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Charlieain · #1 02-23-2010, 07:05 PM

Ok my name is charlie I'm 17. my dad has been a bass player for 30+ years. Since my dad can't possibly know everything about bass playing I would like to get some tips from other bass players since there aren't that many that I know about bass. Like tips that would help me in the long run and and now. I have been playing since last may.

barbarbass · #2 02-23-2010, 07:09 PM

Learn to read music.

Charlieain · #3 02-23-2010, 07:12 PM

I'm learning that now and getting better at it.

SMILEYSIXX · #4 02-23-2010, 07:14 PM

Learn to play as many picking styles as possible. Fingerpicking, heavy fingerslapping, slapping, slap-pop, tapping, picking... I made the mistake of playing only with a pick for a while.

stratovani · #5 02-23-2010, 07:45 PM

Know the fretboard. Where every note and chord tones are located. If the music calls for an Ab or a G# you should know instantly where it is.

M.Wrenn · #6 02-23-2010, 07:55 PM

learn your theory, scales, modes, circle of fifths/fourths, key signatures, chord theory, inversions, etc.

oh yeah, and apply it

best of luck

tobie · #7 02-24-2010, 12:11 AM

Sounds like you've got an instructor very near at all times - use him as much as possible. Even dedicate booked time with him to ensure you spend time with him!

fearceol · #8 02-24-2010, 03:01 AM

First and foremost, learn good right and left hand technique. It will pay dividends in the long run from both a physical and general playing point of view. A good teacher (your dad ? ) is your best bet here, or search You Tube. Your technique is the conduit through which you will express everything you learn. It is paramount that you get it right at the start, before bad habits develop. Good luck with it.

Charlieain · #9 02-24-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.Wrenn

learn your theory, scales, modes, circle of fifths/fourths, key signatures, chord theory, inversions, etc.

What are circle of fifths/fourth, chord theory and inversions? (sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. I want to know.)

fearceol · #10 02-24-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlieain

What are circle of fifths/fourth, chord theory and inversions? (sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. I want to know.)

It is not a stupid question by any means. However, there is a fair bit to be learned here. Here is a link that gives a basic idea of the circle of 5ths and it's use.

http://mugglinw.ipower.com/chordmaps/part9.htm

A great all round site is : www.studybass.com

Have a browse there. Start with how scales are made up, then how chords are made up from that scale.

M.Wrenn · #11 02-24-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlieain

What are circle of fifths/fourth, chord theory and inversions? (sorry if this sounds like a stupid question. I want to know.)

oh its definitely not a stupid question
at a very basic level

-circle of fifths/fourths is a way to learn and understand key signatures

-Chord Theory is how chords are made by using scales

- and inversions are different ways of playing chords
a. a chord is made up of the 1, 3, and 5 of the scale your using (essentially) where 1 is the bass note, an inversion is when the 3, or the 5 (second inversion) is the bass and the rest of the chord is changed relative to that

hope that gives you a basic idea

Charlieain · #12 02-24-2010, 12:38 PM

Yea my dad just didn't necessarily tell me what it was he just taught it to me. Also what does it mean to have a left hand and right hand technique? I'm right handed.

fearceol · #13 02-24-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlieain

Also what does it mean to have a left hand and right hand technique? I'm right handed.

It means to use both hands in such a way that you optomise your playing, at the same time reducing your chances of physical injury such as carpel tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury which can occur after years (sometimes a lot earlier) of playing with a bad technique.

fearceol · #14 02-24-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlieain

Yea my dad just didn't necessarily tell me what it was he just taught it to me.

In that case maybe he is not the one to be teaching you. Teaching is a different skill entirely.

Charlieain · #15 02-24-2010, 09:20 PM

Right now since im in jazz band my left and right hand technique have gotten better. When my dad was teaching me, I just never asked what the technical term was he usually put it in simple term since at that time i was about 2 weeks in to playing when he started teaching me scales and circle fifths/fourths