I want to be a jazz bassist!

[dubclashdub]

I have been playing bass guitar for four years and play most days for about half an hour. I have never taken a lesson but I know some theory from playing trumpet. I want to become able to play jazz music very well. I currently have an American Standard Jazz bass but I have been thinking of switching for something with a more vintage sound or something that would work better for jazz. What would be the best thing for me to do to become a jazz bassist? lessons? Thanks!

[christianharger]

Definitely lessons. Don't worry about switching your instrument at this point - your Jazz Bass will be fine. Also, you should start listening to jazz music a LOT.

[jmattbassplaya]

Definitely lessons. Listening to the genre helps a TON. Transcribing music and working on theory will definitely help. Playing in jazz bands will also help.

Not to be a downer, but you'll probably need to step up how often you practice as well. I'd try to squeeze in two hours a day if you can.

[fdeck]

If you're in school, try to get into the jazz band. It will give you a lot of playing time, plus reading. That's how I got into both bass and jazz, after playing cello for a few years.

Also, the Fender bass is just fine. I'd gladly play jazz on such a bass.

[sammyp]

don't worry about your bass gear for now ....learn to walk thru standard blues changes 1st in guitar keys like E and A ...then move that to F and Bb....that's where you get into horn keys .....then learn to walk thru jazz blues changes ...they have some added chords vs std blues....

you will need to learn minor 7th, dominant 7th and major 7th appegios or chord scales for the standard ii V I changes in jazz .....

then you will need to be able to do these in a minor key ala iim7b5 - V7 - iminor

check out some non blues jazz standards like Autumn Leaves, Take the A train, Satin Doll ....

this stuff will get you well on your way .....much of foundational walking is a 1/4 notes so the better you know your arpeggios and chord chemistry the faster things will come for you!

[Audiophage]

Come on, they don't call it a Jazz Bass for nothin'.

Seriously though the best thing is to start listening to a lot of Jazz, learn how to walk, and try to get at least a basic understanding of harmony to start off. A teacher can be very helpful for this. Also, the best thing you can do is to join a Jazz band before you think you're ready.

[Marty Forrer]

Originally Posted by sammyp

don't worry about your bass gear for now ....learn to walk thru standard blues changes 1st in guitar keys like E and A ...then move that to F and Bb....that's where you get into horn keys .....then learn to walk thru jazz blues changes ...they have some added chords vs std blues....

you will need to learn minor 7th, dominant 7th and major 7th appegios or chord scales for the standard ii V I changes in jazz .....

then you will need to be able to do these in a minor key ala iim7b5 - V7 - iminor

check out some non blues jazz standards like Autumn Leaves, Take the A train, Satin Doll ....

this stuff will get you well on your way .....much of foundational walking is a 1/4 notes so the better you know your arpeggios and chord chemistry the faster things will come for you!

Words of wisdom here, Glasshoppah!

[randyripoff]

Originally Posted by fdeck

If you're in school, try to get into the jazz band. It will give you a lot of playing time, plus reading. That's how I got into both bass and jazz, after playing cello for a few years.

+100. Improved not just my playing and reading skills, but also my understanding of my role within the band.