Learning the bass

Icewolf · #1 12-09-2011, 07:55 AM

So I been wanting to learn the bass guitar but i have a few question so i came to this forum. first is it possible to learn it without any musical experience?
Second, If i do learn the bass is it good to get a tutor?

That's all the question for now. i hope you guys can help

Johannes Oehl · #2 12-09-2011, 08:06 AM

I really recommend getting a tutor. You will learn much faster and more efficient with a tutor. You can lear playing the bass without musical experience, try to learn to read tabs and standard notation in this order.

jabsys · #3 12-09-2011, 08:10 AM

You can learn without any experience, Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com is a good place to start.

MalcolmAmos · #4 12-09-2011, 08:16 AM

If you can count to 8 that's all the theory you need, the rest is technique. Yes get an instructor, if you teach yourself your instructor does not really know what he is doing. You will go down all kinds of dead ends and chase rabbits all over the place. An instructor will save you a lot of time.

If the instructor is out of the question, yes you can do it yourself, with some help from books, CD's, Internet sites, etc. Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com was mentioned and the book Bass Guitar for Dummies - your public library will probable have a copy - will get you started.

Welcome to the bottom end.

Icewolf · #5 12-09-2011, 08:19 AM

Thank you guys

now i gotta find a instructor haha
Also what bass guitar is good for beginners? i was thinking of getting the yamaha Rbx 374? i think

MalcolmAmos · #6 12-09-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icewolf

Thank you guys

now i gotta find a instructor haha
Also what bass guitar is good for beginners? i was thinking of getting the yamaha Rbx 374? i think

I have a Yamaha and it does everything I ask of it.

You will also need:
Practice amp to start with $100 - $150.
An electronic tuner $35.
A guitar stand $15.
A music stand $15.
A metronome from free on the Internet to around $35.
Soft gig bag when you start taking your bass to lessons or gigs $35.
Couple of how to books $40 +/-.
Weekly lessons $75 a month. Three months would put you in good graces to take over yourself if money is an issue, if not keep going with the lessons.

Have fun.

fearceol · #7 12-09-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johannes Oehl

try to learn to read tabs and standard notation in this order.

I'd recommend not becoming too dependent on tabs. They are OK up to a point, like where it is hard to determine what exactly the bass line is. More often than not though, they are incorrect, and besides, it is far more beneficial to try and play by ear and work things out for yourself by playing along to the music you like.

+1 for a tutor. One tip here, make sure it is a bass teacher, and not a guitarist that teaches bass on the side. Ask him/her if bass is their main instrument.

Stick_Player · #8 12-09-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

If you can count to 8 that's all the theory you need...

Really? That's it?

Cristo · #9 12-09-2011, 01:11 PM

Yes you can learn without any musical experience. I did, and so have countless others.

You may learn more with a teacher, like with learning anything else. It depends a lot on the teacher, and how they interact with you. You can also learn a lot on your own if you put in the time.

slaps76 · #10 12-09-2011, 01:15 PM

Getting a teacher would be a great start. I didn't get one for almost 2 years after picking up the bass, and I definitely wasted a lot of time. Learned things in 1-2 lessons, that were so basic, but opened up doors to make the rest much easier.

bassinplace · #11 12-09-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cristo

You can also learn a lot on your own if you put in the time.

Yeah, you can, but it does take some time. I haven't been able to afford a teacher, so I've been teaching myself via books, dvd's, internet. It took a while until my ear opened up but once it did, things got a lot easier. Up to then though it was like chewing grass. I would think a teacher would be more efficient if you can afford it. If not, it's not impossible to do on your own but it will take a little extra bit of determination and perseverence.

Icewolf · #12 12-09-2011, 07:55 PM

Thank you for all the Feedback

now i gotta find a tutor.. hmm where do i find some hehe at a music store?

MalcolmAmos · #13 12-10-2011, 10:06 AM

Music store instructors are hit and miss. I've not had much luck with the guy in the back room. However, the best instructor I ever had does back room music store instruction in the neighboring towns around here. So what's a guy to do?

Word of mouth. Most musicians have or are taking lessons, ask a musician in your area who they would recommend. The good ones will have a waiting list, but, it's worth getting in line and waiting.

You want someone that plays bass, not necessarily as his/her primary instrument, but you want someone that does at least play the bass. Sitting knee to knee with a friend that plays bass could be enough to get you started. If you can not find a professional instructor most all churches now days have a praise band, talk to the bassist at your church.

Good luck.