What is the best way to learn how to play bass without taking lessons?

VermilionGod · #1 10-05-2009, 11:11 AM

I'm dropping my ambitions of learning guitar because I like the way a bass plays and sounds. My friend is letting me use one of his basses to learn while I save up for my own. I now need help on learning the basics and then moving on. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

WMV2 · #2 10-05-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VermilionGod

I'm dropping my ambitions of learning guitar because I like the way a bass plays and sounds. My friend is letting me use one of his basses to learn while I save up for my own. I now need help on learning the basics and then moving on. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I'd suggest getting a basic feel or the instrument, then going on youtube to search for bass related videos. It's astounding what one can find. Youtube is where I learned the basis for slapping.

Oraflora · #3 10-05-2009, 11:22 AM

I recommend practicing playing chromatic scales. http://www.cyberfretbass.com/scales/chromatic/index.php
(That's 1st fret, 2nd fret, 3rd fret, etc.) up and down the neck. ALWAYS use a metronome and alternate your plucking fingers (unless you use a pick).

Try other scales found on free bass sites too.

The metronome should help you play each note on time, and try to hold each note for the full length before moving to the next note.

If you work on this from the beginning, you will be able to "lock in" with a drummer once you start playing with others.

G00D+~VIBES · #4 10-05-2009, 11:22 AM

Keep this forum up at ALL times! And, make the search feature you're best friend. I'd recommend the google bar over the site's search. The site's search is quite fickle.

G00D+~VIBES · #5 10-05-2009, 11:23 AM

And, search for a member called "Stumbo" in his signature he's put together a collection of stickies and other useful stuff just for blokes like you.

squashedOpossum · #6 10-05-2009, 11:25 AM

there are lots of good websites, TB being one of them, of course.

Others (just a small sampling and in no particular order):
http://www.studybass.com/
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/
http://www.activebass.com/

Also lots of good books out there too. But the best option is ALWAYS one-on-one time with a good teacher.

Sizlack · #7 10-05-2009, 11:26 AM

Yeah theres a wealth of info on here...I've been at it for a little over 3 months now and this site is very helpful. I'm also using www.studybass.com, and just started actual lessons about 2 weeks ago.

fearceol · #8 10-05-2009, 11:32 AM

I'd advise mastering good left and right hand technique first. Do a search on You Tube. Then concentrate on scales, major, minor ect. Learn some basic music theory. Try to learn where the notes are on the fretboard. Practice alternating the index and middle fingers of the plucking hand. Play along to some music that you like, to get a feel for how the bass fits in to the music. Invest in a metronome, and use it while practicing scales ect. It's the bassist's friend.

Take your time and practice slowly anything you are trying to master. Then build up the speed gradually. Be patient, and speed will come in time with practice. Hopefully, this should get you off to a good start.

A good all round web site is :

www.studybass.com

Good luck, and welcome to the "low end".

JAGGL3S · #9 10-05-2009, 11:34 AM

You Playing With Pick Or Fingers?

mpm32 · #10 10-05-2009, 01:00 PM

Get an album, put it on the player, don't flip it until you have learned every line on side A. Flip and repeat.

Hmmm, this advice may not be that relevant today.

Absentia · #11 10-05-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm32

Get an album, put it on the player, don't flip it until you have learned every line on side A. Flip and repeat.

Hmmm, this advice may not be that relevant today.

Still relevant IMO, best way to learn your way around it is to play it.

Stumbo · #12 10-05-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VermilionGod

I'm dropping my ambitions of learning guitar...

There's no downside to learning how to play rhythm guitar. Knowing chord shapes/harmonies/songs on the guitar is an excellent way to inform your bass playing.

Good luck.

VermilionGod · #13 10-06-2009, 11:06 AM

Thanks for all of your helpful suggestions guys. I'm picking up the strings for the bass this week so I should be able to start putting your advice to work. I plan on learning to play with both my fingers and picks. I would like to be versatile and able to have a wide range of genres that I could play along with.

Stumbo · #14 10-06-2009, 05:57 PM

I also suggest that you get in a band asap so you can put your practice into practice. Learning songs along with all the other is a great way to keep your interest up. Nothing like having a rehearsal coming up and having to get down 3 songs by then. Practice your vocals as well. Singing all kinds of songs from children's rhymes to the tunes from your favorite band will keep you going as well.

Good luck.

mpm32 · #15 10-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absentia

Still relevant IMO, best way to learn your way around it is to play it.

Ha, the non-relevant part is the turntable, I bet most are running mp3's.

derekd · #16 10-07-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm32

Get an album, put it on the player, don't flip it until you have learned every line on side A. Flip and repeat.

Hmmm, this advice may not be that relevant today.

Album? What the heck is an album?

mokeanL · #17 10-07-2009, 02:16 PM

so i was wondering what the next step for me would be. i know all my scales im pretty much just in the void getting my finger speed up with 2, 3 and 4 fingers(time consuming and boooring) but im doing it eerday. workin on my fretting hand speed as well and the question is what the heck is next, i dont feel the need to learn anyones songs (my style would be cannibal corpse, necrophagist, obscura) and its just boring sittin here workin on speed is there anything else i can do to add some spice to my practice routine?

Bass-desires · #18 10-08-2009, 07:51 AM

For things not getting boring I would suggest playing along with songs you can play. And or goto, http://www.freejamtracks.com/

He has loads of great tracks (Including metal) to play along with.

I respectfully disagree with the scales. I would work on the simpler Arpeggios first because scales are based upon those. A set of Arpeggios is a hell of a lot more useful when your first learning to make bass lines. Your not Cliff Burton yet, so 3-5 notes per chord sig is plenty to play with when your just starting.