Advice - Left Handed Newbie - Jazz Bass

[releaseyourself]

Hi guys,
I am looking to buy and learn Bass so i can eventually one day play my own basslines, in my House Music productions.

The thing is, i am a left handed player which narrows my choice of Bass and also, i have heard it is harder to learn being a lefty.

What advice would you give and what left handed Bass would you recommend.

I have read great things about the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass. The price is good and i do love the look of it.

Cheers,
Paul.

[john_martin_sai]

I'm playing 30+ years as a lefty. It's no harder to learn being a lefty.

That bass you're considering bass is a decent choice. Have you considered a lighter bass,...or a short scale? They may make it easier for a beginner.

I think the ideal for someone starting out would be a Hofner Icon (or similiar) with nylon strings. A lefty can be easily acquired

[danomite64]

The Squier's a good bass to start on. I don't know how being a lefty makes it harder to learn; I don't think my being a lefty hindered my learning at all. The thing that I didn't have to deal with when I was learning was all the 'advice' that's on the internet, some of it good, some of it useless. I'm glad I didn't have a bunch of people telling me to learn on a righty. It was pretty much my decision. On the other hand, there weren't many lefty options available back then, so I guess it all equals out.

[RJMiller]

Release,

Don't assume because you are "left handed" you have to play bass "left handed".

I am "left handed" and play bass "right handed". If you are playing two finger finger style or picking, which hand requires the most control/dexterity? The fretting hand or the plucking/picking hand?
For me it is the fretting hand - my left hand - which is great because I am "left handed".

May I humbly suggest trying both a "left handed" and a "right handed" bass? You might find a "right handed" bass is easier.

That being said, nothing "wrong" with playing "left handed". Choice of basses is more limited. but that may not matter to you.

I'm not saying you "should" play bass "right handed", just suggesting you try both ways and see which feels better. Bass playing is an acquired skill and you might find its easier to acquire fretting dexterity with your left hand.

Good luck.

RJM

[bassguitar808]

You'll need to build up your hand dexterity, muscles, and calluses no matter which way you choose

Practice everyday

[Jim Dep]

Rondo has great selection for lefty's and customer service is excellent.

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

I'm a lefty player too, tried as a righty years ago but had to make the switch.

Besides the inconvenience of bass selection, the problem you'll run into is learning materials. You'll need to learn to read backwards or transposing, which can be tough to do under pressure.

Good luck!

[releaseyourself]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I am pretty sure i would be better as a left handed player, as whenever i have held a guitar, i naturally hold a right as a left.
I will take another go on my friends guitar and see how comfortable i would feel as a righty.

I would only use my Bass in the Studio, so no gigs. I am still swaying to the VM Jazz Bass.

I very much like the early Jamiroquai style Basslines, so what would you suggest learning wise? Are the Bass learning Tabs out there suitable for left handed players?

[Crabby]

That particular Squier is a pretty decent instrument to start on for sure. I am a lefty and have had to resign myself to the fact that I will simply not have the vast selection of instruments available to me as right handed players do. But having said that, I own some gorgeous left handed basses and the up side is I never have to lend them to anyone because their leftys!

[releaseyourself]

Thanks,
I have just ordered the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass as the UK VAT rate increases on the 4th of January.

Any suggestions, links or advice on learning Jamiroquai Basslines?