Where to start?

hoedown_j · #1 03-03-2005, 07:08 PM

I've played electric bass for around 6 years now, and am currently in high school. For maybe a year to a year and a half I have been playing double bass with both a bow and fingers (pizz) in the school band. Now a few months ago, the school's bass got "fixed" well enough that it made enough sound to be heard in the jazz band (previously played electric in jazz band). I took lessons September through february on electric focusing on theory stuff, but occasionally talking about upright bass because my teacher was an upright player.

So basically I have very little experience and have bad electric habits such as playing perpendicular to the strings as opposed to parallel, using ring finger, etc. I also have a very very low end bow and the bass has a cheap pickup set up, is the wrong height for me, and needs the bridge to be replaced (I took it in to my teacher who looked at it).

I want to get better, but I have no clue where to start and with what books. I don't even have my own double bass, and will be super busy until the end of May with school related stuff. But during the summer I wish to practice my ass of and hopefully resume lessons. Anyone have any advice for my situation? Should I get my own bass?

lermgalieu · #2 03-04-2005, 06:12 AM

Lessons/Teacher 1st - Play in front of your teacher. Have him/her critique you. Get some marching orders.

THEN practice your ass off.

Get a bass if you have the resources and think it will help you. If you have access to one you can play, you may not need to.

Paul Warburton · #3 03-04-2005, 06:33 AM

There's alot of stuff on this very subject, if you would check the Newbie Links and do some search stuff.
Just reading through some past threads will help too.

Matt Ides · #4 03-04-2005, 09:25 AM

If the school bass is not in that great of condition think about renting over the summer and get lessons in with your teacher with the big boy.

-Matt

Alexi David · #5 03-04-2005, 09:45 AM

You should also fill out your profile - that way some of us may know people in you area that can help you out, whether it's loaning/renting a bass, etc. Good luck!