What age is too young to play bass?

[BigOldHarry]

My GF's little boy is crazy for music and is a sponge for information (I've taught him how to hear the one, the upbeat and the downbeat - I'm *so* proud!) - -

He's turning 7 in a few weeks, and I'd really like to get him playing but I'm really not a piano /drum teacher - I'm a bassist, ya know?

So while I can get him a Bronco and give it a whirl, I thought I'd ping the list to get a feel about the youngest students y'all have seen - or have been!

thx

[Slax]

I started learning Trombone when I was 8. I wouldn't say 7 is too young to get started if they're interested.

[BlackLake]

My little one plays piano, sings, and noodles on her bass. She has for about a year now.

She'll be 5 in November.

[jfunk]

they're never too young.
if they can hold the instrument, they can play. The early the child is the easier it will be for them to learn stuff like foreign languages and music.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by jfunk

they're never too young.
if they can hold the instrument, they can play. The early the child is the easier it will be for them to learn stuff like foreign languages and music.

No doubt - but there is the issue of hand size/strength. We all remember the first time we picked up a bass and thought "WOW - that thing is HUGE!"...

That said, we've all heard of these wunderkind musicians who just tear it up at a very young age - so anything is possible... but Bass is a funny beast, so I was hoping to hear from some folks who have taught kids (the youngest I ever taught was 12)

[paganjack]

it doesn't really matter IMO. As long as they can hold it, as someone else mentioned, and as long as IT can hold their interest, whenever is fine. i started playing music around age 3 or 4, and picked up the cello by about 8.

Yeah the trickier part will be getting them to stick with it...

[quigg]

I wish my parent's were as kick@$$ as you when I was that age, if he really wants it, do it. Plus, it's an awesome feeling to teach kids stuff and watch them run with it.

[UncleBalsamic]

Never too young.

[atheos]

Man, Mozart was only 5 when he had already composed his first pieces. Give the boy a bass. Might want to check if a short scale one would fit him better and get a "real" bass when he grows up.

[AustinxHxC]

Give them this and they'll be set for life.

http://www.rondomusic.com/spb57lpbshort.html

[Connor]

damn, i would start by teaching theory. (writing/reading)and since you can't relate it to the piano, just relate it to the bass.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by AustinxHxC

Give them this and they'll be set for life.

http://www.rondomusic.com/spb57lpbshort.html

Already have a Squier Bronco on the way (ebay - $69!)

I'm still not 100% sure if he's ready, but I've always wanted a bronco to maybe string with high strings... a piccolo bass, perhaps...

anyway, he's getting a squier mini-strat for xmas too - - So music this kid will have. And if he digs what I do, I can teach him some bass (lord knows we don't want me teaching him guitar!)

[bassist4dalord]

Yeah never too young. I reccommend teaching him to read standard notation AND tab, though. Something I wish I'd done... It's tough to learn to read standard notation at age 17 now that I'm so use to tab

[BlackLake]

I would also suggest getting him some formal piano lessons, and ask the teacher if you can sit in...you'll learn too. I let any parents sit in if they want, it helps them assist the student at home.

At first a small home keyboard will be sufficient.

[phatbass]

I find it hard to believe but apparently Victor Wooten started when he was 2!!! Don't ask me how he held the damned thing but I've seen it said in a couple of places.

[Willy2911]

My Grandpa gave me my first Guitar when I was 4 - I never put the darn thing down - now I am 27 and though I switched to Bass I still have an axe in my hands all the time.
I say Get him a Bass, But don't pressure him to play it - just let him watch you and be a good influence.

[tranceFusion]

I think a bass only seems big to someone who has spent time playing a guitar.. I don't think someone who was used to playing a double bass, a tuba, a sousaphone, a piano, or tympanis is going to think a bass guitar is that large.

[Stumbo]

In addition to the bass, I suggest getting an electronic keyboard that also plays tunes and such. It will great fun and allow the kid to hear and play melodies as well. Possibly start him on piano lessons. You can learn with him.

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

i'd say it depends on the size of the kid's hands, and less on their age

try lookin for a bronco or the ibanez mikro. If nothing else, he'll pick it up as soon as he grows into it =)

[fretman4god]

yeah...wooten started when he was 2, and carter beauford started on drums when he was 3 iirc...