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Learning The Bass!!

#21
FRANR, the BGS study course is great, because I know someone who has the course. It really has the same information as the Fretboard Formula, but in my opinion and my opinion along, I think the Fretboard Formula is better. You have the DVD's that you can watch over and over until you can catch on. It also comes with audio tracking where you can jam along or should I say just thump along to. FRANR you sound more like me when it comes down to learning, I have to see and not just read it to get an understanding. The Fretboard Formula is really great and I'm enjoying it, but there is still a lot to digest like you stated, but like the guys are stating on the thread, it is very important to get a teacher that you could afford or find someone who knows about music theory and don't mind showing you how it is done. I used the word showing because Victor Wooten's book " The Music Lesson, The Spirtual Guide To Music" tells that no one can really teach you, but they can show you. I thought I would share that with you, but keep up the good and hard work and one day all of us new beginners will be showing and teaching others how to learn the wonderful and amazing journey of using the roadmap we place our fingers on.
Best wishes!! jbc_ast
 
#22
Yeah when I have some money I'll go and order the fretboard formula because indeed I learn so much quicker when I can actually see things happening.

I'm also going back to music school (what an idea, going back to school after 20some years) and learn to read music properly - but there's a bit of a waiting list so until then I'm making due what is available. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to you and your family!
 
#23
jbc_ast said:
I've just picked up the bass. I want to know how long will it take someone like me, who knows nothing about music to learn.
Click to expand...

I think playing any instrument is a journey that never ends. You might begin by learning how to tune the bass. Search google for beginner bass lessons or videos. I have a bass instruction CD and book, you might find something similar in a music store or online. You might ask around if anyone plays bass and can teach you something or just jam, or check craigslist.org musicians and see if anyone is willing to teach. I learn a lot from jamming with other people. Check Salvation Army, Goodwill store for used music books, check your local library also. You might be playing some songs in a few days.
 
#25
Hey ast, I'm pretty new to the instrument too. Have you tried out 6-strings in a store and liked them? I first got a used VERY basic 4-string, then Christmas came around and my mother gave me a 5-string that was kind of a fantasy gift. Part of my reasoning was that I wanted to get an instrument that wouldn't leave me wanting more... like the lower notes. But the sixth string just doesn't appeal to me, I guess I feel like if I wanted an instrument with six strings I'd just get a regular guitar. There's a lot more neck to get your hands around and even with the 5 string I find, as a beginner, that I'm more likely to lose my place on the fretboard. But it seems like the most important thing is to get an instrument that you're happy and comfortable playing.
 
#26
hrodbert, I have and I love some of the 6er they have on the market. I saw one that I really enjoyed. It was a SR506 soundgear with bartolini pick-ups by Ibanez and it sounded wounderful. But I have been thinking about a 5er as well. The guy @ church has a 6er, it's a warwick and it sounds great, but after listening to the soundgear, I love it more. I will continue to practice with my warped 4 string until I get the basic down. I do beleive when I do get a decent bass, no matter how many strings it has I will be happy. Due to my job, I'm always on the go and I don't have the time to practice like I want. I need to find myself a teacher who can read music and show me some good techniques because I have already picked up some bad habits by playing with my thumb and not my fingers. But no matter what it takes, I hope to learn one way or another. hrodbert696 I hope all is well with you and keep up the hard work of achieving your goals. One day I hope to play with my church. Take care and GOD BLESS!!!
jbc_ast!
 

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