hey everyone.

[ricky brandrett]

hey, im Ricky im from Blackpool England. im new to this forum and to playing bass and when i say new i mean new. just bought a fender squier p-bass. I am learning away does anyone have any advise for a novice like me? much appreciated.

 

[crayzee]

Welcome! Advice? Advice... hmm... just have fun. Be a sponge and learn everything you can. Keep your ears wide open and try lots of styles.

 

[Stumbo]

Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.

GET THE MOST OUT OF TB
Read as many of the FAQ's in each forum as you can, possibly bookmarking them for future reference.

Fill out your "User Profile".

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_faq_slang TB Slang, forum usage, maint., posting

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB rules, Website questions, Membership, Terms of Use

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79390&postcount=1 TB posting and etiquette tips

*Note: On TB, G.A.S. or GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome

SEARCHING TB
Do a TB search before you create a new thread. Google's Advanced Search parameters help refine your searches. Putting a "year" in your search terms is one method to limit responses.

Here's a link to a helpfull Google search tutorial: http://www.googleguide.com/crafting_queries.html
example: The - is used for any search where you don't want to see a result with a certain word included.

SUBSCRIBING TO TB THREADS
In your "MyTalkBass" control panel, menu selection "Edit Options". Click on "Edit Options", select "Default Thread Subscription Mode". I find it useful to choose "Daily email notification". TB sends an email for each thread you post in so you can read subsequent replies w/o having to log in.

RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF PRIVATE MESSAGES
Within the "Edit Options" page, you can setup TB to send you an email when you receive a Private Message (PM). This is very helpful if you don't log on regularly.

LINK SECTION
For ease of use, outline of links by Category and Sub-Category.

1. MUST READS

2. FOR NEWBIES & NON-NEWBIES

3. LEARNING:
~Practicing
~Online Lessons
~Ear Training
~Books and Instructional Materials
~Theory
~Getting Creative
~Going "pro"
~Teaching Bass
~Software
~Free Jam Tracks

4. COLLEGE MUSIC

5. STYLES:
~Blues
~Funk, Groove, R&B
~Latin
~Jazz
~Metal
~Hip Hop

6. BEING IN A BAND
~Starting
~Auditioning
~Leaving the band
~Band Management
~Band Names
~Band Rehearsals/Gigs/P.A.
~Cool Rigs, Equipment and Info
~Building/Fixin' Stuff
~Guitars

7. EFFECTS/ ACCESSORIES

8. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living

1. MUST READS
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 If I only knew then..
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Best musical advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481465 Things every bassist should know

2. NEWBIES & Non-NEWBIES
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489818 Beginners mistakes/where to start
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6776933&postcount=40 How to develop musically
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363909 Find a teacher
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484065 Guitarists switching to bass

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6817723 First bass advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55969 How to setup a bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513657 Upgrade bass or amp first?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507568 Buying cables 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511817 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493548 Comfortable strap 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522579 2 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500040 3 of 3

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504263 Tab or not to tab?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520008 Getting off tabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481548 Sight read or not?


http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419687 TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Intro Bass Lesson (click on "Beginners")

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7067672&postcount=6 Read bass clef
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79878 Learning rythym
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/3000-2133_4-10004005.html Software-Read bass clef (recommended- TB member AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print bass clef flashcards and staff paper
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point lessons), ear trainer


3. LEARNING
~Practicing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50170 How to practice 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6634274 2 of 2

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524573 Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499438 "Band-in-a Box" software for practicing

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519742 Recommendations for good headphones

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509908 Help! My wrist/fingers are sore and/or tingling
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490379 Repairing cuts on your fretting fingers

~Online lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6857992#post6857992 Who's the best Youtube teacher?

http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491293 TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
Link Removed Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons from Cliff Engel
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498831 Cliff Engel customer reviews

http://www.studybass.com/ Bass studies,online metronome,bass clef tutor & more
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Beginners' guide/lessons, tech advice,drills, bass sound files & more.
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists, videos & more,

~Books and instructional materials
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99676 Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479642 "Best" theory/harmony book
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479401 TB Book Links - all styles,levels and techniques
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6521582 See all of Jon's books and others

~Ear training.
http://www.good-ear.com/
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Test your ear
http://www.miles.be/ Great, free downloadable ear trainer (basic/advanced) - uses chords to help you. Solfege training included. "Must have" program.

~Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125519 Learn to read music 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=473968 2 of 2

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56761 Improve site reading

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88294 Intro to scale & chord theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2338584&postcount=4 Learning Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507769 TB Gen.Instruction Theory links list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485421 Theory (from the DB side of TB)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498975 Learning "modes"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6703697&postcount=22 Reason for modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511516 Using modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=80043 Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125536 Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)

http://www.teoria.com/ Music Theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary

~Getting creative
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6770334 Where does creativity come from?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506691 Creating bass lines 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491679 2 of 3 - Target Approach
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500896 3 of 3 - For a jam

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777192&postcount=7 Playing scales

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173311 Playing behind/ahead of the beat
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493881 "Feel"

~Going "pro"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353486 Becoming a session player
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481448

~Teaching Bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23303
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142112

~Software: Transcribing, Slow Downer, Looping, Recording, Utilities
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269168 Slow down software 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501892 2 of 2

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374400 Transcribing software

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479377 Free music software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484028 Cheap but good recording software

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507075 Computer utilities/software you can't do without

~Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html Note: there are still free tracks. Scroll down below the Stevie Ray video (current as to 2/7/09).
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php Drum tracks

4.COLLEGE MUSIC
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480154 So you want to be a music major in college?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517439 Solfege
http://www.miles.be Solfege training. Free downloadable program
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Theory Dictionary
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469825 Auditioning for college jazz band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517730 College audition dilemma
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page Classical sheet music (free)

5. STYLES
~Blues
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506931 First blues "open mic." jam 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523050 2 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522409 3 of 3

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502819 Slow blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/appendix/blues/Bluesprogression.html Blues progressions explained w/ audio samples
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6527889&postcount=10 Blues gig coming up

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314342 Influential blues musicians (mostly) pre-1959
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues History

http://www.amazon.com/Blues-Bass-Jon-Liebman/dp/0793586682 "Blues Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501425 Blues books
http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Sharp-Blues-Guitar-Turnarounds-Music/dp/B000PHU7J2 "101 Razor-Sharp Blues Turnarounds by Larry McCabe
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rhythm-Guitar-Guide-Blues/dp/1574241389/ref=pd_sim_b_1 "Complete Rhythm Guitar Guide for Blues Bands" by Larry McCabe


~Funk,Groove,R&B
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9859 Links to over 20 funk,groove and R&B bass players
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522578 Funk 101
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Bass-Bui...079351620X/ref=pd_sim_b_5/185-2146101-2319058 "Funk Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.amazon.com/Funkmasters-Great-James-Rhythm-Sections/dp/1576234436/ref=pd_sim_b_1 R&B/Funk
Link Removed " Standing in the Shadows of Motown" James Jamerson book/CD
Link Removed Funk Bass Bible

~Latin
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502252 Learning Latin music
http://www.amazon.com/Latin-Bass-Bo...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232222000&sr=1-1 "The Latin Bass Book" by Oscar Stagnaro and Chuck Sher

~Jazz
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=482544 Learning
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Improvization Primer - Sabatella (Book/Online)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485799 Walking bass lines examples
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290907 Walking bass lines books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=514529 Jazz Scales
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/index.htm History of Jazz

~Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497571 Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495628 How to scream/growl

~Hip-Hop
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496467

6. BEING IN A BAND
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6999210&postcount=9 How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?

~Starting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777630&postcount=9 Covers vs. Originals
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493356 Playing in a 3 piece band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483181 Advertising for new member(s)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508611 New Band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494723 Cover band

~Auditioning
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492200 How to audition for new band 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501208 2of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113925 Auditioning -new member 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391461 2 of 3 -red flag stories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6734711 3 of 3 -story

~Band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507131 Best/worst real band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510146 Infamous band name thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73200 Changing a band's name
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm

~Leaving the band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425221 Quitting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507322 Getting fired

~Band management
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477182 Intro
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466534 Books

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504370 First band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508702 Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508446 How to fire a band member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509379 Band "funds", "to be or not to be?"

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494100 Originals Band "paying dues"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503211 Is playing for "free" really "free"?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173764 Getting gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3743 Advertising yourself
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518269 Business cards

~Band Reheasal/Gigs/P.A.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521015 Bassist's guide to singing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524880 Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479102 In-ear monitors
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486490 Band rehearsal through headphones

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484615 New member of a gigging band: Learning a set list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458468 Rehearsal -tips 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489244 2 of 3 -efficiency
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237521 3 0f 3 -how often?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483338 Recording rehearsals/practice/gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6914637 Learn Live Sound mixing

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500417 Moving equipment 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442203 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492051 Coiling cables

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497067 First gig 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7048418&postcount=7 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181555 To noodle or not to noodle?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441138 Being asked to turn down the VOLUME
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84740 Compression will save your
amp/speaker(s)

P.A.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7044862 What size?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5622952 First
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166225 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442966 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5041266 Configuring
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510214 Learn Live Sound mixing

~Cool rigs, equipment and info
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163735 TB Amps FAQs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2968494 Links to 30 light weight cabs,amps, combos

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515702 Buying a combo 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519459 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475615 Combos vs Head/Cab

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455442 10's v. 12's v. 15's v. 18's 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280571 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347456 4x10 vs. 2-2x10 vs. 2x10/1x15 vertical stack

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=450492 Happy with my rig 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506640 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446 Mini-rigs of doom 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193818 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6729196 Rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2020562 "I want a monster amp!"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491220 Ulitmate fantasy rig

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508659 Gear insurance thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6169317 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other

~Building/Fixin' Stuff
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432560 Upgrading speakers in old cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499264 Cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523085 Cabs(plans included) + discussion of cab building
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7046092 Bill Fitzmaurice cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57 Light weight fiberglass cab
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/ Parts

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18 Building a tube amp
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465992 Learning to fix tube amps
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503675 Tube amp repair techs- recommendations/links
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427924 TB's Luthier's Corner
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36 Bass Setup and Repair

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494366 Sound proofing (reduction) 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480666 2 of 3 -w/ room pics
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480686 3 of 3 -w/ room pics

~Guitars
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484653 12 string guitars
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_faq_slang Favorite guitar?

7. EFFECTS/ACCESSORIES
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB Effects Forum
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79390&postcount=1 Lights for your fretboard.

8. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 Gadgets and Gizmos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Tips for living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481465 Ways to save money

 

[Marley's Ghost]

^^^ got all that?

And like others have said....have fun! Get a teacher if you can, and practice as much as you can.

Welcome to TB!

 

[ricky brandrett]

Thanks for the advise guys I'm looking into getting a few lessons to get me going. I've got a few friends that play lead guitar and there going to help me out aswell. I've found there's only so much you can learn from a book so looking to get some practical lessons under my belt.

next step to try and figure out this website

 

[jonster]

Thanks again, Stumbo! Glad to be helping the cause!

Jon Liebman
Invalid Link Removed