Ground Zero, Bass Noob, Never Played

BigTop · #1 02-06-2007, 06:38 AM

Ok Fellas I'm planning on getting a bass real soon. I'm 30, I know real late start. I'm wondering what books or dvd's you guys would reccomend for a ground zero starting player.

Have any of you guys used one of the pc based ones? Do you plug your bass into the USB? Are they worth while?

Thanks for any advise!
Scott (bigtop)

arbarnhart · #2 02-06-2007, 08:28 AM

I am 48 and only started a few months ago, but have some previous background with mandolin, guitar and piano. 30 is plenty early. Any chance you can get a lesson or at least a mentoring session with another player as a start?

srxplayer · #3 02-06-2007, 08:37 AM

I started at 37. I bought a DVD called bass basics and got started that way. It was fairly easy since I had some previous experience on guitar many years before. It got me thinking about the basics again and got me playing. It can teach you what you need to get going but you should consider actual lessons as well.

Lessons form an actual bass instructor will help you with technique and good form. I'm actually a self taught drummer and I developed a siginificant number of bad habbits over the years that had to be broken with lessons from an experienced instructor. I did not want this to happen with my bass playing.

Good luck and welcome to the low end.

BigTop · #4 02-06-2007, 09:12 AM

I talked to a guy i work with and his son went to an instructor that he had nothing but positive things to say about. It's not as pricey as i expected $12 or $13 per half hour.

So I'll probobly do the dvd thing, and the lesson thing together. I've never played guitar or anything so I better go that way so i don't develop bad habits out of ignorance.

Thanks guys!

lobey · #5 02-06-2007, 09:13 AM

Bass Guitar for Dummies.

Laugh at me if you must, but I'm actually reading it right now, and I found a lot of good stuff in there.

ChrisYoung · #6 02-06-2007, 09:21 AM

hahaha

PauperBoy · #7 02-06-2007, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobey

Bass Guitar for Dummies.

Laugh at me if you must, but I'm actually reading it right now, and I found a lot of good stuff in there.

+1
I had a pro gig in my twenties, had to back to college to afford a family, now that their off to college, picked up my bass again and bought Bass Guitar for Dummies as a refresher and what kind of bad habits I could break.

Aside from the offensive title, its a fine book.

BigTop · #8 02-06-2007, 09:42 AM

Thanks I'll look for it during my lunch hour!

vcs700s · #9 02-06-2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobey

Bass Guitar for Dummies.

Laugh at me if you must, but I'm actually reading it right now, and I found a lot of good stuff in there.

+2

Oh, I started playing bass about 4 months ago, at 53 years old. You are way ahead of the curve! This is a fun instrument to play.

Enjoy!

fearceol · #10 02-06-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcs700s

Oh, I started playing bass about 4 months ago, at 53 years old. You are way ahead of the curve! This is a fun instrument to play.

Great to know there are other late starters ( I'm 52 and took it up last year) out there. Only problem is getting people my own age to jam with. Most beginners are in the 18-22 age group and dont want an "old man"

in their band. Still I'm enjoying learning and playing along to cd's.

MarkAndHisBass · #11 02-06-2007, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobey

Bass Guitar for Dummies.

Laugh at me if you must, but I'm actually reading it right now, and I found a lot of good stuff in there.

+3

There is some great stuff in that book. Great value too I must say.

Late Boomer · #12 02-06-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Great to know there are other late starters ( I'm 52 and took it up last year) out there. Only problem is getting people my own age to jam with. Most beginners are in the 18-22 age group and dont want an "old man"

in their band. Still I'm enjoying learning and playing along to cd's.

My dad, who took up guitar at 65, plays every Saturday with about 5-6 other guitarists who all have the same instructor. Everyone brings 1 or 2 songs they want to try out, with the chords and lyrics. The instructor plays the tune, everyone else joins in, they jam for an hour or so. A good time is had by all. It turns out they wanted a bass player. I went last week, and had a great time playing with them.

You could try asking the guitar instructors in your area if they have students who are looking to play w/ a bass player. It might be a way to find players who are more your own age and experience level.

BigTop · #13 02-06-2007, 12:09 PM

I picked up "Dummies" during my lunch hour. I already started reading some of it.
I have no theory experience or anything so this will be a tremendous help.

Can't wait to pick out my bass I'm down to 3 contenders
1. Rockbass by Warwick Streamer
2. Peavey Zodiac
3. Ibanez Ergodyne edb400

HaVIC5 · #14 02-06-2007, 01:37 PM

The Bass Guitar for Dummies book is a good one. Another great one is the Hal Leonard Bass method books 1-3.

chasfr · #15 02-06-2007, 02:04 PM

Count me in the late starter club--I picked my bass up at 50, about 2 years ago. +4 on "Bass for Dummies," it was-and still is-very useful. As far as your new instrument, take a look at www.rondomusic.net. They've got a great selection of SX (or Essex) bass guitars--good quality for very little money. Great starter basses. I've got an SJB-62 short scale, and it's worked out great.

Have fun and good luck!
chas

jumbosilverette · #16 02-06-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Great to know there are other late starters ( I'm 52 and took it up last year) out there. Only problem is getting people my own age to jam with. Most beginners are in the 18-22 age group and dont want an "old man"

in their band. Still I'm enjoying learning and playing along to cd's.

Move to L.A. and I'll be in your band (started last year at age 48). Of course who the hell wants to hear two old bass players?! Probably two old drummers, that's who.

jumbosilverette · #17 02-06-2007, 02:21 PM

Another suggestion... find a good looking, young female bass instructor. You won't believe how much you end up practicing.

vcs700s · #18 02-06-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Great to know there are other late starters ( I'm 52 and took it up last year) out there. Only problem is getting people my own age to jam with. Most beginners are in the 18-22 age group and dont want an "old man"

in their band. Still I'm enjoying learning and playing along to cd's.

So true! I was at GC last week checking out their bulletin board. Every band that wanted a bass player wanted guys who were 20-30 years old! Oh well, at least I get to play at church. It looks like no band for me.

fearceol · #19 02-06-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcs700s

It looks like no band for me.

I'd say there is still hope for you/us yet

Age should n't make that much difference if common musicial tastes can be found. Lots of 20 year olds I know like the beatles, led zepplin ect. Like me, keep practicing, enjoy doing it and just maybe.....

tjh · #20 02-06-2007, 10:38 PM

there is a thread on here already where BGFD is highly recommended ... along the same lines is a newer entry called 'the Complete Idiots Guide to Bass Guitar" ... I have both of these, and both are worth several times there cost, but I strongly recommend BGFD first, and then the CIGBG ... the closed scale patterns in BGFD are more clearly emphasized ... both good books, combined with a live instructor you should be well on your way ... BTW, I am 52 and just returned to the bass world last year after a 30+ year hiatus ... played in a touring 3 piece R+R band back in early 70's, but never knew a lick of theory, or why I was playing what I was ... it has been fun learning to understand what it is all about ... just remember, you dont have to learn it all, but enough to do what you want, so dont get frustrated ... and have fun with it ...