I agree. A few lessons from a good teacher would get you off to a good start. Especially from the point of view of technique. The internet can't tell you (and correct you) if you are doing something wrong.
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Help for complete beginner
- Thread starter BassSquatch
- Start date
I agree. A few lessons from a good teacher would get you off to a good start. Especially from the point of view of technique. The internet can't tell you (and correct you) if you are doing something wrong.
A good teacher can show you things that could take years for you to discover on your own.
Perfect suggestion IMO. The Billy Sheehan video is exactly what OP is asking for.
Even one good long lesson to get you started on bass positioning, fretting hand position and technique, root note positioning and the major triad, and a basic picking technique; then a follow-up to check progress and offer re-direction. This would personalize the info you'll find on-line and see if you're "getting it". Well worth it, IMO.
Everyone is different but as an old guy who had never played an instrument when I started with a used Squire P bass and a fender rumble 15 I got for $89 on craig's list and the Hal Leonard Bass Method Books by Ed Friedland. When I needed to supplement the books with technical advice or further explanation I went to Scott's Bass Lessons or Study Bass on Youtube. One year later I'm about halfway done with the 3rd book of the Bass Method series and gotten sidetracked as I've moved on to spending time learning songs and going through the other books Ed Friedland wrote like Walking Bass and the Bues Book. Youtube and the books have taught me a lot and they are available 24x7 so when I have time they are on call to teach me. An instructor would probably be better but this has worked for me. Having so much fun I've upgraded to a MIM P bass an ampeg combo amp. Good luck. 
Some folks may not like the Hal Leonard "play along books" but for me given time and location and work schedule that's the best substitute I can find for actually being in a band and playing along. If I wanna play at 3am the play along tracks are there and ready to go.
Some folks may not like the Hal Leonard "play along books" but for me given time and location and work schedule that's the best substitute I can find for actually being in a band and playing along. If I wanna play at 3am the play along tracks are there and ready to go.
you know you bought a bass, right?
I think the most important thing to do first is collect the songs you want to play THE MOST on a playlist. And then do your best to jam along with that playlist. Even if you can't quite keep up on certain songs. Don't worry the least if you feel like you're failing miserable with some of them.
The essential thing for being a musician is that you always retain your love of music and enthusiasm for actively playing. Don't ever ruin that by thinking that lessons or study of music theory might be more important. But also go ahead and try some lessons and music theory classes too. But never forget about which specific music inspires you to want to play.
PS. And put that playlist you make for yourself on random play so that you never know what's coming next.
The essential thing for being a musician is that you always retain your love of music and enthusiasm for actively playing. Don't ever ruin that by thinking that lessons or study of music theory might be more important. But also go ahead and try some lessons and music theory classes too. But never forget about which specific music inspires you to want to play.
PS. And put that playlist you make for yourself on random play so that you never know what's coming next.
Yeah, I thought the "join a band" comment a little ambitious for a true beginner. It's so easy to learn by playing along with your favorite tunes, especially these days. I've never found the need to eliminate the existing bass line when playing along, just turn yourself up a bit louder in the earphone mix. An inexpensive mixer makes this easy as pie these days. ...and it's a really fun supplement to learning the technical piece - it maintains interest. I believe you'll know when it's time to jam with others.Everyone is different but as an old guy who had never played an instrument when I started with a used Squire P bass and a fender rumble 15 I got for $89 on craig's list and the Hal Leonard Bass Method Books by Ed Friedland. When I needed to supplement the books with technical advice or further explanation I went to Scott's Bass Lessons or Study Bass on Youtube. One year later I'm about halfway done with the 3rd book of the Bass Method series and gotten sidetracked as I've moved on to spending time learning songs and going through the other books Ed Friedland wrote like Walking Bass and the Bues Book. Youtube and the books have taught me a lot and they are available 24x7 so when I have time they are on call to teach me. An instructor would probably be better but this has worked for me. Having so much fun I've upgraded to a MIM P bass an ampeg combo amp. Good luck.
I didn't do all this, I started when I was 10, been playing off and on in bands since I was 16...
The Study Bass website is very good for beginner to intermediate players in my opinion: StudyBass - Free Online Bass Lessons
Scott's Bass Lessons is Mecca. It's a small planet of bass knowledge and interactivity. It's also about $100 a year for full access, but I think it's worth it. Invalid Link Removed
I just started playing the thing while simultaneously starting on the lessons on Study Bass. Then I dove into Scott's Bass Lessons. I also found people to play with.
Scott's Bass Lessons is Mecca. It's a small planet of bass knowledge and interactivity. It's also about $100 a year for full access, but I think it's worth it. Invalid Link Removed
I just started playing the thing while simultaneously starting on the lessons on Study Bass. Then I dove into Scott's Bass Lessons. I also found people to play with.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
If you've never played an instrument in your life, I would consider a few lessons. Explain to the teacher BEFORE you start your goals - you aren't looking to become a virtuoso, but some basics for a foundation, so you can decide how deeply you want to Wade into the surf.
From one old fart to another...welcome to our World. You have chosen the best time in your life to give it a go. When I started in 1963 there was no internet, You Tube, Talking Bass etc. etc. My suggestion is get on YouTube and find the old Fart that does the "Real Bass Lessons ". Forget about learning music notes right now, just have fun. Unless you are a retired Rocket Scientist, retired Brain Surgeon or just like beating your head against a block wall, you will tire quickly of the tedium of formal lessons. Pick out a few simple tunes you loved when you were a teenager down load them from iTunes and play them through your Rumble and play along. If your married you may want to invest in a pair of comfortable head phones. Keep it fun!!
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Welcome to TalkBass!!!!!
Roughly where are you. Answers to questions in Houston will be different than answers for say.... Ecuador or Lower Slombovia.
The resource I found helpful for finding a teacher for one on one was:
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It's a very simple and safe way to find teachers of just about anything including, bass guitar. I knew that I wanted someone with enough experience to point out proper vs improper technique and habits.
This and all of the other suggestions listed are legit. Try what you can and see what is working for you and stick with it. Personally, I make it a point to put my hands on the bass everyday even if I don't (rarely, I don't) plug in. It's part of your life now. Enjoy it and never stop being curious and learning.
Welcome aboard!
Link Removed
It's a very simple and safe way to find teachers of just about anything including, bass guitar. I knew that I wanted someone with enough experience to point out proper vs improper technique and habits.
This and all of the other suggestions listed are legit. Try what you can and see what is working for you and stick with it. Personally, I make it a point to put my hands on the bass everyday even if I don't (rarely, I don't) plug in. It's part of your life now. Enjoy it and never stop being curious and learning.
Welcome aboard!
If you get a teacher, make sure he/she is a bass player, "not" just a guitar player who just happens to give bass lessons.
If there is a symphony, or university where you live, there should be very knowledgeable "bass " player/teachers who can give you proper bass technique advice on hand positions and the like, that avoid problems later on.
Most guitar teachers have no real knowledge of proper bass technique, and often start of young bass players on detrimental physical path.
A classical guitar player/teacher may be the exception.
When I taught bass, I would often end up with older students who needed to be retaught proper basic technique to undo bad physical habits that prevented them from reaching full potential.
If there is a symphony, or university where you live, there should be very knowledgeable "bass " player/teachers who can give you proper bass technique advice on hand positions and the like, that avoid problems later on.
Most guitar teachers have no real knowledge of proper bass technique, and often start of young bass players on detrimental physical path.
A classical guitar player/teacher may be the exception.
When I taught bass, I would often end up with older students who needed to be retaught proper basic technique to undo bad physical habits that prevented them from reaching full potential.
This may sound a bit crude, but I've seen way too many folks confuse an intense desire to study/learn/create music with an intense IDEA that they want to play. All too often the first thing they do is reach for a beer/bottle/joint to get primed to practice, and this becomes a habitual pattern. We don't know you... And only you know what your true motivation is or isn't. But with all the fine music-related
advice given so far, I can only say that mind/body altering in prep for practice should not be part of your developmental path. I'm not saying be Puritan, but take your learning sessions very seriously and don't get sloshed prior to or during, otherwise it's just a lot of wheel-spinning going on.
This applies to us all. YMMV. Congrats on picking up bass!
advice given so far, I can only say that mind/body altering in prep for practice should not be part of your developmental path. I'm not saying be Puritan, but take your learning sessions very seriously and don't get sloshed prior to or during, otherwise it's just a lot of wheel-spinning going on.
This applies to us all. YMMV. Congrats on picking up bass!
Allow me to add my own congratulations and to remind each and every one... you never forget your first.
I want to qualify my suggestions.
Should you learn to read? YES
Should you learn the fundamentals? YES
Should you learn proper technique? YES
BUT if your not having fun, you will loose interest! As a kid we learned how to play baseball buy gathering at the park choosing up sides and imitate the pros we watched on TV. No parents hovering over us correcting our swings, stance etc. etc. We fell in love with the game first then we got interested in the rules.
I worked in the Private Club industry all my adult life and had many "teaching Golf Pros" working for me. One thing I noticed was when they brought their kids to the practice range they would send them down to the end, out of the way and let them just beat balls. They would have fun and occasionally watch their dad giving the lesson. Non of them pushed their kids to work on their swing. They just wanted them to love doing it first.
I may be wrong but I always have an opinion!
