Greetings from Pittsburgh

[CPR4LIFE]

Hello everyone...I've taken a look at a few things on this forum over the last few years that have been quite helpful so I finally decided to join. I bought an Epiphone EB-0 a few years ago, fooled around with it a bit, and put it down because I didn't know what I was doing or even how to get anywhere with it. I was recently inspired to give it a try again and I think I'm on a better track.

I sold the EB-0 and now I have an Austin P Bass bought on Craigslist for next to nothing. It was black and a bit beat up. So I decided to take a chance on something I have 0 skill and experience with...I stripped it down and refinished it myself. It's not a pro job for sure (a buddy refers to it as a 'relic' finish ), but I'm happy with the results and it has me even more inspired! Along with refinishing I also put in new pickups, replaced the knobs, and added tapewound strings because I really dig that James Jamerson Motown sound (I know he didn't use tapewounds, but it helps me get his sound on my cheap Austin & my Fender Rumble 25) . I'm also taking lessons (every other week) at a local shop.

I just turned 51 and am getting a late start at this adventure, although I am a lifelong music fanatic. I was spinning my mom's Beatles records on my Snoopy record player (with a nickel taped to the arm to keep it from skipping) when I was only 3 years old! Anyway, I don't have time to practice for hours on end or to study music theory in depth. I don't anticipate that I'll ever get to a skill level that will put me on a stage, but I'm hoping to be able to play some songs (even by using tabs) and maybe keep myself entertained with some fun bass lines.

Any tips you may have for a guy like me, with my circumstances, are most appreciated! And thanks for all the times you helped me even though you didn't know!

 

[CPR4LIFE]

Also, thought I would share this cool bass tat designed by my girlfriend! How Many More Times....

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Nice job on the bass.

If and when the girl friend leaves and you want to get rid of that tat, as long as the ink is still new 8 to 10 laser treatments should make it go away also. Several thousand dollars and each treatment will hurt a lot more than it did going on. But, moving on to your question.

Learn where the notes are on your fret board. Why? See or hear a chord coming up and it would be nice if you could put some of those notes in your bass line. If you can you'll harmonize with the melody line and sound good with what is happening. Making bass lines is what we do.

Here is a good place to start. How to get started?

Welcome and good luck.

 

[MrLenny1]

Welcome. I suggest getting a teacher to get you started.
He'll save you a lot of time & frustration.
Good luck.

 

[JLY]

Welcome fellow Yinzer!
Moved away in ‘97 ago but still consider myself a North-Sider

If you have GAS- then stay away from Pianos & Stuff!

 

[Reedt2000]

Welcome, the bass looks cool. If it plays and sounds good it doesn't matter what it says on the headstock. Check out YouTube not just for tutorials but also tons of backing tracks to play to. Working in context is great for your playing cause it forces you to play in time, not just learn what notes to play.

 

[BurnOut]

Hello and welcome.
Nice ink, how come you're hiding it on your back?
Peace N Chicken Grease

 

[CPR4LIFE]

Thanks all for the welcome!

MalcolmAmos - Thank you! It was a lot of work, and not the best work, but I am happy with how it came out! As for the tat, I realize they're not for everyone and art is in the eye of the beholder but I really love it so it's not going anywhere regardless of what happens! I'm working on learning the notes. My instructor said a good start is memorizing the E and A strings down to the 12th fret. I've got the E string down fairly well but would probably be further along if I had more practice time. I have a diagram pinned on a cork board in my office and I try to find some time every day to look at it and visualize my hand on the neck as I say the notes. I'll check that link out and see what I can find to help me...thanks again!

MrLenny1 - Thank you! I take a lesson every other Tuesday night with a Duquense Music School grad. So far, so good!

JLY - Thanks for the welcome but I have to admit I'm not a native Yinzer. I'm a lifelong Steelers fan but not from Pittsburgh. Saw the logo when I was 5 and picked them as my team. I moved here for work. I've always liked the city and this area so I'm happy I found a job here. There's also a lot of nice motorcyle riding in this area...once the potholes are filled in! I'm not familair with Pianos & Stuff...should I check it out?

Reedt2000 - Thank you and I really appreciate that advice! I haven't gone the backing track route yet, but I have looked at lots of videos (Scott's Bass Lessons & Studybass mainly) and there are a few songs I can kind of play along to if I slow them down. Magic Sam's version of Sweet Home Chicago for one. It's pretty simple. Same for Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island. Simple or not, slowed down or not, it's fun to play along.

BurnOut - Thank you and that's the only place it would fit! I'd love to have it on my forearm but I work in biz to biz sales. I meet with a lot of city officials and high level executives. Small price to pay to keep a roof over my head.