beginner lessons for an intermediate player (?)

[pnut166]

Hi all. New to TB, lovin it. Here`s my dilemma:I`ve been playing for about 10 yrs, both finger and pickstyle. I would call myself an intermediate player...sort of. I never took any lessons, never read anything or bought any home instruction, etc. I don`t even know the fretboard, any scales, chords, theory, etc. My knowledge base is zero. I simply bought a bass and started thumpin! I have a good ear, dexterity, rhythm, hand strength, coordination. I can pick out notes and lines fairly well and duplicate cover songs - that`s how I`ve got by all this time. But now I want to back up and actually LEARN the instrument and music in general. And identify / break any bad habits I may have. Any recommended at-home instruction for people like me? Should I try lessons? Most beginner - type exercises are painfully boring for me and I lose interest, even though I know it`s probably gonna be necessary. I need to train my brain, not so much my hands. HELP !

 

[cassanova]

We used this book in my Fundamentals of Music course in college. It's a very good book and encompasses a plethora of valuable information. This book and a good teacher to help you along should be valuable aids in your quest for becoming a better musician. The book was a 2 book set for us. The 2nd book in the set was the rhythm reader and score book. I would advise you also get that as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Kit-Fourth-Tom-Manoff/dp/0393974022/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261031201&sr=1-2#noop

 

[BassXgirl]

You sound like a prime candidate for some lessons. I'm kind of in the same boat, however, I do have some theory behind me now.
I suggest finding a teacher who can focus on filling in the gaps. Beginner books that tell you how to tune and hold the bass is most likely going to just make you feel frustrated and put the book down alltogether.
Btw, welcome to TB

 

[nortonrider]

You gotta know the fretboard!
There really is no way around learning it.

Once you have it down (it really ain't that hard to figure out - just some memorization) it will open your eyes into how (and where) to move around on the neck. and.... you'll know what they want when somebody calls out for some "slow blues in E".

I would just print a chart out from www.studybass.com and work on learning the fretboard. You don't need to spend money on a lessons to learn where the notes are, but a teacher or experienced friend sure makes it easy when trying to find a straight answer to your questions.

 

[rhombass]

i'm in the same situation. been playing for 9+ years with no formal training whatsoever. i've been thinking about it a lot lately and although it's gonna be pricey, i think i should spring for lessons. i think it would really help me expand my technique and hopefully my abilities. i know where the all the notes are and i know scale shapes. i play in a band with a bunch of theory nuts so i think some of it has rubbed off on me, but i'd still like to know more. i'm gonna give you the same advice i'm giving myself and say, stop with the online search for free lessons, they are miserably boring. find a good teacher and hopefully, they'll be able to fill in what i've missed along the way.

 

[Roy Vogt]

Hey guys:
Here's some lessons I did for the Eden website. See if they help out:
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I also just released this course:
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Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Best,
Roy

 

[twangin6]

Nice site Roy!