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Originally Posted by Steel Hyena  Just wanted to say thanks for all the tips, even though I didn't start this post. I'm on the "newer" side of things when it comes to the bass myself, so I'm anxious to see different techniques and ideas on how to learn.
I'm going the self-taught route myself, but I have considered taking a few lessons. Unfortunatly I don't have many friends who are musicians, and the ones that are play almost exclusively metal (which, I completely respect metal, but it's not what I want to play), which means jam sessions for me are few and far between, and tend to consist of just one style. :-(
But it still helps. Other than that, I'd say learn some basic scales and try to play along to some music. Also, take time to jam by yourself. Screw around and see what you can figure out on your own.
And like the guy above me said, take time to study. Don't pick up your bass for five minutes a day and then call it quits till tomorrow if you can help it. I personally go for a minimum of thirty minutes a day, but tend to feel guilty if I don't get a couple hours in.
And I think I wrote most of this directed towards myself. |
I'm self-taught, have played bass for five years, and had my very first actual lesson yesterday.
The first thing he's having me do, is to get back serious with my scale practice. He is having me play each note of the scale *slowly* and *clearly*, and not playing them faster until each note is clear. He is having me take my acoustic bass, sitting it up vertically, and playing each note of the scale with my fret hand alone, in this position, no plucking. I am to do this until the notes are clear. This strengthens the fretting fingers.
Look at the scale charts in Bass Guitar For Dummies. These are excellent, and worth the price of the book all by themselves. Pay particular attention to the fingering. When they say to start on 2 (your middle finger) for the major scales, there's a reason why, so follow that.
As you become more familiar with your scales, try deconstructing them. I was thrilled at how much this opens up and trains the ear! For instance...play a major scale in G. Then play a major scale in D. Then play each scale out of order, starting at some note other than the root. Try connecting the two scales, in many different ways. This is like giving yourself an instant catalog of riffs!
I am going to have to do some of my lessons by correspondance, as my teacher is leaving for Vegas for four months to play in a show band up there. If you like, I will share what he gives me with you. He won't mind. He has played for 43 years, and is most interested in helping bassist improve as musicians.
Cherie
