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A newb in need of advice

#21
Go to you tube and search "how to set up a bass" or something like that. There are tons of videos out there.
After you have a properly set up instrument you start learning how to actually use it. At the beginning, the two most important things you need to do are to develop the muscles and coordination in your hands through repetitive exercises, and learn the names of every single note on the fretboard.
To develop the muscles and coordination you might start with an exercise I once heard called the "spider" put your index finger on the first fret of the E string, middle finger on the second fret, ring finger on the third, and pinky on the fourth. play each of the those notes consecutively and then move down to the A string and up one fret with first finger on the second fret and so on. Again, play those notes consecutively. Move on to the D string moving up another fret. Once you finish on the G string, move back up to the D string and keep moving up one fret each time until you eventually end up on the 13th fret of the G string. Then do that whole thing in reverse! This exercise is a good way to test yourself because you can always speed it up once it gets too easy, or you can skip notes, add rests, swing notes, etc. Also try calling out the name of each note as you walk it up and down. This will help tremendously with learning the names of the notes all over the fretboard
 
#22
Starting off playing by ear is one way to do it. My ear is really not that good and I end up just messing around.

Starting off reading and playing from tab is one way to get started, however, how many songs can you memorize? And is tab teaching you anything beyond playing by rote what is shown on the paper?

I suggest you play from fake chord sheet music. I do not think that has been brought up yet. Here is some fake chord sheet music on "September Song". Invalid Link Removed Print this off and look at it as the following video plays. I chose it because it's not that hard if we start off with just roots.




Before going off on a 4 screen discussion on playing from fake chord -- have you used fake chord before? If not....

Would you like to see if this is something you may like to do?

If so, say so, and I'll spend the time to get you started. I'll check back in tomorrow.
 
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#23
I'd really recommend a teacher. Nothing fancy, just a guy who knows how to play properly and knows how to show that to others.
If you're tight on cash, just take three lessons. Make room in those three weeks so you can practice an hour on most days. Three lessons from the start will most likely save you money since you will cover the roots of how to handle your instrument correctly and not develop any habits that will be hard to get rid of once they are settled in.
I started by buying a bass and banging away on it. I directly joined a band, three guys that met at the local music school. No bass teacher there so i bought a book. While i thought it very helpful, i later relized that it wasn't. When i found my first teacher (just some bass player from the area who was willing to teach me as his first student and turned out to really have a knack for teaching); I made huge leaps instantly. My finger technique was all wrong and he got it right by developing finger practice licks that would directly address my flaws. Videos and books can't do that.
A good book for learning is as expensive as two lessons.
 
#24
OP, I would recommend getting a few lessons from a teacher to get you off to a good start. Otherwise check out the book "Bass Guitar for Dummies". Dont be put off by the "D" word. It is a great book which covers everything you need to get started. Your local library may have it.

Here are two clips which deal with technique :




 
#25
+1 on anyone who said youtube. there are some great and very very free tutorials out there with people breaking songs down into bits and playing things very slowly. I know some of the videos are rubbish but some really are amazing.

I found one called Scotts Bass Lessons the other day. It has literally hundreds of free videos explainaing pretty much everything you ever need to know. he provides free tabs and stuff on his site. I think you can alos pay for more in depth courses where you maybe skype him but theres so much free stuff there you dont need to. (I am in no way associated with Scotts Bass Lessons, they're just pretty good)
 
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#26
Rhysr98 said:
Hello Forum,
This is my first thread so lets see how this goes :).
I got gifted a bass guitar for christmas 2 years ago and to be honest I can just tell I am playing it all wrong. I can play some basic songs like Foo Fighters - Everlong for example. Today I tried to play Jamiroquai - Runaway (My favourite bass song), I know this is probably the worst choice for a newbie like me but I wanted to ask a couple of questions about how to play properly.

First off when i play occasionaly my bass makes a noise from the string as if its vibrating against one of the frets. Is this me playing wrong or something wrong with the guitar?

Secondly, I cant reach notes that are far away from me and get kafuffled at changing from string to string. Does this have something to do with the way I'm holding the guitar or is it just me needing to practice more?

Lastly, how did you learn how to play the bass when you first started playing as I'd like to try out some of your ideas

Sorry if this is painful to read but I'd rather finally learn to play properly rather than thinking I can play when in truth I'm awful.

Thanks a bunch,
Rhysr
PS. I understand there is a sticky at the top of the page but there is a lot of information to take in there that I would rather do when I have hours to waste
Click to expand...

I'm not going to read every response in this thread but I am going to answer all of your questions to my best knowledge.

Fret buzz - this could be because you're applying too much or too little pressure on the string, or you're not setting your finger properly behind the frets (using the middle of the fret MAY cause buzz), or your strike on the string when plucking/picking (A decent electric bass can be played with a very light touch.. and it can be fun to hit the strings harder to purposely get some buzz). It could also be that your action (the distance between your strings and the fret board) is set way too low. Personally I play my bass at the lowest possible action without touching. My advice - being new - find a lutheir and take ask him how much it would be for a setup on your bass to your preferences. Ask if you can watch him setup the guitar. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Google the term intonation and when you take it watch him do it the first time and learn how to do it yourself via youtube and your friendly luthier. (Personally if you ever feel like you need a truss rod adjustment leave that to your luthier unless you do enough learning to feel confident doing it yourself. A lot of it will be your technique at first. Keep your fingers relaxed, you likely have jumbo frets and it won't take much effort at all to actually press the string.

Secondly - the hand stretch - bass guitar is a workout for your hands and forearms. It will take awhile.. but as you play more and practice playing over two wholesteps (counting the note your finger is on as One, this is the fifth - 1 fret = halfstep 2 frets = wholestep. If you want to use a 4 finger approach and stretch, practice placing your index finger on say the low G (3rd fret on the E string), the A on the E string with your MIDDLE finger, (the 5th fret on the E string), and the B on the E string with your pinky. (the 7th fret, all three of these are the ones with the dots or graphics if applicable). The reason it hurts more when you try to use the ring finger for that second note is that in a typical human being's hand the pinky finger and the ring finger share a tendon, where as the index and middle finger do not.

Playing anything like a Lydian, Mixolydian, or Ionian mode on the low G and F can be quite a work out and can burn me out if I stay in it too long..heck even just playing a wholestep from either note repeatedly can get my forearms burning when the other band members are figuring out their parts. I've only been playing for a year or so and more seriously at the start of this year, and even more seriously lately as in the adrenaline filled moments I start playing harder and am developing blisters underneath callous and finding cramps I wasn't aware I would struggle with.

How I learned to play - The first instrument handed to me was a guitar. A jazz bass major taught me a few modes of the major scale, and I thought they were all individual scales - which is kind of right. For about 15 years I self taught afterwards. When I decided I liked bass, and got one I enjoyed the feel of I took lessons. This time it was a guitar major. who also gave bass lessons. <- This is your best bet imo to learn. I don't mean learn from a guitarist.. find a bass teacher. Make him show you his chops and ask his rates. Generally you can tell them what you want to learn. In a couple months worth of lessons I got a bit more theory under my belt but I'm still no master.. but if you have the budget to take lessons from an educated and skilled bassist don't be afraid of the hard work that might come from it. My biggest improvements have come from playing with other musicians.. and once you can keep a simple groove from your lessons, everyone loves jamming with a decent bassist if their styles mesh well together.

Best advice - don't get discouraged. Learn the various techniqes from people who have learned it previously. Also learn how to take care of and properly clean your instrument. slightly damp rag for a satin finish. There are kits for a polished finish. Fretboard oils and other things. Learn to play things slowly and then work your way up to the tempo you want to play them. Figure out whether you want to play with a pick/finger/style or slap and find a teacher, book, or videos or all of the above to help you develop the technique you want. Like I personally play with two fingers on the plucking hand, I alternate going from a lower (Fatter string) to a higher string, but I generally rake descending from a higher string to a lowerstring. Meaning I use the same finger I was using on the thinner string when switching.

Youtube Victer Wooten, Jaco P... most importantly keep playing.. start off slowly with anything you learn.. metronomes are your friend. I wish I had taken lessons and studied theory in school when I was given my first instrument.. but at the same time I love some of my own technique that I've developed. Anyway.. I hope this helps you out! Have fun! Make some music!
 
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#27
There is a lot of good advice here. A lot has been said about bass set up. First, what kind and type of bass do you have. Brand and 4-5 string. Some may say this won't make a difference but I find that if you have something that is of descent quality you'll be happier playing. Doesn't have to be expensive just worth setting up.
 
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#28
Billy Sheehan put together an excellent video for beginner bass. Goes over all the basic techniques very, very well and at a relaxed tempo. It's floating around YouTube. It's the one where he's playing a red hollow-body bass, not his usual shredder bass!
 
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#29
LanEvo said:
Billy Sheehan put together an excellent video for beginner bass. Goes over all the basic techniques very, very well and at a relaxed tempo. It's floating around YouTube. It's the one where he's playing a red hollow-body bass, not his usual shredder bass!
Click to expand...

If this is the older video I'm thinking about.. the 80's metal hairspray dew and makeup MIGHT be a little distracting. I couldn't keep my eyes off it. But the information was good!



*edit I found it! This probably isn't the video you're referring to.. I imagine it's probably geared more towards intermediate to advanced players.
 
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#30
Rhysr98 said:
Today I tried to play Jamiroquai - Runaway (My favourite bass song)
Click to expand...
That is way too complicated for a beginner, no wonder you are having difficulty with it. Get the basics down solidly before attempting the more technical stuff.

I helped a couple of kids to get started playing and they always pick difficult songs to try and learn, trying to run before they can walk.
 
#31
Welcome to the forum Rhysr98. Get to an instructor as soon as you can afford it. Untill then, there is an excellent web site full of good tutorials. Here is the address, www.talkingbass.net Please watch these videos. They will show you how to hold the bass, how to set the strap length, how to finger pick ect. Billy Sheehan has an excellent video. Flea also has an excellent video for beginners. Don't practice too hard. Give your fingers a chance to build up callouses. Be patient and give yourself time to learn. Good luck. :):cool::bassist:
 
#32
I'd go to scottsbasslessons.com and start at the beginning. He's got lessons for all levels and explains things really well. Also, you could try places like craigslist and try and find other players in your area to jam with (bass players or not). You'll learn a lot playing w/ other musicians regarding technique, theory, etc.... Lessons are good but $$'s the issue w/ some people. I'm in the middle of self-teaching too and don't have the time or $ for formal lessons either. It also depends on how much work you wanna put in...

Matter of fact, maybe start here......
 
#33
Yes, Scott's Bass Lessons is a good site but nothing quite beats a one-to-one lesson. If money or time is tight (sorry about the pun!) have just one lesson per month. That way you have plenty of time for practice and to save for your next lesson. I took lessons as soon as I bought my first bass and the tutors I had took me from absolute beginner to the verge of Grade 8. I probably spent quite a lot of money in that time but I have no doubt it was worth every penny. I could never have done that on my own as (to be quite honest) I'm just not good enough to have done it in a DIY way.
Good luck, though, with whatever course of action you choose - it's a great instrument we play!
 
#34
Lots of good advice here, so I'll just chime in on one important point. Before you attempt to do any more actual playing, you need to learn some really "basic basics": things like how to hold the bass, how to position your hands, how to fret with your left hand, and how to pluck or pick with your right hand. The reason it is so important to do this first is because every time you sit down and play incorrectly, you are practicing how to play incorrectly -- and the more you do that, the harder it will be to un-learn any bad habits you've developed and correct them.

Having a teacher would of course be ideal, but you can teach yourself by way of videos and other sources on the web. Specifically, here's how I'd go about it: Read/watch a handful of different sources that all cover these same basic topics. There are many things that they will all agree exactly about (e.g., like fretting a note just behind the fret, instead of midway between frets or directly on top of frets, as you've already discovered), so you can be sure that those are things you need to learn and do. In other ways sources will offer somewhat differing advice, and those are things that you can experiment with: try each of the different approaches and see which works best for you.

Once you've mastered these basics, different people will have different opinions about what kinds of things to work on next. However, I think everyone will agree that it is crucial to get these "basic basics" down before trying to do anything else.
 
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#35
B Major said:
I'd go to scottsbasslessons.com and start at the beginning.
Click to expand...
Absolutely, yes! And the second part of the sentence is just as important as the first. Online videos are certainly no substitute for a teacher, as others have already stated, but your circumstances rule out a teacher for now so this is your next best bet. His site is very well laid out and organized.
Because you're a beginner and don't have a teacher, I'll give you the really important thing that a teacher would tell you, but can't: Start at the beginning! One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is to try and move forward too quickly. They jump ahead to things they're not really ready for too soon and, unlike a teacher, the internet will not stop you or tell you to slow down.

Scott's site is set up to take you through a logical sequence of lessons that will help you progress, but it only really works if you actually do it in sequence and resist the temptation to skip ahead before you're really sure you have it down. If you police yourself and take your time, that site will really help a lot.

By no means should you just look there, either. There are countless, great video lessons online, countless books for the self-guided beginner and just playing along with songs as you're already doing is also great for your hands and your ear. As a complete package, however,well thought out and organized - and FREE - I can't recommend Scott's enough.

Welcome to TB and to the bass! Enjoy the journey!
 
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#36
TL; DR - But it seems people have provided lots of good links for learning bass. To me, it just seems you need to practice and play more. More frequently. If you play some bass everyday, even if just for 1/2 an hour, even just 15 minutes, you will get better pretty quickly. Saving it all up and playing for 2-3 hours every Saturday will not work nearly as well, nor will playing just 2 or 3 days a week.
 
#37
If its possible to maybe meet someone who already plays bass and ask/show them your questions it would probably really help. A teacher could really help but Im not going to say go get a teacher now no matter what! like some people might because I know that could be too expensive or not feasible for you. rule #1: don't give up! The greatest bassists started out not knowing which string was E or what a nut was.
 
#38
Yep, most all advice has been said-
Get a teacher. Failing that, find some beginner bass lessons on YouTube. Watch several- there's many beginner techniques, and some will feel more comfortable to you than others. (I suggest learning to use your thumb for muting the strings from the start, rather than anchoring your thumb on the pickup. It'll save you the time of unlearning the thumb anchor later.) Pick up a lesson book, and work through it.
Get your bass set up properly, by looking at the action of the strings (distance between string and top of frets.)

Finally, once you know how to hold the bass properly: to help with your reach and dexterity, google "bass spider exercise" and get some tabs for this finger exercise. It's basically going up and down the strings, each finger on a different fret. Start up on the 12th fret until it's comfortable! Once it's comfortable- and it may take days of practicing before it is- slowly move downwards towards the lowest frets; this will make things less frustrating, and is less likely to cause strain and hand injury. You'll probably have to shift your hand to reach from the first to the fourth fret anyway, it's quite a stretch.
 
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