Heyoh from France !

[Arkilem]

Hi peeps,

Name's Brice, I'm 24 and I'm COMPLETELY new at playing bass guitar. I've been playing classical guitar since I was 8 but never really enjoyed it.
I played bass a bit a while ago at a friend's place, and something clicked ! So I got my first bass and amp from a friend who didn't use either anymore and here I am.

It's an Ibanez SR300, and my amp is a Warwick BC80 ! And I pretty much have NO IDEA of how any of these bad boys work ahah...

So I guess I'm asking for pointers ?

Looking forward to anything the forum can make me discover ! c:
cya !

 

[Malcolm1935]

Welcome. Go to the Getting Started string in general instruction.

First things first - follow the chords and play the root (name) of the chord to the beat the song is laying down. Yes that is just a start, need more, add a fifth and for some more bringing the octave (8) for a R-5-8-5 generic bass line. That will get you going.

You find the active chord to the song by asking Google for some help using these search words, chords-name of the song. That will also give you the lyrics to the song. Sing the lyrics - under your breath - this will keep you with where the song is going (where the other guys are in the song.)

Is there more? Sure, but first things first.

Happy trails.

 

[TomB]

Welcome. Go to the Getting Started string in general instruction.

First things first - follow the chords and play the root (name) of the chord to the beat the song is laying down. Yes that is just a start, need more, add a fifth and for some more bringing the octave (8) for a R-5-8-5 generic bass line. That will get you going.

You find the active chord to the song by asking Google for some help using these search words, chords-name of the song.

Happy trails.

I agree it’s important to have fun getting started. Pick some songs you like and see if you can play along. As you get going you’ll want to dig into technique a bit more.

Two suggestions, one for each hand:

Since you’ve played classical guitar, dig into the finger-picking styles for bass. Many well-known and talented bassists use picking styles close to classical. It’s not the most common, but if you already have the muscle memory, go for it.

The second is for the fretting hand. Do not neglect the pinkie and make sure it’s worked into whatever fingering style you develop. It’s actually stronger than your ring finger for lengthy play sessions.

Well,ok, three:

Make the effort over time to memorize every note on the finger board, even the ones you don’t use much. Over time it’s a helpful skill if / when you begin to explore the unknown turf up in the “thumb” position (on electric, that’s above the octave at the twelfth fret).

...just a few things I recall. Enjoy!