Best way to get started.

DarthTainess · #1 06-16-2010, 05:55 PM

Okay, So I joined this website with absolutely no knowledge of bass playing what so ever. I'm a quick learner, though, and am very good at teaching myself how to do completely alien activities. In other words, expect to see a question from me at least once a month.

My first question is a simple one; is Bass like Guitar in relation to learning to play? What I mean is how everyone I know says that with guitar you should learn acoustic first. Is it like this with Bass, too? I deeply hope not, acoustics seem to cost much more than electrics, and I'm not exactly strong in the financial department.

nitsuj · #2 06-16-2010, 06:07 PM

Learning electric bass and the acoustic (double, stand-up, or whatever) are very different in many aspects. If you want to play electric, start with electric; over the years you may find yourself being drawn to acoustic.
First thing is to get a decent bass and something to play through. There are some new basses put out by Fender Squire that are good for the bassist on a budget. Gallien-Krueger makes some nice combo amps that don't weigh a lot, are inexpensive, sound good, and have enough juice to play with others (MB115 and MB210 are both good choices).
Then get something to learn from. Here is a good beginners book:
http://www.shermusic.com/new/1883217636.shtml

Finally, find a good teacher to meet with no less than once a month. This will save you a lot of time on the road to making good music.

MalcolmAmos · #3 06-16-2010, 06:12 PM

A starter stand up bass costs a lot more than a starter electric bass, however the stand up bass does not require an expensive amp. Yes you may still have to "mike" your stand up bass. Now your starter electric bass guitar may run you $300, but the amplifier will cost at least that amount also. So both starter basses are going to run you about the same amount of money. Most do start with the electric. I would love to have a stand up, not in my hobby budget.

Yes you can teach yourself, will take you twice as long, but, can be done.

We play chord tones and provide rhythm and the groove.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g35zS1tVO3o

Check this out. www.studybass.com

Welcome.

DarthTainess · #4 06-16-2010, 06:22 PM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the advice, I'll keep the questions coming. I'll look into those companies, too.

Stumbo · #5 06-17-2010, 11:32 PM

Take a look at the link in my sig. below for some great TB info that may help you along your bass playing journey.

Good luck!

tobie · #6 06-18-2010, 01:11 AM

When I was shopping for my first bass, I was told that accoustic (not upright) bass was a little harder to play but then it's easier to later switch to electric, rather than the other way round. I guess an important question is what you intend doing with it. If you'd like to play unplugged from time to time (around campfires, in unplugged bands on stage etc.) then you don't really have much of a chioce. If you're going to play in an electric band then a tight budget would dictate electric bass (a small-ish practice amp is sufficient, since the 'house' will supply the big stuff on stage in most cases).

Eminentbass · #7 06-18-2010, 01:54 AM

This answer depends on your goals or what situations you want to find yourself in but I'd recommend learning to read right from the start. The reason I say this is because I recently had to turn down a series of really lucrative gigs, that could've had long term spinoff, because I'm not a strong reader. I learned to read after I had been playing for about five years and never got to a competent sight reading level and now years later I'm working my butt off to make sure I don't lose anymore gigs that way.

With learning to read and play simultaneously, both skills develope at the same progressive rate but learning to read when you can already play is a seriously pain in the butt as I'm finding out

Having said that, welcome to the bass world and good luck.

EDIT: apologies for the lecture, I just re-read your original question and see I didn't come close to answering it but hopefully it helps answer any future questions

Li Shenron · #8 06-18-2010, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarthTainess

My first question is a simple one; is Bass like Guitar in relation to learning to play? What I mean is how everyone I know says that with guitar you should learn acoustic first. Is it like this with Bass, too? I deeply hope not, acoustics seem to cost much more than electrics, and I'm not exactly strong in the financial department.

Forget about the b.s.. I was lucky back in high school, when I was planning to start studying guitar, that I had a friend who always kept saying you should start with the acoustic guitar. That friend never made it past the acoustic. He inadvertainly teached me not to listen to people that tell you "you MUST do this and that before starting the real thing". Start immediately with what you want: not just the electric bass, but start with the type of bass you have in mind (if you do have some clue), with the type of music you like, get a band as soon as possible if you want to play with others, start writing some song tonight if you're interested in composition, etc... IOW, aim straight at your targets.

Marginal Tom · #9 06-18-2010, 02:10 AM

I started on an electric bass, then bought an acoustic (not an upright/double bass) for the occassional acoustic jam session. I found the acoustic very unnatural and uncomfortable to play, and traded it for an electric guitar before I smashed it against a wall. The much thicker body and wider fretboard made my right arm, left hand and right shoulder sore if I played it very long. The only way to make it loud enough to compete with other instruments would have been to use an amp, which would have defeated its sole purpose in my life.

If you want to play an electic bass, start with one. If you have smallish hands, you should consider a short-scale bass when you buy your first one.