Where to go from here

[IAmChris]

Alright, here it goes. I started playing guitar when I was 16. Around the age of 20, I was asked to play bass for a friends band when they went on a little 7 day tour. I enjoyed it, and stuck with it. I have a decent amount of technical skill, but never learned any theory. I can name the notes of the first 5 frets on all the strings, but thats about it. I'd like to learn theory, hopefully so I can play more musically, and less technically. Where should I start?

[hyp.spec]

I dont want to sound pessimistic, but how did you play guitar for 4 years and not know the fretboard?

[IAmChris]

I learned the the basic power/barre/open chords, Then I'd put my fingers down, and found other combinations that sounded good and assumed those were chords of some sort. And then I played what sounded good. It was always a case of experimentation. I have a pretty good idea of what a note is going to sound like when I play it. I just want to know what Im playing now.

[cowsgomoo]

Originally Posted by IAmChris

Alright, here it goes. I started playing guitar when I was 16. Around the age of 20, I was asked to play bass for a friends band when they went on a little 7 day tour. I enjoyed it, and stuck with it. I have a decent amount of technical skill, but never learned any theory. I can name the notes of the first 5 frets on all the strings, but thats about it. I'd like to learn theory, hopefully so I can play more musically, and less technically. Where should I start?

start by looking at the sticky thread up at the top of the 'General Instruction' forum called 'Music Theory/General Instruction Links'.. there are links to threads containing decent introductory theory info

[IAmChris]

Thanks. I fouind wheats bass book in there, and I think it looks well orgazied and will be a good starting point. Plus it looks like it cuts out all the how to string/tune/play with fingers/slap/pop stuff.

[fcleff]

Have a look at www.musictheory.net

[Jazzin']

Learn your fretboard first of all.
Learn the relationships between notes, chords, scales and modes.

[rainbownorth]

Like cowsgomoo said, look at the stickies. Theres a LOT of good theory explained very well, in general and as it applies to playing bass. Pacmans scale method is also a great way to learn intervals quickly and properly, by ear - thats a handy tool.

[fcleff]

Originally Posted by rainbownorth

Pacmans scale method is also a great way to learn intervals quickly and properly, by ear - thats a handy tool.

I was going to come back and mention this. Pacman's scale studies are a really good thing to have in your bag-o-tricks.

[thelibster]

Come to me Chris! (See below).

[markjazzbassist]

get some beginning theory or bass books or get a teacher.