Hey, new Bassist

[DaveAC]

Hi all, name's Dave and I'm 17. I've never played an instrument in my life, although I really love listening music [Few of my likes are Sublime, Grateful Dead, The Animals, Traveling Wilburys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Canned Heat, the Yardbirds, Cream].

I'm really starting from ground zero, I can't even read music. I mean, I know some simple stuff back from classes in school but I can't sit and read a staff.

Would it be possible for me to get some books on music, and the bass guitar and watch some quality videos in order to teach myself - or do you recommend me buying lessons?

Do you know of any quality videos online I can watch [Youtube]?

If you managed to read through this monstrous wall of text I thank you! I really would love to learn the bass and would dedicate hours each day to learning, I got the guitar - I just need someone to help me build a foundation.

[Sorry for all the questions]

Thanks for reading,
An aspiring bassist

 

[pocketgroove]

Lessons wouldn't be a bad way to go. Books have a tendency to not be very useful. Do yourself a favor, and don't worry too much about sitting and reading notes; your ear will do you the most good. Listen to your favorite albums and concentrate on the bass parts. Try and play simple bass lines by ear, and you'll get better at it and progress with your playing. If you are dedicated, and it sounds like you are, you will be able to learn.

I'll be 17 in a week and I'm self-taught; I've been playing a few years. If you have any specific questions or want some pointers about anything from gear to music theory to ways to get started, feel free to pm me. It isn't always easy to get started but I've been through all of that stuff and can give some helpful advice or whatever else
Best wishes to you, and good luck