Absolute Beginner who needs help

[jfernandez]

I haven't played any instrument in my life and i would like to learn bass guitar. I would like to know if i can do it auto didactically, if so what book is the best for me? Do I have to learn to read music first and then start and learn how to play?

I'd like to learn to play jazz mostly and I'm a huge fan of jaco pastorius so i don't know if i should start learning on a fretless or fretted jazz bass. Well, i'd really appreciate some orientation.

Thanks for your time!

[Zappstorius]

auto didactically?

[jfernandez]

i mean to learn by myself without a teacher, using books, videos...

[McGroovin']

That's how I learned the basics, then I learned from there by playing with people. I was one of those bass players who had their first gig before they knew all the names of the notes on the fret board. Luckily I've come along way.............at least I think I have.

[meev992]

the problem isn't teaching oneself to play guitar or bass...

the problem is, not having any prior musical training. Even though piano isn't such a fun instrument (as it doesn't appeal to everyone), even a year on piano, and some time in a school band, teaches an individual A LOT about playing music.

since I'm assuming you've had no prior experience to playing any musical instrument, a teacher is recommended.

[barbarbass]

Get a double bass, and learn classical technique. Once you've studied that for a few years, you'll basically (bassically) be able to do anything else, because your theoretical and technical arsenal will be so developed.

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by barbarbass

Get a double bass, and learn classical technique. Once you've studied that for a few years, you'll basically (bassically) be able to do anything else, because your theoretical and technical arsenal will be so developed.

Need a teacher for double bass to get the proper technique or can get into a world of hurt.

[bassandbeyond]

Quite a range of advice you're getting here! If you're just planning on playing bass guitar as a hobby, you may indeed be able to teach yourself quite a lot with the many resources now available online and in books. However.....I would strongly recommend taking at least a few lessons with an experienced bassist in the beginning to establish proper technique habits. You can hurt yourself physically and hinder your progress musically by playing the bass with bad technique. Of course, a good teacher can also help facilitate comprehension of theory and style concepts, and also sometimes provide a needed kick in the behind or needed encouragement. Good luck!

[bassandbeyond]

Forgot to mention that I would recommend starting on fretted bass before tackling fretless.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by bassandbeyond

Forgot to mention that I would recommend starting on fretted bass before tackling fretless.

That never stopped Violinists / cellists / violists /.....

any other instruments I forgot

[morf]

Go to a music store, test basses, fretted, fretless, varying scale lengths, different necks, pickups/electronics, and pick the one that is most comfortable to you while still sounding decent to your ears. Start there, and in a year or two, when you have a clearer idea of what you want, make the jump.

[bassandbeyond]

Originally Posted by meev992

That never stopped Violinists / cellists / violists /.....

Have you ever heard how badly out of tune beginning violinists play? I'm not discouraging anyone from playing fretless, but to start on fretless is just giving yourself one extra handicap on top of all the other technical challenges of beginning to learn the bass.

[ste30]

Go buy a bass for $100 or however cheap you Americans get your gear, and just play around with it. Pick or fingers, however you feel comfy. Listern to songs that you like over and over and pick out the bassline, and then play them by ear. Because you know the song so well, you'll know when you're playing it wrong.

If you get a few months down the line and you think you wanna carry it on, go for lessons.

Ive had a bass for bout 18months, although playing time doesnt add upto much. But I definately know im getting better, can make out more basslines by ear etc. When I move back home im gonna go for lessons.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by bassandbeyond

Have you ever heard how badly out of tune beginning violinists play? I'm not discouraging anyone from playing fretless, but to start on fretless is just giving yourself one extra handicap on top of all the other technical challenges of beginning to learn the bass.

true.

was being facetious , btw

[sully]

"Mel Bay Presents the Electric Bass" might be a good starting point for you. An inexpensive electric tuner is also a worthwhile investment...

Start with the fretted bass and then work your way to fretless. Baby steps...

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by meev992

That never stopped Violinists / cellists / violists /.....

any other instruments I forgot

They dont have any choice in the matter. Have you ever seen a fretted violin.

[Busker]

Originally Posted by barbarbass

Get a double bass, and learn classical technique. Once you've studied that for a few years, you'll basically (bassically) be able to do anything else, because your theoretical and technical arsenal will be so developed.

Uh, why would a beginner want to spend $1500 or 2K on a budget double bass (that probably needs an expensive set up to play well) when he could get a good bass guitar, maybe even an excellent one and an amplifier, for a fraction of that? Add to that, strings only cost $18 and up for bg, rather than $175 for budget double bass strings. Unless he were seriously wanting to learn double bass, that is. I think the original poster wants a bass guitar.

[meev992]

Originally Posted by fearceol

They dont have any choice in the matter. Have you ever seen a fretted violin.

[meev992]

btw, that's a seven string, fretted, electric violin

[son_of_mogh]

Mark Wood rules!!!
I apologize for going off topic.