Learning without lessons?

[rodneyat]

This is as good of an answer as I could ever give. I spent my first few years of playing without any lessons. I did eventually get to a Pontiac where I was no longer progressing and took some lessons. I spent my first number of weeks unlearning bad technique. Then a new world opened up to me. It is great you have some money for a few lessons. Hopefully you can learn some proper technique that will launch you into learning on your own. Also check out Link Removed. Bang for the buck it is one of the best lesson deals out there. Almost as good as private lessons at a fraction of the cost

You will probably get a ton of replies. Some will tell you to save up for lessons. I personally feel that bad lessons are worse than no lessons at all. If you take the correct approach, the sky is the limit as to what you can teach yourself. With that being said, I say go for it.

It sounds like you are on the right track by learning the notes on the fretboard. Since you can read, that is a plus. Learning scales and chord structure is a plus too. When I say chord structure, I don't mean learning to play chords on a bass. I feel that knowing chord structure will help you develop lines for the bass.

Some things to keep in mind:

*. Learn proper technique correctly first. I mean, holding the bass left-hand technique etc.... Trying to "unlearn" bad technique it tough.

*. Be realistic. Don't push it. Enjoy learning.

*. Check out some of the excellent online resources available. Anything from basic theory to video. TB user Stumbo has a ton of links listed. Just search through some of his posts. Here is just one example of many.

*. Take note of your progress. When you learn something, write it down in your own words. Create notes that you can use to periodically go back to.

I would say, if you get stuck with your learning, don't hesitate to ask for help here on TB.

Good luck, and keep learning!

 

[hdracer]

I agree that there's no substitute for a live teacher/coach/mentor, especially when first learning any instrument and music IF the teacher can teach.

But I should caution that the real trick is finding someone you can click with and knows how to teach. I'm 0 for 3 with live teachers. Great musicians but lousy teachers. No lessons structure, despite outlining my goals; didn't remember, or care, what we did last week.

Teacher: "OK, so what do you want to work on this week?"

Me: "Welllll... howzbout we continue and go forward on last week's work?"

Teacher: "What was that?".

You had the guy I did!!!

 

[PB&J]

I'm self taught and having only been playing a year I technically and musically exceed many of the bassists I know around me who have been playing for longer then I have. The internet is a great thing. You probably would learn faster with formal instruction however your rate of progression depends on many factor.

I understand money being tight but I would try to get in a formal lesson once a month that way you can receive physical feedback on your technique.

In the very least at least meet some nice bassist friends and jam with them, you will pick up insane amounts from doing this.

 

[becker4567]

Lots of good stuff here! I started playing bass in 1966, and never took a lesson. Not a good role model lol. About a year ago, I hooked up with a truely excellent bass player, and I have spent alot more time than I care to admit, un-learning some bad habits. Moral of the story? Find a "Bass Guitar" teacher (not a 'music teacher' or a guitar teacher), and get started right! You don't have to take alot of lessons to get the basics. Good luck!!

 

[Stumbo]

You might want to check out the links in my sig. below for some great TB info that might help you along your bass journey.

Good luck.

 

[mcapote]

Hi all,
I am very new to the bass world, just bought my first one and started learning the notes on the fretboard two weeks ago. I bought an Ibanez SR500 and Acoustic B200 with one time funds. I mention this because I do not have the funds for lessons even though I spent a bit on equipment. My question is that I want to know if I will experience problems learning the bass without formal instructions. I am driven and practice an hour each day atm and want to be able to go longer soon. I used to sing in a rock band in the 70's-80's but have been out of it since then and I played trombone through high school. So I do know how to read music, especially the bass line. I have found that there are a lot of very experienced people on these forums and would appreciate your opinion on this.

Ive never taken lessons, I pretty much learned to play by ear. I regret it all the time. Learning proper scales and stuff like that probably would make figuring out stuff alot easier. once cash permits I plan on taking me old butt back in for lessons. damn credit cards!!!!

 

[Minotauros]

You had the guy I did!!!

Sad, isn't it!?

 

[slybass3000]

This is the ticket right here!

Link Removed

+1000000000 on this book.

It came with my first bass. Learned all the basics with it.



Sly

 

[Dbassmon]

Reasons to get a teacher
1) Cuts learning time exponentially
2) Good teacher sees nuance in technique and will correct things you will never be able to see
3) Financial commitment means you will work hard cause you got "some skin in the game"
4) Teacher will expose you to things you may not get on your own
5) You learn as much for hanging out and watching a great player as you do in front of the music stand practicing

You can teach yourself, some have done it but it's the hard way.
Every professional athlete has a coach or trainer.... hmmm why is that? Exactly! for all the reasons above and more.
In my humble opinion of course.