OMG it's another n00b

[MrFriendly]

Hey Hey folks.

So, I've been playing the bass now for all of a couple of days, and I've never really played guitar previous to this. I'm having a lot of fun just mucking around on it and have a few licks that I've taught myself just by using my ear.

What I'm mainly interested to know, is how one develops technique on the fretboard when they just start out. Are there any stone cold rules? Are there things I should watch out for, bad habits not to get into, or is it a case of if it feels comfortable and sounds good, why not?

So far I've just been mucking around, and starting to rap my head around the fret board. But I think very soon I'll start to get stuck into the scales and arpeggios.

[xlows]

Absolutely learn scales and reading ASAP! Also, work on getting your fingers used to the board and where different notes fall. Best thing you can do is get a good teacher whenever you can.

[waffle puzzle]

Did you mean actual "days".....if you are that new, I would highly recommend taking at least a couple of lessons. If you don't want to do that, I would buy an instruction book with a CD just to get you pointed in the right direction.

Having an authentic interest in "mucking around" and enjoying what you do is more important than anything---having a dedicated desire to learn by ear is good, too.

Take a couple of lessons, read a few books first, then muck around all you want.....

[MrFriendly]

xlows I love your av.

waffle puzzle It really only has been a few days that I picked it up and stared playing.

I'm certainly not new to music, I grew up either playing piano or singing, and I played clarinet for seven years on top of that. Which is why I'm quite happy to just kinda learn from ear for the moment.

I sort of thought that before I start getting any lessons, I just want to get comfortable with it, try to figure things out, develop a sense of curiosity as it were. That way when I have a lesson I can ask constructive questions, get the most out of it kind of thing.

I bought a lil book for learning bass, but it seems to be more focused on musical theory (which is important) more so than actual technique on the base.

I'll see how I go in a couple of week

[Foxworthy925]

Originally Posted by MrFriendly

xlows I love your av.

The Big Lebowski- classic, rofl

[Elemetal]

Don't have sloppy hand technique. Make sure your holding your neck right trying to get the thumb behind not off to the side like a lot of people. This is one thing I don't like but I see tonnes of people do is they rest there thumb over top of the neck and it hangs over on to the E string. Use all of your fingers and your pinky especially because I ended up not using it but it really is handy cause when I first started I was told the pinky is too weak to use. Moron... anyway... uhhhhhh what else people may not agree with the things I've said but I think they are important. Practice getting good finger:fretting coordination. Also have good plucking technique. Theres the good ol' thumb on pickup or the floating thumb technique I'm sure if you do a search on here you'll find out what it is. Theres maybe more but I'm not aware of them. Unless your like slapping or what not. Get your fingers moving do practices like 1,2,3,4 next string 1,2,3,4 next string 1,2,3,4 and go down and what not switch it up like 3,4,2,1-2,4,3,1 just get your fingers used to different combinations use all of them. I've pretty much rambled but thats just little things I guess.

[MrFriendly]

Hey Elemetal,

A lot of what you have suggested are things I've started to do. I actually find that I'm using my pinky quite a lot, it just feels natural to use it for me (even though it hurts like a bitch after a playing for a while).

As far as plucking goes, I've been alternating between using my thumb, and using the normal two finger technique. Though using my thumb feels a lot more comfortable and natural for me.

[fearceol]

I would suggest getting some lessons first, mainly to show you good technique. I would also suggest getting the book "Bass Guitar for Dummies" which is very comprehensive and ideal for someone starting from scratch.

[Grinky]

Here's a good webbie you can learn from: http://www.studybass.com/

It's got all the basics you need to know, including one which I overlooked - Always practicing with your strap! I never knew! -__-
The reason behind this is so that your hands don't do any work in supporting the bass; they should be free to move along the neck and be plucking freely! Don't forget to get all your basics right before you even start to play scales and appegios for that matter.

Because a tower built on sand will most definitely crumble and fall.

[Mark Wilson]

Hey bro,

GET YOUR PINKY WORKING that's crucial.

also, make sure you don't play with your thumb (left hand) On top of the fretboard.

If you have MSN, let me know. Send me a PM with your e-mail. I'd be happy to show you some things.