Bass learning becoming overwhelming

[Dyabolic]

Hey guys, I got a bass guitar as a Christmas gift this year. Of course I would love to learn, and I've learned a lot for 2 days, and by myself. I know the strings and the notes, although it takes me awhile to find something like A# on the E string.

And I'm reading Bass Guitar for Dummies, which is an O.K book but I feel like a lot of details are being left out for me. I guess the question is - Am I over analyzing? Either way I like to be sure I know 100% what I am being told.

*I'm just kind of curious about the purpose of Major scales, Minor Scales. I mean, the book says that scales are up to 7 notes in an orderly ascending/descending sequence of notes, but my question is what's the benefit to learning things like the E Major scale?

*Right now I just started reading music notations, and I'm a little confused by how, for example, G on the A string is in the same spot as the open G string. Isn't open G a higher octave? (Correct me if I misused this word, I'm trying to learn!) How do I know when notes are asking for G on the A string or if it's asking for open G?

Thanks guys so much, I hope I'm not too much of a nuisance. I hope I covered all my questions, I'm sure I had more I just can't remember them now .

[Lesfunk]

teaching yourself to play from scratch can be a frustrating experience. My advice is to find a bass player to take lessons from. Check at your local music store... ask around.
When I was in High school My bass teacher wasn't even a bassist. He was aclassical guitarist. He was a good musician and a good teacher which was the most important thing. I learned a lot from him.
if I hadn't started off with lessons, I'd be even worse than I am Now!

[Jake of Bass]

Be patient, practice with intent, have fun

[voodoobassist]

+1 on finding a teacher, I was self taught, but would switch that if I were able to go back in time. You can learn on your own and actually do very well, but, a teacher can show you things much quicker than you can stumble across them yourself. A good instructor can also keep you from learning bad habits that will hinder you down the road. My advice, find a good instructor, practice often, and most importantly,...have fun!

[OtterOnBass]

Rule #1- Your ears are always right.

Open G or G on the A-string have different tones, you choose which one to use. Written music won't say which, and often doesn't have every note mapped out for the bassist. Instead you will have freedom to use your ears and experience to make the best part you can.

Scales are the color palette for the song. Happy/moody/etc. Take your time and read through the threads on Talkbass, using wikipedia.org to look up concepts that are new to you.

Remember it's supposed to be fun, not torture.

[highwattage]

This is going to be a little hard to understand at first but in a few years (if you stick to it) you might start to see this emerge

Scales:
Scales are an orderly way to knowing how notes work together to form melodies and harmonies. This is also true for chords. A major scale (does not matter which one) is a selected group of notes that sound give a certain feel to the melody. A major scale has a happier tone than a minor scale. If you listen to classical music, composers often switch between major and minor during songs. Try listening to bach. If he his using a major scale the tone is normally happier and if he is using a minor scale the tone is normally darker. When it comes to scales, the key (or root note) does not really matter (except to which one sounds best to your ears). When you become more advanced as a player you will learn additional scales (such as blues), but you will also learn not so much in terms of scales but how every note sounds relative to one another (whether played chordally or melodically).


If you have any more questions pm me.

[tbei]

I was in the same situation a very short time ago. Try the learning section at studybass.com, it works through the bass musically assuming you know nothing from the bottom up.. I found it really helpful and it has some really nice exercises which consolidate your knowledge.

[phxlbrmpf]

About scales: I agree that they're essential to learn because they help you come up with interesting bass lines yourself and will help you create fills, licks and solos. If you're "fluent" in them, they will help you transfer the thoughts in your head right into your playing and they will also help you figure out bass lines in songs much quicker. Also, if you ever want to start playing walking bass lines, they're pretty much essential.

[edgewise]

Overwhelming, I hear you. I've been studying for a couple of years and sometimes I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels.

I can tell you this much is true:

A. Lessons really do help, when you find the right teacher. Write down the questions you have and go in with them. This will help you and your teacher.

B. Your teacher cannot teach you anything. He or she can only help you teach yourself. Sounds lame, I know, but it is very true.

C. You will never know everything there is to know. Get comfortable with that.

D. Make sure you understand chords and the role of chords in music. Scales are important, but without chords you won't be able to play with your friends. If you know the chords in a song, and you know how to find the root of each chord on your bass, you can play any song. It may not sound fancy, but it'll be correct.

E. Form or join a band with your friends or other beginners. Do this ASAP. You won't regret it.

Hope this helps!

[Dyabolic]

Wow, a lot of great response, thanks guys .

I have to admit I feel better now, but a certain something concerns me - You see, I don't have time or resources for a teacher because I'm maintaining a job and school. As well as money being tight since I'm starting college next year. So, do you guys think I can do well learning by book? I was actually planning to finish up "Bass Guitar for Dummies" then moving on to another How to Play book in hopes that maybe I'll pick up something I missed from before. Good idea or bad? Thanks for the massive help guys, and for your patience.

[WyrdoBass]

definitely get a teacher, they help a lot.

Just take everything easy, and getting a better book is a good idea. I've read Bass Guitar for dummies, and it seems much more like a "reference" kind of book. It doesn't seem like the best thing for teaching yourself. There is a Hal Leonard book that gets a lot of love around here, I forget the name.

Scales are what all music is built off of, and knowing them is essential, especially later in your learning when you get into modes, which are (basically) scales based off of scales. They help you construct basslines that sound right when you are playing. for example, if your guitarist plays a G major chord, then a bassline constructed off of the G major scale will sound right at home.

[Stumbo]

Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.

Getting the most out of TB
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Read as many of the FAQ's as you can. Lots of good info there.

If you haven't already, fill out your "User Profile", especially the equipment you own. Many TB'rs will check out your equipment list and music influences before posting an answer to a thread you create.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.ph...#faq_faq_slang Slang/abbreviations, forum usage, TB maint., posting.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB rules, Website questions, Membership, Terms of Use

**Note: On TB, GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome.

Searching TB
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So many topics have already been covered on TB, that it is always suggested that you try a search before you create a new thread. The internal search feature of TB is limited to words 3 characters or more. There is always the Google search option that utilizes Google search features. One of the best ways to search Talkbass.com is to use Google's Advanced Search parameters. Putting the year in your search terms is one way to limit the number of responses to a search. You can check it out at Google.com.

Subscribing to TB threads
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Note: in your "MyTalkBass" control panel, there is a menu selection "Edit Options". When you click on "Edit Options", one of the choices is for "Default Thread Subscription Mode".

I find it usefull to choose "Daily email notification" mode. What this does is to send you an email for each thread you post a reply to so you can follow subsequent replies without having to log on to TB. You can susbscribe to individual threads manually as you come across info that interests you but doing it manually takes time.

For threads that interest you for which you don't want to post a reply, post a reply with "subscribed" in the reply box. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Receiving email notification of Private Messages
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Also within the "Edit Options" page, you can setup TB to send you an email when you receive a Private Message (PM). This is very helpful if you don't log on regularly. I've received replies to a PM I sent months later just because of this situation.

Must reads:
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
Things every bassist should know? Things every bassist should know
Most common mistakes? Beginners common mistakes/where to start
http://www.google.com/custom?num=100...w.talkbass.com First bass advice
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Introductory Bass Lesson (click on Beginners)

Learning stuff
Practice Practice Practice How to practice bass
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method How to practice bass

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach Creating bass lines - Target Approach
what is in front of/behind the beat? Playing behind/ahead of the beat

Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Reading Music Learn to read music
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpo...53&postcount=4 learning modes

Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale and chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Book list for GI Theory Links Theory Book Links
Music Theory/General Instruction Links TB Gen. Instruction Theory links list

Knuckleheaded question of the day Learning to play jazz
jazz scales? not played bass in over a year Jazz Scales
Theory Forum FAQ and Links Theory (from the DB side of TB)

Blues Turnarounds Blues Turn arounds
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdiction...ogression.html Blues Progressions explained with samples

Free online lessons
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! Dman has videos
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best youtube bass teacher?
http://www.studybass.com/ Complete bass studies including online metronome, fretboard printer, bass clef tutor and more.
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members covering all types of bass instruction.
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK including videos.
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ bass guitar site includes lessons, arrangements, transcriptions, a beginners' guide, technical advice, solo pieces, fingerboard familiarity drills, bass oriented sound files, playing tips, a Q&A section, links and much more.

Books and instructional materials
http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/default.asp Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
looking for "the bass guitar bible!" Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's reccommended books
Best Theroy book "Best" theory/harmony book

Online study of music theory/ear training.
http://www.teoria.com/ Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
http://www.good-ear.com/ Ear training
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lineScreen.swf Test your ear
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Excellent visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point type lessons), ear trainer, chord calculator, more

College music
Colleges? So you want to be a music major in college
Solfege - What's the Point? Solfege
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary

Learning the bass clef
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...cdlPid=1509909 Downloadable program for learning the bass clef. (as recommended by AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print flashcards for learning bass clef, print staff paper

Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html

Teaching bass
Lesson Plan for Bass Teachers
To teach or not to teach

Finding a bass instructor
For bass teachers, and students seeking them

Software for transcribing/slowing down songs/Looping software/metronome,etc.
Software for Transcribing?
A way to slow down MP3s without altering the pitch?
I need software to slow down a song so its easier to learn
The Big Free Music Related Software Thread

Funk it up
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpo...9&postcount=10 Funk, groove and R&B bass players
Funk 101 Funk 101

Band stuff:
Aspiring band newbie seeks craigslist ad advice Advertising yourself.
Need help in the world of cover bands! Covers vs. Originals
Power Trio Playing in a 3 piece
How good do you have to be to be in a band How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?

Starting/managing a band
Starting a "Top 40" type band. some questions Starting a cover band
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch Starting a new band- how to audition
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning a new member for your band
Getting Suckered Auditioning: red flag stories
Is your band a democracy? or the opposite? Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
How to fire someone from a band How to fire a band member

Band Reheasal/Gigs
Band Practice Tips? Rehearsal tips
Band practice efficiency Rehearsal efficiency
How often does your band rehearse? How often to rehearse?
Noodling/Showing-off between songs To noodle or not to noodle?
Bar Manager Refused to Pay Us! Now what? Being asked to turn down the volume

Band names
Coolest and Dumbest band names you've played under... Best/worst real band names
The Infamous Band Name Thread Infamouse band name thread
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm

Guitards '-)
Guitar players as bass players...... Guitar players switching to bass

Other bass forums
http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthr...Board=5&page=1
http://basschat.co.uk
http://www.thestringnetwork.com/
http://www.bassgear.com

Cool rigs, equipment and info
Portable amps, cabs and combos Light weight cabs,amps, combos
The "I love my rig" Club Happy with my rig.
happy with my rig Happy with my rig
Your Ultimate Rig (with sort of a twist) Ulitmate fantasy rig
Mini Rigs of Doom-Let's see 'em!l Mini rigs of doom
RIGS OF DOOM - Ch. 3 Rigs of doom

Building Stuff
bass cabinet plans? cabs
DIY Lightweight Composite Cab Build light weight cab

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...76#post5176976 cab dolly
Great gig dolly cab dolly
how do you move gear with a bad back? cab dolly

Accessories
Light for fretboard Lights for your fretboard.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/can-anyone-recommend-good-headphone-amp-494539-post6634274/ Headphone amps/mixers/trainers

Upgrading
Which would you upgrade first? An amp or a bass? Upgrade bass or amp first?

Aging guitars/basses
http://www.grguitars.com/pick%20guards.html
http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm
http://rchildsrelics.com How to make a bass look old and well used?

For fun
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...=480666&page=1 Gadgets and Gizmos
Tips/tricks for living, what are some you've found over the years? Tips for living
Ways to save money that you know. Ways to save money

Learning Live Sound mixing
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound?

[MadMan118]

Wow that was an amazing list of links.
Thanks.

[Derek_L]

Deffinatly get a teacher and hit up Study Bass. I have the Bass for dummies book and in all honesty I didn't get much out of it at all, even at my skill level I found a few errors and very unspesific/misleading information.

[BluesyCat]

Whoa. Link central!

[Sithian]

Those links deserve a sticky- nice compilation there!

[tobie]

Originally Posted by Sithian

Those links deserve a sticky- nice compilation there!

Ditto!

[trust24]

i got bass for dummies too when i fist started and i didnt like it that much, I found the best thing was the studybass site, he really does explain stuff well and its free and theres exercises hes made for you to play along on. So just type in studybass on google and you will find it

[JimmyM]

Wow, two whole days and you haven't mastered everything yet???

Dude, relax and just do what the book tells you. What gets beginners into the most trouble is when they start questioning the musical system that's been in place for centuries. It's not important for you to know what purpose everything serves now, nor are you in a position to question it. Just take it for granted that there are reasons behind what they're teaching you in that book. They will all come clear to you as you progress.

And just to illustrate what I'm talking about, the open G IS the same exact note as the 10th fret G on the A string. So my advice to you is to realize you're a beginner reading books on a musical system that existed long before any of us were born and will be around long after we're dead. Don't do any questioning or assuming that they're wrong until you've reached a point in your musical development where you can actually speak intelligently on the concepts.

[Beyer160]

What kind of music do you want to play? If you're interested in rock, get the first (selftitled) Ramones album. The guitar is all in one speaker, and the bass is all in the other- even as a beginner, you can start picking out parts and playing along because the songs and bass lines are really, really simple. You may not know what notes you're playing, but Dee Dee probably didn't either. It's not a substitute for "real" learning (you'll still have to do that, too), but it's a fun way to get playing and start working on dexterity while being a lot more interesting than just picking through scales.

Of course, if you want to play jazz this won't really work.