, I won't have to learn much at all. It's just hitting a note here and there... However, I want to take it to the next level since I'm going to play the instrument anyway.

Btw, I'm borrowing a bass from the church and bringing it home to practice. It's an Ibanez GSR200 - the old version... passive, I think? Well, it has three adjustment knobs.

I DO have prior musical experience. I've played the violin before, the piano, and the trumpet. I currently play the alto saxophone. I must say though that I won't put 100% of my time and dedication into playing the bass, because I do that for the alto saxophone, which I plan on playing for a music major (jazz/bebop jazz) for college. I play mostly Charlie Parker (bebop) stuff.

Where should I start? I don't plan on getting steady bass lessons, but I plan on getting some from time to time. What's the first book I should get? How should I hit the strings with my right hand? Should my left hand's fingers press down in between the frets, or right next to the frets?

Thanks,
Vince

EDIT: Gah, sorry, I meant to put this thread into the General Instruction forum.

PrimusNut · #2 09-11-2007, 10:01 PM

My advice would be, first off, watch some videos of your favorite bassists. Watch how their hands are on the neck, the strings, and how they are using their right hand.

This should give you the general idea on how to hold the bass, and how to play with your right hand. Basically just go from there. Get some tabs, learn some songs, and then work on your technique.

I can't reccomend any books, or theory, or any of that (because I don't know theory), but I can tell you this is probably one of the first things you should do. It really helps me a lot to study other bassists techniques.

Hawaii Islander · #3 09-11-2007, 10:06 PM

You can also find quite a bit of info, lessons and demos on YouTube.com. Search for Bass lessons. You can also search bass player names to see and hear them play. Its a place to start.

Good Luck!

vYu223 · #4 09-13-2007, 01:54 AM

Alright, thanks guys, I think I can figure out where to go from here.

tocoadog · #5 09-13-2007, 12:37 PM

Tab is ok, I guess, but it doesn't show rhythm [and I don't mean to step on anyones toes]. As a bass player, your job is to provide rhythm and harmony. I would encourage you to learn to read. Believe me, it sucks in the beginning. A little everyday over the course of a year (and for the rest of your life afterwards...), you will see improvement. Trust me! My first instructor recommended that. Talk about empowering.

cmmcm · #6 09-13-2007, 12:46 PM

...and in reply to you "where to touch the string", you will get a much clearer tone, and reduce any buzz, if you finger right behind the fret, right in the gap between the top of the fret and the fingerboard...assuming that the frets are not worn too bad.

Lesfunk · #7 09-13-2007, 01:00 PM

Learn the notes on your bass.
Learn one octave fingerings for Maj , Min ,Blues, Pentatonic scales and MAj, Min, V7 arpggios.
That will give you a lot of power to start playing simple effective bass
Try to keep your left thumb behind the neck and your fingers spaced evenly.
Try to pluck the strings with an even, consistent attack for a smooth sound.