Hello all!

[Paul McCarty]

New here, and 1 month into my new bass endeavor. So many questions but I'll start by simply saying I am committed to building a solid musical foundation revolved around playing the bass. Among the resources I've found, the StudyBass lesson website run by Andrew Pouska is what I've been using most to get things started. He insists that getting together and playing with other musicians is something that should happen as early as possible in the process. That in mind, I am not sure how to go about locating the players that would be available and willing to spend the time and energy with a greeny to put this advice to use. Any suggestions from the good people here would be greatly appreciated. For background, I am in Central Texas (Austin area) and I am an older player (but not a boomer!).

Thank you in advance, and cheers!

 

[Malcolm35]

New here, and 1 month into my new bass endeavor. So many questions but I'll start by simply saying I am committed to building a solid musical foundation revolved around playing the bass. Among the resources I've found, the StudyBass lesson website run by Andrew Pouska is what I've been using most to get things started. He insists that getting together and playing with other musicians is something that should happen as early as possible in the process.

I agree.

That in mind, I am not sure how to go about locating the players that would be available and willing to spend the time and energy with a greeny to put this advice to use. Any suggestions from the good people here would be greatly appreciated. For background, I am in Central Texas (Austin area) and I am an older player (but not a boomer!).

I'd recommend your church as a good starting place. Praise music is roots to the beat and change roots as the chord progression changes. They will be playing from fake chord or chord charts. Not a step for a stepper. However, most churches are operating, right now with very few members being in the service. So.....

First thing to do is know where the notes are on your fretboard, then run your scales up and down the neck. About a zillion times should do it. The Getting Started thread in the General Instruction sections would be time will spent.

Right now getting with other musicians is going to be hard to do. However Google to the rescue. Call up some sheet music on a song you already can hum the tune to. Now armed with the sheet music then call up a video of the song being played and see what you can do. Yes it will take some time for it all to come together. But you have to start somewhere.

Austin is a music town and there probably will be lots of opportunities once things get back to normal... Use this time to get to know where the notes are on your bass.

 

[Paul McCarty]

Thanks Malcolm. I will give my church a shot at it, that's a really good suggestion. As for the rest, I've been doing exactly as you mention. At least an hour a day studying and applying. I've got a thick spiral notebook to take extensive notes to help make everything stick, I can only assume it's similar to actually being in a music class, without the teacher. Hopefully soon I'll have access to a local instructor.

 

[Lackey]

Welcome! Try and familiarize yourself with playing notes on the fretboard, slowly immerse yourself in theory and technique, and try to play along with EVERYTHING! Luckily, you have a wealth of resources to draw from here.

 

[Guild B301]

I recommend this to everyone. An app called Yousician. Learn at your own pace, and you can even learn to read tablature and music notation while you're at it. You can try it for 10 minutes a day for free, until you decide if you want to buy a subscription. They teach all styles, and you do play with backing tracks. Way cheaper than a teacher, and you can play whatever time of day you want. As a beginner you may like that no one can hear you, because you can use headphones.