Learning bass and guitar properly

[papathaddy]

My buddy says that i am good enough to play with him, but i don't think so. I have a vint mod squier bass that i like, but i have a 100 watt behringer. All i've learned are tabs, and now when i think of music i think of it in tab. I've gone to a few teachers, but i usually get frustrated, because i make bad choices since they were self taught and i felt like i wasting my time. I guess my question is what should i know before i can gig. I don't much about equipment, i know limited music cuz i used to play trumpet. If anything i was thinking about learning at guitar center, because i want a good quality teacher and i expect that the would have some. I'd like to have knowledge about theory, better technique and endurance, along with an understanding about my equipment. Any recommendations? Thanks guys!!!

 

[Art Araya]

Depends on how complex the gig is. My first gig was playing oldies - songs like Wooly Bully, Sweet Little Sixteen, etc... The guitarist taught me some basic patterns to play over these songs and I was ready to go live after a couple of rehearsals.

I added to my knowledge and experience as time went on. But I was able to start pretty quickly because I had basic right and left hand technique down since I had played guitar for 4 years.

If your buddy says you're good enough, perhaps you are?

 

[MalcolmAmos]

My buddy says that i am good enough to play with him, but i don't think so. I have a vint mod squier bass that i like, but i have a 100 watt behringer.

100 watt is probably OK for the gigs I think you will be playing right at first.

All i've learned are tabs, and now when i think of music i think of it in tab.

You do need to break away from tabs. Tabs are OK to learn songs, but, most bands will be passing fake chord or lead sheet music around among themselves. You need to be able to play from this kind of sheet music. Dust off your standard notation it'll always come in handy.

I guess my question is what should i know before i can gig.

IMO you need to be able to play from fake chord and or lead sheet and be able to compose your own bass lines. Now just root note bass lines will get you started. But, you gotta know how to follow along with what the rest of the band is doing, i.e. you gotta follow the chords and stay in key. Now this friend of yours are you guys just going to get together and have a garage band, jamming on Wednesday night? If that's what is going to happen - go for it. You are ready right now.

I don't much about equipment, i know limited music cuz i used to play trumpet. If anything i was thinking about learning at guitar center, because i want a good quality teacher and i expect that the would have some.

I put little faith in the guy in the back room of a music store being a good teacher. I've had bad luck with this, however, the best instructor I ever had did go to music stores in other towns and give lessons. So who is to say you may get one of the good ones. Word of mouth is the best way to find an instructor IMO. Ask other bassists in your area who they use. Talk to the high school or community college music teacher and see who they would recommend.

I'd like to have knowledge about theory, better technique and endurance, along with an understanding about my equipment. Any recommendations?

Find an instructor and take lessons. Knee to knee instructions is the best way. You do not have to sign up for years, couple of months just to get you started. The instructor will cover you up with "stuff". After a couple of months lay out and catch up on all the "stuff" you've been given. When you get that under control, then go back for some more instructions.

Of course that's IMO.

 

[bigboy_78]

What do you need to know before you gig?

How to play the Songs.

That's it.

 

[fearceol]

What do you need to know before you gig?

How to play the Songs.

That's it.

Correct, but a little over simplistic if you dont mind my saying so. I'm sure the OP is aware of this, but is asking advice on how to go about learning "how to play the songs."

 

[slagbass]

Find an instructor and take lessons. Knee to knee instructions is the best way. You do not have to sign up for years, couple of months just to get you started.

I agree. Getting an experienced instructor to figure out what level you are at for both theory and technique and providing a plan to improve where you need the most work is critical.

I played for almost 20 years before I stumbled across this site and found a great instructor.
The Official Carol Kaye Web Site

My knowledge and ability to play improved immensely within a few months. It will take some hard work on your part, but you will improve.

Oh, and keep playing with your buddy. That will help you improve in ways taking lessons alone can't.

 

[Kubicki440]

My buddy says that i am good enough to play with him, but i don't think so.

I remember when I started playing bass back around 1987. I had been playing guitar for about 3 years, but the band I was in at the time needed a bass player. I was railroaded into playing bass, so I borrowed a Rickenbacker bass from a friend until I could afford my own Squire P bass.

It seems as if you lack confidence, is this your first band? What genre of music are you playing? Ever play in front of an audience?

All i've learned are tabs, and now when i think of music i think of it in tab. I've gone to a few teachers, but i usually get frustrated, because i make bad choices since they were self taught and i felt like i wasting my time.

That is how I started as well. I also agree that learning the rules is paramount, using the correct notes. There are plenty of free resources on the net or Youtube that may get you jump started in reading music for bass (i.e. Cyberbass). I picked up the Mel Bay series books when I started, and attended a local community college for further instruction.

I guess my question is what should i know before i can gig. I don't much about equipment, i know limited music cuz i used to play trumpet. If anything i was thinking about learning at guitar center, because i want a good quality teacher and i expect that the would have some. I'd like to have knowledge about theory, better technique and endurance, along with an understanding about my equipment. Any recommendations? Thanks guys!!!

All comes in time, you should know the songs if you are playing cover tunes. In that case (if you are in a rush) tabs may get you started, but don't limit yourself to tabs only. The equipment takes time to learn, and to know what you need to look for to get that tone you desire. I haven't tried Guitar Center for lessons.

What helped me with technique was recording my practice sessions, and band practices, from there I was able to recognize my inconsistencies and flaws.

Did you have any specifics you wanted to know about equipment, perhaps someone here can better answer your questions about equipment?

 

[papathaddy]

The stuff my buddy plays is punk and sludge. So overall it's not to complicated. My problem is when i listen to music i feel i can do appropriate fills in my head, and will be able to do build up and slow down music. It's when i apply it to my bass i have trouble. Some days i feel like i am able to apply them on the fly, but it's pretty rare like 5% of the time, and i end up spending most of my time trying to find the dang notes and the next day i don't remember the riffs. I have so much trouble live playing and improving because i can't hear myself because of my crappy behringer amp and then when i can it's not the note i want. I want to play the notes that i want i guess is my main issue.

 

[mrtanner42]

i can't hear myself because of my crappy behringer amp

Position the amp closer to your ears. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, especially for practicing. Use the tallest chair you can find if you can't find anything else that will work.

If you can figure out your way through the songs your buddy will be playing, do the gig. You won't be thrilled with your performance, but I bet your buddy and everyone in the audience will think you did well. Use that experience as a starting point as you get better.

 

[Already In Use]

As been stated learn chord structure and be able to play from lead sheets constructing your own basslines. The best advice is get out and play! Play in your comfort zone. As you gain confidence, your comfort zone will expand. If you mess up, keep on playing. Maybe have a recovery plan??? Back to roots only etc. You'll notice every little mistake. Your audience wont. I am working with a music teacher(she's not a bass teacher) and even she doesnt pick up on each and every mis step. One BIG thing is...have fun playing.

I'm pretty much completely self taught with most of the knowledge and direction coming from this site. Take the time to listen to the guys and gals who know and do what they say if it applies to your goals.