learning by myself

[michael51]

I'm trying to learn by myself, using selfhelp books with tabs, but I can not find any tabs for old hymns or gosple songs. Does anybody know of any books or online sites that can help me? Oh yes, I started at a late age (56) and have very abused hands that don't always work right

[Shovelbone]

Originally Posted by michael51

I'm trying to learn by myself, using selfhelp books with tabs, but I can not find any tabs for old hymns or gosple songs. Does anybody know of any books or online sites that can help me? Oh yes, I started at a late age (56) and have very abused hands that don't always work right

WWW.STUDYBASS.COM

[dave64o]

Michael,

Do you have any goals, such as playing in a gigging band, just jamming with friends, learning to play for a church, etc.?

The reason is ask is that I'm 44 and have been "playing" for about seven years. Most of the first 5 years or so was jamming with a few friends once in a while and then working with another friend writing and recording songs. Since that project ended about two years ago I've just been messing around in my basement learning songs by ear and sometimes by tab. It's fun being able to play along with songs I like but I finally hit the point where I realized that wasn't going to get me anywhere. It took a while to work up the guts to contact an instructor who was up to the challenge but I did it and now have two whole lessons under my belt. Have you considered lessons? I'm sure if you found the right instructor they'd work with you at a pace you can handle.

I'm not sure what you mean by "abused hands that don't always work right" but my dad is now 81 and just started playing the violin two years ago after a sixty year hiatus. His hands are becoming arthritic and he thought he'd try playing as a way to help get his hands and fingers moving but more importantly he also realized he's recapturing something he thought he lost forever. Based on his experience it seems like playing could be a good physical therapy and I'm sure a good teacher would take that into account.

Anyway, whether you continue on your own or do decide to study with an instructor, keep it up if you love it. It's never to late to learn something new!

[awakefie]

A good all-purpose book I like is, don't laugh, 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Bass Guitar". While it doesn't necessarily contain hymns or praise it did give me enough underlying stuff that I can pick up a hymnal and usually tell the key, tempo, and make up a bass line that sounds fairly decent.

Whatever you do keep at it, there are alot of TBers willing to support us "older gentlemen".

[fearceol]

Like you, I too am a late starter. I took up the bass again four years ago ( at age 50 ) after a looong absence. While tabs are ok up to a point, I would concentrate on trying to play by ear. As "dave64o" said, it depends on what you want out of playing bass. I played along to cd's at home for a while, then took some lessons. Just to learn good technique alone, it is worth taking a couple of lessons from a good teacher. You'll find that those "old hands" will come alive in time, once they are shown the tried and trusted way to play ( there is no "correct" way )

As for the theory side of things, I agree with the above recommendation of the "Study Bass" site. A good book I'd recommend is "Bass Guitar for Dummies". Dont let the "D" word put you off. It's a great book and deals with all aspects of the bass guitar. It also comes with a CD.

Best of luck with your playing, and most important of all..... have fun.

[Skywalker83]

i'm more or less self taught on bass and guitar.

here's some things i recommend.

Don't just look for tabs, try to get hold of stuff that has both the music and the tabs. Having just the tab on its own you dont really get any indication of timing.

I use a mixture of computer and real sheet music for practicing.

I use this site for getting a hold of "power tabs" and "guitar pro files".
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/

There are many places on the net that has these files for free, just do a google search.

I then use this program to play them back
http://www.tuxguitar.com.ar/


A great free program for learning songs, lots if useful features. The only thing about it is, somethimes you need to re think some of the fingering in the tab. But its not always a bad thing at least it gets you thinking.

The quality isn't great, just basic MIDI sounds, but at least it gets you used to playing with along with a "band".
What i usually do is learn the piece in Tux and then get the actuall recording and play along.

Play everything you can, even stuff you don't like, it will really help, and even might introduce you to music and songs that you never knew were around.

Also another source that i use everyday is.... YouTube! Hundreds and hudreds of instructional videos, and videos of artists, professional and amatuers. its a great resource and one that i value the most, and is usually my first port of call should i get stuck with something.


If you have any questions or need any help with tux ,fire me a message.

Good Luck!

[BluesyCat]

I found this yesterday - have no idea if it is any good or not.
Maybe it will help??
http://www.basscamera.com/

[michael51]

First, thanks to all you that have anaswered. I would like to get good enough to play at church. I already have mod. to sever arthritic hands, so that is challange in and of itself. I use cd's to play with too.

[awakefie]

Originally Posted by michael51

First, thanks to all you that have anaswered. I would like to get good enough to play at church. I already have mod. to sever arthritic hands, so that is challange in and of itself. I use cd's to play with too.

Last time I checked God didn't snicker at a missed note or two.

I know someone with pretty bad arthritis in her knees. As she would say "It's hard to explain to somone that doesn't have arthritis how frustrating it is to feel pain every time you move."

Good luck and keep us posted.