Hello! :)

[Vile]

Hello, I'm new here
I've just picked up the bass, and have been playing it for about 2 months.
I'm going to join my 1st band soon, its one that my friends made up.
Hope you all here can help me in the future and in times to come!
I'm just a student though hehe.

Well, I'm currently using the SX bass starter package.
It comes with an SX bass and an amp included.

I've also been learning scales and muting techniques, and of course finger strengthen-ing exercises as well.
Now currently learning some basic bass riffs and shall start on minor scales soon.

I play the saxophone too

Any advice to give to this starter here? Thanks a lot!

[Spinal Tapper]

Sounds like u got a great start there! Remember, playing with other musicians is the BEST kind of practice! So meet as many and play with as many musicians (especially ones that are better than you) and all different styles of music and you're well on your way.

[Vile]

Hey thanks, I'm going to my 1st gig on Monday, kinda nervous though even though its quite far away.
I wonder if I'll screw up, thanks for the reply!

[Tommygunn]

Originally Posted by Vile

Hello, I'm new here
I've just picked up the bass, and have been playing it for about 2 months.
I'm going to join my 1st band soon, its one that my friends made up.
Hope you all here can help me in the future and in times to come!
I'm just a student though hehe.

Well, I'm currently using the SX bass starter package.
It comes with an SX bass and an amp included.

I've also been learning scales and muting techniques, and of course finger strengthen-ing exercises as well.
Now currently learning some basic bass riffs and shall start on minor scales soon.

I play the saxophone too

Any advice to give to this starter here? Thanks a lot!

Thats cool I play saxophone too! I have been playing for about 3 years now and I have to say its good that you are starting off reading, I still can't read bass clef and I've been playing for awile! Also I should say that learning to read and to play different styles will get you far. If you can read anything and play anything they give you... you will always have a job!

Good luck

[Spinal Tapper]

Originally Posted by Vile

Hey thanks, I'm going to my 1st gig on Monday, kinda nervous though even though its quite far away.
I wonder if I'll screw up, thanks for the reply!

Well, not to scare you, but you may have a few flubs here and there - it's all part of a show and playing live.

The difference between making a mistake and seriously screwing up is that you can never let the audience know.

Just smile at your band mates and move on to rock the next part even harder!

What kinda music you play?

[rimtism123]

Remember to MOVE! I don't care how good of a musician you are..if you have no stage presence, your set won't be that enjoyable despite how good the song is.

But always....have fun.

[Spinal Tapper]

Originally Posted by rimtism123

Remember to MOVE! I don't care how good of a musician you are..if you have no stage presence, your set won't be that enjoyable despite how good the song is.

But always....have fun.

+1, most important thing here!

[J. Crawford]

Originally Posted by Vile

I wonder if I'll screw up, thanks for the reply!

Ah! Thats not the mentality you can have! You have to go with full confidence. And be open! Dont be a robot! Move around, stage presence is everything.

[Vile]

Originally Posted by Tommygunn

Thats cool I play saxophone too! I have been playing for about 3 years now and I have to say its good that you are starting off reading, I still can't read bass clef and I've been playing for awile! Also I should say that learning to read and to play different styles will get you far. If you can read anything and play anything they give you... you will always have a job!

Good luck

Thanks!
I have some problems with the Bass Clef, but nonetheless, if I take my time, I'm sure I'll work things out

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

Well, not to scare you, but you may have a few flubs here and there - it's all part of a show and playing live.

The difference between making a mistake and seriously screwing up is that you can never let the audience know.

Just smile at your band mates and move on to rock the next part even harder!

What kinda music you play?

Well, I play classic rock usually, and do covers for "famous" songs.
I'll be playing five minutes to midnight and thunder by boys like girls
And okay, smile more.

Originally Posted by rimtism123

Remember to MOVE! I don't care how good of a musician you are..if you have no stage presence, your set won't be that enjoyable despite how good the song is.

But always....have fun.

Move, haha. Okay, will try to.
1st time, hope I don't stiffen too much.

Well, thanks everyone for replies, I'll surely keep those in mind thanks!!

[bh2]

Your journey begins... bon voyage!

[Vile]

Hehe, thanks!
I hope it will be a good one too.

[ashtray9]

Originally Posted by Vile

I'm going to join my 1st band soon, its one that my friends made up.
Hope you all here can help me in the future and in times to come!

These are great times you will remember, so try and make the best of it. Remember, a positive attitude will take you far.

Good luck!

[evilmaddox]

Welcome to TB!

A nice start, and good ideas on jamming with other people.

Originally Posted by Vile

Hey thanks, I'm going to my 1st gig on Monday, kinda nervous though even though its quite far away.
I wonder if I'll screw up, thanks for the reply!

1st gig is always scary man, I myself have had my first gig like a month ago, and that scared the hell out of me (believe me, that night, I couldnt even walk without shaking because of "the screw-up fear". LOL.).But, force yourself to calm down, and once you're up on that stage, apply the 3 word rule: "just have fun".

In my first gig, my friends were the audience(since it was at the university I study hehe), and they told me that I was the most comfortable-looking guy on the stage (even I didnt believe that, but what the heck, they showed videos later.) I couldnt see anything, excitement blurred my vision, so I preferred to look at my bass while playing.

But remember: "ALWAYS MOVE ONSTAGE". You don't have to walk around, but just move, bang your head, look at your bandmates, shout at them, smile, just make some move.

And I really want to know how you feel after the gig, please write here.

Welcome again!

[Vile]

Originally Posted by evilmaddox

Welcome to TB!

A nice start, and good ideas on jamming with other people.



1st gig is always scary man, I myself have had my first gig like a month ago, and that scared the hell out of me (believe me, that night, I couldnt even walk without shaking because of "the screw-up fear". LOL.).But, force yourself to calm down, and once you're up on that stage, apply the 3 word rule: "just have fun".

In my first gig, my friends were the audience(since it was at the university I study hehe), and they told me that I was the most comfortable-looking guy on the stage (even I didnt believe that, but what the heck, they showed videos later.) I couldnt see anything, excitement blurred my vision, so I preferred to look at my bass while playing.

But remember: "ALWAYS MOVE ONSTAGE". You don't have to walk around, but just move, bang your head, look at your bandmates, shout at them, smile, just make some move.

And I really want to know how you feel after the gig, please write here.

Welcome again!

Haha, thanks thanks!
By the way, what you mean by most comfortable looking guy? hahas.

[evilmaddox]

I am not sure also (they didnt explain) but my bandmates were more experienced than I was, so I think what they meant was I looked more comfortable than them(hopefully).

[Vile]

Originally Posted by evilmaddox

I am not sure also (they didnt explain) but my bandmates were more experienced than I was, so I think what they meant was I looked more comfortable than them(hopefully).

Oh, I see. haha.
By the way, should I start learning Minor scales?
Or are there anything else to learn?

[evilmaddox]

I suggest finger practices and some song work at first, to get used to the instrument.

But that's just my opinion.

[Vile]

Okay, thanks!

Any more advice from anyone else?

[Freelancer]

Welcome,
You're off to a great start. From reading about what you said, I would highly suggest you either purchase/rent a bigger amp setup. Your little practice amp wont be able to keep up in a band environment. While it's just fine for honing your skills in your bedroom and what not. You'll just blow your driver out trying to turn the volume up enough to be heard. You can find easily passable equipment for a decent price if you look around. Although if your friends are using a PA system, you can just patch into that using a DI box instead of an amp system. Although it's still nice having a rig on stage even with a DI, just to use as a monitor. Head to the amp&cab forum for more info.

As far as bass clef is concerned, it's fairly easy to get the hang of. All you need to know is one note and the rest will fall into place. When you practice chords and scales at home doing your exercises, make sure you find out what each note is and say them out loud as well as write it out on an empty blank staff if you can. It really helps out quite a bit. Since you play saxophone, you already have a good head start at least with symbols like accidentals, keys, etc etc.

As far as finger exercises are concerned, it really doesn't take much strength at all to fret a note. Stay away from anything that adds strength and focus on exercises for building endurance. Things like the Gripmaster and the like are a no-no.
You'll want to do exercises that give a comfortable stretch that you repeat as long as you can and as accurate as you can. While sitting down watching t.v. or with your books open studying for an exam. Only time and duration will build up the proper endurance for playing longer without cramping or injury. Ensure that while you are doing this, that if you feel any discomfort that you stop and take a break for a while before trying again. It's very easy to push your hands beyond their limits and pay the price for it. IMHO I would also try and practice using the lightest touch you can get that will give you a clear sustaining note. It'll help you develop your speed as well as give you a much easier time accenting notes. Using a stronger attack here and there for extra emphasis. It'll let you lower your action a lot lower as well which can make it easier to fret notes. You have an amp which will do all the hard work for you. Work smarter and not harder.

Try and get a "real" bass teacher as well. Not a guitarist who also teaches bass. A good instructor will ensure your technique is proper and are great fonts of knowledge for your music theory/technique conundrums. You'll find your progress can skyrocket with a teacher that you interact and connect well with. Don't be afraid to respectfully decline further instruction with an instructor and go to another if you just aren't feeling "it" with that current instructor. But also, try and give him/her a chance as well.

These are just some of the thing in my opinion which have really helped me out. YMMV. The others are giving some awesome advise as well. I hope you heed advise given from the benefit of hindsight. Good luck and keep us tuned in with how your first public appearance pans out.

Rock on!
-Chris

[MaidenFreak79]

Good luck and most important have Fun!!.I remember my first gig with school friends that Iv'e known for years,was fun but very scary.One thing to remember is don't let the nerves get to you and make sure to use the bathroom.We had another band before us and I was so nervous that I was using the bathroom every 5 minutes,they of course were making fun of me for being so nervous.I got through the first song without a hitch and the rest is history .As others have said move around and have fun and all will go just fine.Keep us posted on how it goes for you,good luck and have fun.