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Brand new bass player...how to get started ?

T

Thomas44

Oct 20, 2011
2
0
#1
Hi everyone. I'm new here, and actually just picked up my first bass guitar this week. So, I was wondering what's the best way to get started learning. Is there a good book/cd combo that I should look at buying, or are there enough online resources that I should skip that altogether ? I'm kind of an old fart to start learning something new, 48 yrs old. I've had just a little acoustic experience, but my fingers are kind of fat and I kept muting some of the strings. So, anyway, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks !! :bassist:
 
#3
Learn theory... why do you play what you play. Not just what to play but why.
Learn to read music. If You can read music and know what and why to play...
You'll be miles ahead of the crowd.
Don't over practice. It will lose the fun factor and seem like a chore....
 
#6
All good advice so far. My advice is to learn good right and left hand technique as a major priority. Search You Tube for clips ( search "floating thumb" for the R/H ). It is advised to keep both wrists as straight as possible. You will avoid lots of potential physical problems using good technique.

Also, a big +1 for the "Study Bass" site.


Take a look at the links I gave in post #6 here :

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/new-wrist-problems-818192/
 
#8
C.Linton said:
Hal Leonard Bass Method by Ed Friedland, volumes 1-3 (books and CDs). Not expensive, especially if you get the "Complete Edition" 3-volume set. Great books.
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+1, probably one of the best overall learning tools for the adult beginner. Not overburdened with theory or overly-technical, the emphasis is more on practical performance-related playing and sight reading standard notation, but Ed works the important aspects of formal music in when relevant.

I have around 15 students, and I think working with a good teacher is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to get up to speed and start making something most people would call "music." You can try to wing it on the internet, but just keep in mind: It's the internet (if you know what I mean). Private lessons in person with a good teacher can help you more quickly understand and use what you see and hear in the books and on the internet.

Determination is the key, and it's got to be fun. You're front row center every time you play, so personal fulfillment, satisfaction, and enjoyment is the priority. Try to focus on your bass for one distraction-free period every day, or as often as possible, and you will progress.

Good luck, and have fun!
 
#10
sammyp said:
i'm having some good luck with my students with Hal Leornard Fast Track series for bass ....it has a nice modern sounding back up practice CD with full drum and guitar grooves!
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Another good choice, it's a two-part series, and there are four pop songbooks that go along with it. Much like the Friedland books in their modern approach (the Friedland books also have corresponding pop songbooks in standard notation). Try to look for the editions with no TAB in them (unless you have no desire to read standard notation, which would be a little sad, but your choice nonetheless).
 
#11
Thomas44 said:
my fingers are kind of fat and I kept muting some of the strings.
Click to expand...

First off, welcome to the forums from another newbie. Second, welcome to the world of bass and I hope you enjoy your journey into the low-end territory.

As for the "kinda fat fingers", if you haven't bought a bass yet, go and play many different bass brands and models; some have more string spacing so it might benefit you if you have big hands. If you don't know what to play or how to pick your first bass, rent one first and try it. For instance, you might like a Fender/ Squier Precision Bass instead of a Jazz Bass because the former has a slightly larger string spacing.

C.Linton said:
Hal Leonard Bass Method by Ed Friedland, volumes 1-3 (books and CDs). Not expensive, especially if you get the "Complete Edition" 3-volume set. Great books.
Click to expand...

I have those books and there is lots to learn from it. Just prioritize what you wanna learn from it and stick to a few exercises for a while, then move on to others you're interested in.

Tracebassplayer said:
Don't over practice. It will lose the fun factor and seem like a chore....
Click to expand...

I agree. But on the other hand, if you're having a particularly fun or interesting session, just keep at it (take some breaks to avoid cramps), because you might be in a state of flow and in such a state it is easier to learn new stuff.
 
#12
carlthegroover said:
I agree. But on the other hand, if you're having a particularly fun or interesting session, just keep at it (take some breaks to avoid cramps), because you might be in a state of flow and in such a state it is easier to learn new stuff.
Click to expand...

Absolutely. I tell my students that marathon sessions are not required, but if you're in the mood, go for it (taking a break now and then to strech and relax your hands arms body mind etc.).
 
#14
Get together with some other newbie musicians and play some songs!

There are simple songs in most genres that will get you started.
I started off on things like,
You Really Got Me - The Kinks
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Ain't Talking 'Bout Love - Van Halen
Whole Lotta Rosie - AC/DC

Listen closely to your timing (usually called you "meter"). It was a real eye-opener when I started paying close attention.

But most of all, HAVE FUN!

Theory will come, if and when you want it.
 
#17
I just started playing and I'm 53, so I have a few years on you. The best advice I can give is get a good teacher. The internet is ok but, its the teacher who is going to see that your technique or your timing is slightly off. The internet can't give you a critique of your playing. Just my 2 cents. I'm having a blast and the lessons are great.
 
#18
I am certainly no expert and playing or teaching bass. My personal experience has been that playing and practicing has to be fun. When I started out I would sit alone and practice with nothing but a very cheap bass and radio sized amp. Although I learned to hit notes crisply, I never really felt that things sounded very good. I got bored and put the bass away for years. When I was about your age I decided to try it again. I bought a bass that felt good and a good amp. I started to really like my sound. I hooked up a small PA to my computer and began playing along with my favorite bands. Instead of feeling alone I was playing along with the Beatles, and we sounded good. I still have a lot to learn about theory and technique but I am playing in a well established cover band and am having the time of my life. Having good equipment and practicing while playing along with recorded music has made learning fun and productive.
 
#19
Phil Adams said:
Having good equipment and practicing while playing along with recorded music has made learning fun and productive.
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I agree with this. Playing along is fun, and the next best thing to playing in an actual band. I wouldn't be very tight in my new band if I didn't use play-alongs to practice my timing.

I also find that trying to figure out songs by ear is addicting. I just want to get every detail of a song, only to butcher it and give it my own style :cool:. Of course, to the OP, don't rush into this, and you'll only know when it is appropiate to start. I started all of the sudden after one year of not even trying more than once or twice.

electracoyote said:
Absolutely. I tell my students that marathon sessions are not required, but if you're in the mood, go for it (taking a break now and then to strech and relax your hands arms body mind etc.).
Click to expand...

I admit, though, that I had so much fun in some sessions that I actually didn't stop and got cramps! So, lesson learned the hard way.
 
#20
Do consider taking weekly lessons. I have done that besides using the teach-yourself books and that really helps you since you have somebody with you giving you one-on-one instructions. They can see in time what you may be doing wrong and steer you to a better way to improve.
 

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