Total newbie humbly asking for guidance...

[catcauphonic]

http://www.edfriedland.com/books/ are awesome,

http://www.studybass.com/ is a very helpful FREE site,

And at least a few lessons from the get go with a BASS AS MAIN INSTRUMENT TEACHER will be key to starting you out right. They can immediately correct any bad habits that a self learner can fall trap to.

Have a great time with it

edit: Almost forgot the free metronome >>> http://www.metronomeonline.com/. You can find a free drum machine out there too!

[Creepdog]

Great Thread. Thanks for starting it.
I am in a similar situation. I'm 44 years old. Learning to play bass was was of those thing I always meant to do but never got around to it. After I inherited a 1976 Gibson Ripper from my Father in Law, I decided to go through with it. I ended up buying a Squier VM Jaguar Bass and I have my first lesson this Saturday morning. Thanks for all the great info.

[Rockin Mike]

Play along with your favorite songs.
Get a headstock-style tuner.
Keep it fun.

[Lilgray]

I'm new too - I've been playing for a whole 6 weeks now and the bass is my first instrument ever. I'm a singer who always wanted to play bass - it just took me awhile for the timing to be right.

Things that helped me -
1) make sure your bass fits you; I started with a full size at first but struggled with it, because I have small hands - so I switched to a short scale and it works much better for me. I do regret that I bought my bass online rather than trying it in person because it's top heavy and I don't like that. But it will do for now. I just got an extra wide suede strap to help keep it in place but after I have a year under my belt I am treating myself to a brand new baby.
2) take at least a few lessons in the beginning to make sure you are using a "recommended technique" - my instructor said that as I get going I will likely develop my own style, but he wants me to try and learn things the recommended way so I don't have to move my fret hand all over the place, unless I want to. It's also helpful to try and learn the actual notes rather than just follow tablature. It is really a lot at first, especially if you are like me and knew ZIP about musical theory but after sweating over books I seem to be getting it finally.
3) Ultimate Guitar Tab and Guitar Tab Pro are awesome - you can play along at any pace if you use the "PRO" version.
4) I have a drum machine app on my iphone/ipad that is outstanding - makes it more fun than just a metronome (that is important too) the app is called "Drum Beats"
5) STUDYBASS.COM is AWESOME. That website alone has helped me understand music theory the most.

AND - my best advice? Start playing with other musicians ASAP. I am actually in a band now and it's the best thing - ever. I joined an existing band of two guitar players and a drummer so they never had the added richness of a bass and they are all just loving me. I can play with them already and just keep it simple and as I continue learning I'll be able to add more flavor and improvise. I have learned more in just a few jam sessions than I did playing by myself or during lessons. AND - it's so damn FUN! Plus, I like being the only chick in a rock band :-)

[thrash_jazz]

Originally Posted by Lilgray

1) make sure your bass fits you; I started with a full size at first but struggled with it, because I have small hands - so I switched to a short scale and it works much better for me.

I'd recommend not giving up on the standard sized bass. It's definitely frustrating in the beginning, but you'll get used to it. I have small hands too, and as I recall it took three months before I could really use my pinky effectively. But it can be done.

Just to clarify, IMO there is nothing wrong with learning on a short scale, but you will be limiting yourself when it comes to instrument choices down the road. As well, you'll have more difficulty should you ever have to use someone else's bass. Things to think about

[Lilgray]

Originally Posted by thrash_jazz

I'd recommend not giving up on the standard sized bass. It's definitely frustrating in the beginning, but you'll get used to it. I have small hands too, and as I recall it took three months before I could really use my pinky effectively. But it can be done.

Just to clarify, IMO there is nothing wrong with learning on a short scale, but you will be limiting yourself when it comes to instrument choices down the road. As well, you'll have more difficulty should you ever have to use someone else's bass. Things to think about

Good point - I switched because I was thinking that I'd stick with the short scale forever, because I'm a small-framed woman (not that I am implying women can't play full size because lots of them do, so please no one take offense) but I realize I'm going to be limited to what I get to play in the future! I still have my full size and ponder trying it out again - ironically the full size is lighter than the short scale and doesn't have the top-heavy issue.

[RDUB]

I urge every new player to take some lessons from a pro. At least you will then start out with proper form, and save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.

Aside from that, I think learning to read music is a real eye opener.

And aside from that, try to play anything you hear that sounds good. Bass line, horn line, vocal line, doesn't matter. If it sticks in your head, try to play it.

[Dan Someone]

I, too, am a newbie bassist. I picked it up last summer at the ripe old age of 49. Started taking lessons from a local music store, using rented equipment, then in a couple of months "graduated" to buying my own first instrument and practice amp. I'm continuing the lessons, but I've also started looking for other people to play with in my area, which I think is a great way to push yourself - even though I'm not in a "form a band" situation, what with life, family, and job to deal with, getting together with a couple of people on other instruments and working through songs we all like seems like a great way to raise my game.

[sammyp]

Glad to see you're gonna get some business done!

I teach guitar and bass for a living... Adults and kids!

The Hal Leonard fast track one bass book and cd is a serious kick start for a serious adult looking to get at it!

A couple months ago my wife started picking up my basses so I promptly brought home the fast track book! She does very well with it with little help from me.... Other than that I teach her the odd Pink song or Joan Jett etc

She is now able to research tabs on her own and is enjoying progress!