Welp...

[PriSM]

...I just picked up my very first bass guitar earlier this afternoon and have spent the better part of the evening plucking away at the strings (albeit poorly!). I'm pretty much an absolute beginner when it comes to anything music...other than listening to it. I played a couple of year of the sax when I was in middle school (I'm 25 now) which is the extent of my experience.

So I guess I'll keep plucking away and trying to figure out this wierd fingerboard thing! I can tell already that my fingers need a lot of strengthening and dexterity practice. I sure hope the pain goes away soon!

[MichaelScott]

Get a teacher.

[PriSM]

Yeah I've been looking around for bass instructors in my area. I might go for a couple of lessons to learn the very basics before I create bad habits trying to learn on my own.

[Caimanson]

www.studybass.com might be of some help while you find a teacher.

[jazzbo]

Originally Posted by PriSM

...I just picked up my very first bass guitar earlier this afternoon and have spent the better part of the evening plucking away at the strings (albeit poorly!). I'm pretty much an absolute beginner when it comes to anything music...other than listening to it. I played a couple of year of the sax when I was in middle school (I'm 25 now) which is the extent of my experience.

So I guess I'll keep plucking away and trying to figure out this wierd fingerboard thing! I can tell already that my fingers need a lot of strengthening and dexterity practice. I sure hope the pain goes away soon!

Keep plucking away. Grab a great teacher, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Read as many of the threads in General Instruction as you can, and have a lot of fun, but don't be afraid of doing some hard work either.

The bass is a wonderful instrument capable of a multitude of diverse styles and sounds. I think you'll find it addictive and rewarding.

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by PriSM

...I just picked up my very first bass guitar earlier this afternoon and have spent the better part of the evening plucking away at the strings (albeit poorly!). I'm pretty much an absolute beginner when it comes to anything music...other than listening to it. I played a couple of year of the sax when I was in middle school (I'm 25 now) which is the extent of my experience.

So I guess I'll keep plucking away and trying to figure out this wierd fingerboard thing! I can tell already that my fingers need a lot of strengthening and dexterity practice. I sure hope the pain goes away soon!

Hey!

CONGATULATIONS!

Welcome to the finest instrument on the planet and the best forum for it.

This is a great place to learn about the bass no matter what your skill level.

Be sure to look around at the different forums available to you. There is one for just about every aspect of bass playing.




Joe.

[PriSM]

I went ahead and ordered myself a copy of Hal Leonard Bass Method from Amazon. That should help me get my feet wet until the time comes to find an instructor.

[Lowtonejoe]

Originally Posted by PriSM

I went ahead and ordered myself a copy of Hal Leonard Bass Method from Amazon. That should help me get my feet wet until the time comes to find an instructor.

That's a good start.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about your lessons. There is a sub-forum on Technique as well as General Instruction.



Joe.