How can i prepare for bass with a normal guitar?

[wantstobass]

Hi there, i've got a normal 6 string electric guitar that was my brothers, which ive sort of started learning a bit, but i really want to learn bass guitar. It'll take me a bit of time to get my hands on a bass guitar, and i was wondering if you had any advice for how i could prepare for bass on a normal guitar? i've tried plucking the strings with fingers instead of a pick as thats how i wanna play bass, but any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks x

[MalcolmAmos]

Pick, thumb or fingers - up to you. Google up some videos on floating thumb and adapt them to your 6th string.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPVMBPmrblU

Just ignore the top two strings on your 6 string electric guitar.

http://www.cyberfretbass.com/scales/basic/page2.php Use the major scale pattern and place the root note on the 6th and or 5th string of your electric guitar.
Most of the time placing the root on the 5th string (3rd on a 4 string guitar) works out for the better. Why? A root placed on the 5th string where is the 4 and 5 note? Above and below your root, is that great or what. C-F-G or D-G-A


Go to http://www.studybass.com/ Just ignore the top two strings.
This is your basic go to pattern http://www.studybass.com/lessons/bas...e-major-scale/
On the bass you play cord tones. Music is over a C chord here are your choices:
C -- all Roots, or R-5, or R-3-5-3 why back to 3? If it's 4/4 time you need 4 beats to the bar, going back to the 3 gives you the 4th beat.
C7 - R-3-5-b7
Cmaj7 - R-3-5-7
Cm - R-b3-5-b3
Cm7 R-b3-5-b7
C/something - you play the slash something.
Ignore anything beyond a 7th right at first.

Have fun.

[colcifer]

There's a lot you can do. I had a similar situation and ended up just teaching myself guitar. While I'm sure someone will come along shortly and say that's stupid, by doing so you learn the fretboard and basic harmony and use of rhythm. Also, while you'll still have to adjust to a larger instrument later, the basic techniques to get a good sound will be ingrained in your muscle memory.

Whatever you decide to do, I always have my beginning students learn to use their plucking hand first.

[longfinger]

Originally Posted by wantstobass

Hi there, i've got a normal 6 string electric guitar that was my brothers, which ive sort of started learning a bit, but i really want to learn bass guitar. It'll take me a bit of time to get my hands on a bass guitar, and i was wondering if you had any advice for how i could prepare for bass on a normal guitar? i've tried plucking the strings with fingers instead of a pick as thats how i wanna play bass, but any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks x

You can use the guitar as a tool to develop your ears and mind to hear and understand intervals, chords, scales, harmony and more.

[somegeezer]

The feel of a bass is massively different to a guitar. I don't see how you could really get a feel for it from a guitar. But you can always practise your theory.

[wantstobass]

Thanks for all that, will be very handy, just a more general question, is it ever worthwhile plucking strings with my ring finger and pinky? or is it only ever the main two fingers?
thanks again