Not sure where to start...

[Michael Campbel]

Hello everyone,

I'm not even sure where to begin. I've had a hankerin' to take up bass guitar (I think this is stemming from my jealousy of my son's taking piano lessons). Yeah, I'm That Guy.

Anyway, I've played drums in the (very distant) past; even spent a year at Musician's Institute, and I can still read rudimentary rhythms. My wife plays piano, and with me helping my son I can hack out a major and minor scale on the piano, if I had to. Slowly. Kinda like counting on my fingers. BUT, I do know enough about music that I can recognize time signatures, measures, dynamics, etc.

So... I have nothing right now; no bass, no instructor, nothing but the internet based "lessons".

Not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions welcome.

Michael

[Dogbertday]

how about Rondomusic.com

and an instructor?

that's where i'd start if I was starting right now

and find a decent amp locally

[BananaKing]

Welcome. You came to the right place to ask this .

For the bass, You could always shimmy on down to Rondomusic.com (as was already suggested). The basses there are cheap in cost, but surprisingly good for the price. I love my Brice, and there are a lot of others who love their SX basses.

As for an amp, you could always search around town or on eBay for a decent, inexpensive one. There are about 2543827 Threads on amps, so check em out and see what comes up. You might find something nice .

As for lessons, look around your area for people who are teaching bass lessons (I know that this really isn't that helpful, but I'm not sure what there is around you). There are some good lessons online, but nothing beats a dedicated teacher, IMO.

[steve66]

Once you get your Bass, start learning all the notes on the fretboard and stay away from tab playing. Learn your key signatures and your Major and Minor chords.

Then get a teacher.

[bassteban]

You have started already. Your experience w/drums could be very helpful in learning bass. I imagine you actually 'hear' time sigsnatures & other aspects of music but just don't have the terminology. I'd of course encourage you to find a good teacher(& a decent instrument & amp- the easiest part I think)to fully digest & understand what you may already know.

[Michael Campbel]

Damn you all . Went on a search of SX and found some Youtube video playing one... holy crap.

So I take it the SX basses are of decent enough quality that I won't be shooting myself in the foot buying a new one vs. trying to find a good used one that I wouldn't be able to tell if it's good or crap?

Why don't I ever like anything *NOT EXPENSIVE*.

[bassteban]

Keep an eye on the classified ads here. SXs are very popular & are so cheap that people buy & sell them left & right.

[Joel S.]

First step:

Go into a local reputable music store. Go to the guy behind the counter and tell him what you just told us.

He should be able to point out some decent basses that won't break the bank that you can actually pay before you decide, help you get it setup right, give you a book with some exercises to start with, and sign you up for lessons.

Personally, I would never recommend someone buy their first instrument without playing it first. Mostly for the fact a shop can probably help you with setup so you walk out of the store with a properly setup bass you can play the second you get home.

Oh, if the guy comes of like a tool ("oh, basses are just like guitars minus 2 strings", "basses are over there", "you should only play (insert brand)") thank him for his time and walk out the door.

[Stumbo]

TB instructors in Georgia: For bass teachers, and students seeking them
Blues bass: blues bass
First Bass: squier vs squier
This ok for my first bass?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/buying-my-first-bass-need-help-107983/#post1231372
TB FAQ(many links):NEWBIE LINKS--Updated--Please Read

[DudeistMonk]

Read all the articles on this site...http://studybass.com It will familiarize you with the role of the bass and what you are getting into. When you get your bass it will also get you started with some basic scales and chord shapes in the lessons section while you find an instructor, which you really should do, you will learn 3X as fast if you put the time in with a teacher.

Ohh and if you want to learn a few easy songs from a tab book or the internet, its not like its going to hurt you...and its a lot of fun. but it is worth it to put in the time and reading sheet music and learning to transcribe so don't rely on tab