Instructor or book/DVD first?

[kctrumpeteer]

I picked up my very first bass recently and it is actually a xmas gift to myself, but hey I couldn't wait that long to get one...

Anyway, I have a bass and an amp and I have been doing things musically (Other instrument) for the past couple of years after picking it back up.

I've been planning on getting some lessons to get me started but because of my current finances can't afford to depend on regular private lessons...

So here is what I need (suggestions) on books/dvds to get started on learning how to play?

Also do you suggest that I start with a month of private lessons and then move into picking up a book/dvd or try to pick up a few things first? I see pros/cons with both. If you know something before getting lessons then you have a better idea of what to ask, but if you wait to get lessons you may pick up bad habits.

[MalcolmAmos]

If this is a hobby, as I assume it is, I discount picking up bad habits. Most, if not all the guy/gals I play with have some bad habits and they get some good sounds from their instruments. So that out of the way.

A month of lessons will cost about the same as any three books (with DVD's). If this is your first time out of the chute a teacher will save you a lot of time. I've always taken lessons in short spurts. Three or four months then lay out and practice what the instructor has given me - they can cover you up with "stuff". When I want to go to the next level then go back for some more "stuff".

So it's not just one way, a teacher can get you started in half the time it would take you to do it alone, then the Internet is full of lessons, try a little of both.

Have fun.

[Mike 257]

I am a little over a month in , I went the book/DVD route. I notice I dont understand a lot of the stuff in the books, I have Bass for dummies and its boring and I just cant get into it. I also have beginner bass and its full of tablature and Im not feeling that either.

Im glad I took the first month to get comfortable with my bass but I think now its time for lessons. I love playing along to music , at least I think that is what Im doing. If I hit a few notes that sound the same as the music I think I really doing something. I did pic up a few things from the DVDs and books but I dont want to waste anymore time trying to teach myself .I want to go to a teacher for a month and practice what he tells me then return back to lessons when I am ready for new material. I dont want to start lessons and have a bunch of stuff Im not real good at before he gives me more stuff to learn. Hope this makes some sense .