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Help for complete beginner

#81
I recommend getting a good teacher, you can start by going to your favourite music store, or finding one online in your area.

Next I'd checkout the free content on Scott's Bass Lessons, he has heaps of free content and you can start a free trial if you like it, then start paying. I'm not sure of the subscriptions, the site will give you all that info.

You are on one of the best bass forums here at Talkbass so have a look at this "lessons" search results page and have a read through posts that interest you.

I always started new students holding the bass and plucking each open string (don't fret any notes just yet) and get a feel for the bass in your lap, and also stand with it (hopefully you have a strap) and get the feel for it. Watch other bass players and how they hold their basses, and then set up your strap, high, medium or low depending on what you like best.

Keep coming back here with questions and have fun!
 
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#83
Since you like rock, learn to play the songs you like, and play the music that inspires you. Get the tabs and you're on your way to playing music. Take it one measure at a time, and play along to the music. Little by little you'll get the idea of how to play. When you hit a road block, check out the free online tutorials on YouTube.
 
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#84
I've learned alot from the Hal Leonard Methods by Ed Friedland.

Especially for basic technique, positions, fret notes, time signatures and reading music.

Imo, it's a great introduction to learning bass.

The only other materials I have used are Hymnals and pieces of sheet music to practice note reading.

I dedicated 75% of my time to practicing reading and fret note positions.
 
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#85
Although I played bass many years ago, I am at it again. I needed something to brush up on reading the notes and location of them on my fret board. If you have a desire to do the same I recommend trying the application called "Play Bass Guitar PRO" Since I like Solitare and other computer games I find this App helpful and fun, especially when I'm sitting on the couch with an Adult beverage.
 
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#87
Before you even touch a string make sure your bass is setup correctly. Regardless if it's an $89 Craigslist Pbass or a $5000 Wal, you will probably hate it unless it is playable (If its an $89 Pbass learn to set it up yourself - it isn't hard if u r patient and will help you setup your own basses in the long run). Most notably check (or have checked) the straightness of the neck (truss rod), the string height (bridge, pickups and nut) and the intonation (screws at back of bridge). Oh - get a good tuner too. Say, for instance, a $50 Korg Pitchblack on Ebay brand new.
 
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#90
I am not sure if I answered here or not. If I didn't, I can tell you what to do for you to get directly into THE best way to learn how to play your bass (aside from being self taught.) Read music, but only quality music. Don't read James Jamerson lines, things like this. Look for an academic form of reading and keep it up for a year. You will save yourself years of frustration about what and how to play. A good teacher is mandatory but a bass teacher that teachers only (that's ONLY) music. Never go to a teacher that metronomes, songs, or gigs. If I can help further, write me a private message.
 
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#91
I would like to add my 2 cents. As an old guy myself (mid 50s) who has wanted to learn bass my whole life, I just finally picked up the instrument 3 months ago. I am amazed at the support and quick responses on just this single thread from this TB community. (and in response to my own questions) There is a lot of passion and sincere sharing of knowledge for the newbies that I really did not know existed until I found this forum. For other people who are just starting out (especially older aspiring musicians) who might not have a lot of time, I can definitely recommend checking out the bassbuzz.com program. I am only about 20% into it so far, but for the complete beginner its been awesome. It is a bit pricey, but for 12 to 18 months of instruction I think it will be worthwhile. I know there is a ton of free stuff online, but if you are short on time and a bit lazy (like me) having a course that goes from scratch and slowly progresses you along can really be helpful. Like many other responses on this thread, I highly recommend also learning songs you are interested in. I am probably spending 50% of my time so far with the course, and then the other 50% learning and practicing songs. If I was really dedicated, I would try to power through the lessons first before worrying about songs, but for me this is really about having fun- even if I am developing a few bad habits. Right now putting on a pair of headphones and playing along to a band I like is an unbelievable thrill that I hope never fades! This probably sounds stupid, but every time I hit a pattern or note change at the appropriate moment, and the other backing elements: guitars, keys, etc all seem to stay in sync, it feels magical. (or not so much if I screw it up) I also agree with others on keeping your bass on a stand nearby. I have mine right at my computer desk in my home office so I can pick up it easily. Thanks again for all the help- you people are awesome!
 
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#93
Most of us do this to end up playing songs, so just exercises or theory become boring. 50% exercises/theory and 50% working on songs will accomplish two important aspects of bass playing.

Good split, IMO. Plus you get to try out (or understand why things were done) on some of the songs you are working on.

Best teacher I ever had, (John Defore), gave me three things to work on each week.
1. Sheet music on a new song.
2. Theory examples I would find in that new song. In writing so I could take it home and have it while practicing the new song.
3. Keep working on the old song I was given last week so I can get another new song. I could not get another new song untill I could play the old song.

This was way back in my rhythm guitar days. But, the format still holds true.
 
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#94
I get that and agree (generally).
For me (self taught), that approach didn't work so well for the first couple of years. Yes, I learned some riffs but for me to actually LEARN I have to understand and KNOW why things are done. So, I spent and still do spend a lot more time with theory and technique than songs. Also, consider I am not yet a gigging musician and I do this as a "hobby " (albeit fanatically) so, my approach and goals are not like everyone. Which brings me to a final thought... We all have different ideas and goals with music and different paths of getting there. I'm in my forties and know how to figure out what I don't know, need to know and how to get there. With that being said, general guidance is valuable and useful. However, you can ask ten people for advice and guidance and you will get ten different answers and probably not one of them wrong.
MalcolmAmos said:
Most of us do this to end up playing songs, so just exercises or theory become boring. 50% exercises/theory and 50% working on songs will accomplish two important aspects of bass playing.

Good split, IMO. Plus you get to try out (or understand why things were done) on some of the songs you are working on.

Best teacher I ever had, (John Defore), gave me three things to work on each week.
1. Sheet music on a new song.
2. Theory examples I would find in that new song. In writing so I could take it home and have it while practicing the new song.
3. Keep working on the old song I was given last week so I can get another new song. I could not get another new song untill I could play the old song.

This was way back in my rhythm guitar days. But, the format still holds true.
Click to expand...
 

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