New to bass, any advice?

Tapout73 · #1 12-01-2007, 08:08 AM

First of all, I'm 34, and have never picked up an instrument before in my life. I never had an interest in guitar, but love the bass, and love to listen to the bass in various songs. I am taking private lessons starting monday. I just hope I'm not too old to learn to play, especially considering I have no formal music training in my background at all. I don't want to just learn tabs and play in a band right now, I want to learn how to read music, and get a very solid foundation of the bass before going any further.

Dordmháistir · #2 12-01-2007, 08:29 AM

The mighty Mark King (Level 42) supposedly took up bass at the ripe old age of 21 ...granted he was a drummer beforehand but still it's never too late to learn. I always say the bass is a great instrument because you can buy a bass for the first time and be able to play a bassline that same day (albeit a very simple bassline) after only a tiny bit of practice. I started at 16 with zero prior musical expertise and taught myself. The bass is better than the guitar because you can see results much quicker as you don't need to learn chord shapes to make melodic sounds. Learning to read music would be very useful but definitely not essential, I keep intending to learn how to read music but never seem to get around to it.

DocBop · #3 12-01-2007, 12:15 PM

There are guys here that didn't start playing till in there 40's or 50's so age has nothing to do with it. Its all about interest, persistence, and patience. Being an older student has the advantage or being able to focus better than younger students whose attention span tend to be all over the place. The key is to remember to have fun and....

If you think you can or if you think you can't, you're right. - Jim Stinnett

Tapout73 · #4 12-01-2007, 12:55 PM

Yea, I plan to have fun with my new bass. Probably will never do the band thing though, but hey who knows what the future holds? i never thought I'd be buying a bass 5 years ago either

cowsgomoo · #5 12-01-2007, 03:34 PM

you're never too old... if you have the passion, you have all you need

well, you need a bass too, but you get what i'm saying

drumsnbass · #6 12-01-2007, 08:43 PM

I'm 47 and started late like you a few years ago. My progress has been 'okay', but would be better if i stuck to a regular practice schedule.

My hints:

1) regular practice scheule
2) have some short and intermediate goals
3) make sure you get a sense of satisfaction from what you learn
4) know what you want to learn to play (jazz, rock, ???)
5) make sure your teacher has a progressive plan for your learning.

RiddimKing · #7 12-02-2007, 12:49 AM

I came from essentially a non-musical background and began bass lessons at age 44 (I'm 50 now). I'm currently in two alt-rock bands and having a great time--starting to play out and going to record an EP with one band in January. If you're motivated, love the instrument and are willing to put in the time, you can become at least adequate in a few years. Mastery is a lifelong pursuit: I'm personally keeping my sights on "hey, you're not bad." What age you start isn't really important, unless you've got delusions of stardom or playing for a living on your mind.

element365 · #8 12-02-2007, 01:19 AM

I started earlier this year, I'm 17 right now.
My dad started playing this year as well, and he's 60.

And I thought I was too old to start playing an instrument.
I chose bass because of the beautiful sounds it can make and the finese needed to play well.
Good luck

Johnny StingRay · #9 12-02-2007, 09:06 AM

Go to www.carolkaye.com go to her catalog and order her bass method books and DVDs. They are inexpensive and the best way to learn how to play bass. If you join her forum you will be able to "speak" to her directly and if you e-mail her, she will always e-mail you back. You can't go wrong with Carol's methods......after all she is the greatest studio bassist of all times and was the first to teach electric bass in the right way.
Hope you follow my advice.
Johnny

drumsnbass · #10 12-04-2007, 02:24 AM

Carol's record may speak for itself, but she at times tends to speak even more than here record. she can be a little full of herself, and frankly, having bought some of her stuff at one time, i can definitely say there is WAY better out there.

My suggestions:

Mel Bay Walking Jazz Lines for Bass by Jay Hungerford
http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Walking-Ja...f=cm_lmf_tit_5
(excellent if you are completely clueless on jazz bass, walking lines or music)

Jump n Blues Bass Book/CD by Keith Rosier
http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Blues-Bas...f=cm_lmf_tit_4
(this will make you feel like a bass player in no time)

Johnny StingRay · #11 12-04-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumsnbass

Carol's record may speak for itself, but she at times tends to speak even more than here record. she can be a little full of herself, and frankly, having bought some of her stuff at one time, i can definitely say there is WAY better out there.

My suggestions:

Mel Bay Walking Jazz Lines for Bass by Jay Hungerford
http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Walking-Ja...f=cm_lmf_tit_5
(excellent if you are completely clueless on jazz bass, walking lines or music)

Jump n Blues Bass Book/CD by Keith Rosier
http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Blues-Bas...f=cm_lmf_tit_4
(this will make you feel like a bass player in no time)

I'll have to take a look at those materials. I need some new inspirations anyway. Yes, Carol can be full of herself. Always talking about the old days. That's OK. I do the same thing!
Peace, Johnny

Orangeclawhamme · #12 12-04-2007, 07:19 AM

If 34 is too old, I'm really screwed because I'm 55 and just started 3 weeks ago. I had a guitarist tell me that he's teaching a guy who started at 70. Never mind your age and have fun.

Orangeclawhamme · #13 12-04-2007, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by element365

I started earlier this year, I'm 17 right now.
My dad started playing this year as well, and he's 60.

And I thought I was too old to start playing an instrument.
I chose bass because of the beautiful sounds it can make and the finese needed to play well.
Good luck

If your dad has a 17 year-old son who is concerned with beautiful sound and finesse, and he plays his instrument as well as he raised his child (Yeah, I know your mom had a lot to so with it, too), he's gonna be one h*** of a musician!

I hope you both enjoy making music for a long time to come.

outlander03 · #14 12-04-2007, 07:28 AM

I started guitar lessons last year (age 51) and bass this year (age 52). Already playng bass in our church praise band. Go get it!

locolobo85 · #15 12-04-2007, 07:37 AM

You can do it!

My number #1 tip. Get a METRONOME and always practice with it.

Maybe consider getting any one of the low end keyboards out there today that has a built in metronome and drum machine. The drum machine will help you learn the basics of time signatures and the most common drum beats.

A regular 1 hour practice schedule is better than hit and miss 4 hour practice schedules. Don't over do it.

tswd · #16 12-04-2007, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tapout73

Probably will never do the band thing though, but hey who knows what the future holds?

Yes, you will. LOL! Practicing by yourself gets very boring after a while. Also, playing with a band is an entirely different experience. Hitting the pocket while playing along with a CD is nice and all, but hitting it with 3 or 4 other people at the same time is an awesome experience.

Your lack of musical training might actually be good for you, though. It means you won't be "tainted" by years of theory telling you what you SHOULD play. Listen to what your gut tells you sounds good and stick with it. It'll give you your own style.

whizack · #17 12-04-2007, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tswd

Yes, you will. LOL! Practicing by yourself gets very boring after a while. Also, playing with a band is an entirely different experience. Hitting the pocket while playing along with a CD is nice and all, but hitting it with 3 or 4 other people at the same time is an awesome experience.

Your lack of musical training might actually be good for you, though. It means you won't be "tainted" by years of theory telling you what you SHOULD play. Listen to what your gut tells you sounds good and stick with it. It'll give you your own style.

+1

I think theory is important to understand, but I think that what theory should provide you is a means to experiment successfully, not a technical method for constructing lines.

Playing with other people is an amazing experience, I wish I had a drummer and a vocalist to bring it together. I practice with my wife who is learning guitar and practicing by myself is never as fun, so there's definitely something about multiple people harmonizing together that makes the experience better regardless of what you're playing.

BeastyBassMan · #18 12-04-2007, 01:47 PM

Just be sure to take the time to practice and learn your stuff. you dont have to ge young to learn something. the saying 'you cant teach an old dog new tricks' does not apply to music.

RIjake · #19 12-04-2007, 02:04 PM

Age definitely doesn't matter. I took a long hiatus from the bass 25 y/o to 38 and am back at it. Keep playing!

Tapout73 · #20 12-04-2007, 02:09 PM

This forum rocks! Thanks all for your input and sage like advice! Almost done here at work, then its home and practice.