Hi all,
I've been playing guitar on/off for about 15 years. Along the way, I haven't focused on technique as nearly as I should've, but I got into music theory a bit, developed some beginner/intermediate skills (lower intermediate?) etc. I know about scale chords and how to implement them, I know your basic scales, the concept of modes is not unknown to me etc. Can play a few of Nile Rodgers tracks, several Gilmour solos, can even compose a bit. However, I find guitar utterly boring nowadays. Still a great tool, but for me, when I listen to music, I almost exclusively focus on the b a s s nowadays.
My main inspiration for this is Bowie's stuff. While not particularly famous for bass, David Bowie's music always had some of the most prominent bass players (George Murray, Carmine Rojas and Gail Ann Dorsey, for example). Since what hooked me on bass was the more modern Bowie stuff (Gail Ann Dorsey live, Tony Visconti and Tony Levin in studio mostly, although GAD had her share in studio, like on Earthling and such), I opted for a 5-string bass. In addition to that, I'm a huge Jamiroquai fan, Duran Duran fan and I am very fond of more alternative/experimental/exciting music (in addition to pop/rock and funk) that could benefit from that extra B string.
In about month's time, I will be turning thirty and I will get myself a Cort B5 bass (the newer version with Mark Bass Preamp, natural finish). I have tried it out in the store (with this little trace of technique for bass I posses) and it's simply wonderful. If China Girl bridge bass riff sounds amazeballs on it, as it does, it works for me! Since I live in a small apartment, I have no room for amps, I will play the bass through my old faithful Scarlet 2i2 1st Gen (with all kinds of software such as Guitar Rig, Amplitube, Bias FX/AMP etc). I have a decent pair of shelf speakers and, more importantly, the almighty BD DT770 80 Ohm headphones. So let say I got that covered.
Being a mildly anxious man, I have several concerns regarding bass:
1. My guitar fingerpicking technique is almost non-existent. I realize that it differs on bass since it doesn't involve all fingers plucking like on folky guitar stuff (which I despise, generally). I am keen to develop a perfect technique on this mighty instrument. I've always been lazy to do so on guitar (lucky I realized I'm just not interested in the instrument, heh) and I'm worried if my guitar bad habits will prop their ugly head for bass playing? I mean, they sure will, but I want to stop them as early as possible. Any advice is much appreciated.
2. I will work with a teacher. I have this guitar teacher who was actually primarily a guitarist in several local bands and is a great expert on music generally. I believe that he will be more than adequate for teaching me the basic technique + the application of music theory on bass. What are the things I should pay extra attention since I'm coming from a EADGBE to BEADG string pattern?
2a. What are the most important things for right hand technique? I believe I'll have it easier when it comes to the left hand part since I already know where notes are because of my guitar playing.
3. Since I'm getting a 5-string bass, do you guys recommend utilizing the B string whenever possible? E.g. reaching the F of the E string's 1st fret on the 6th fret of the B string etc.
4. I'm going to have the instrument setup the moment I buy it. Which strings do you recommend? The store offers Elixir Nanowebs, but I'm okay going with something less expensive too.
5. Generally, what are some things I should pay attention as a guitar player that is learning bass?
I really have this urge to perfect bass. Something I never had for guitar. Ffs, I wrote this post first thing in the morning, on a Sunday.
Thanks in advance, can't wait to become a bass player!
Well . . . . .
1. I don't mean to sound rude, but if you wouldn't put the time in on guitar, what is going to make the difference here, that's what I'd be asking myself. You must want to learn bass to learn bass . . . . not go to it as a 'new start' since you feel the boat passed you by on guitar. I'd think you've played guitar with a pick, you can do that on bass (possibly with a heavier pick . . . ). A good way not to continue what you feel were your mistakes on guitar is to work with a good bass teacher. Developing a 'perfect technique' is something that every well-known bassist you mentioned is still working on, as well as everyone reading my post, and forty years in, certainly I'm still working at it. And remember, every one of those great musicians at one time were right where you are now. We've all been there.
2. There are good guitar teachers who can teach bass, and some that can't. The instruments seem similar, but it's two different mindsets. Not to mention they are more phyically demanding, with far bigger strings, a much longer scale, and generally bigger and heavier instruments vs. and electric guitar. As far as the five strings, play it as one complete instrument, where you play across the fingerboard as well as up and down.
2a. See above: Ok, you're used to the guitar, but the fingerboard on a bass has bigger strings, the frets are further apart from the longer scale, and if it's got a sketchy setup, it's going to be far harder to play after that short neck and cat's whisker-sized strings. As far as the right hand (both hands really . . . .) you need to go slow enough to play cleanly, then add speed as your hands come in. Start out with a pick if that' what you're used to. Learning to center your thumb on the back of the neck and learning the floating mute in the right hand takes a while for most people. You can start to working in playing with right-hand fingers as it begins to feel right for you.
3. It all depends where you're going in a song. Some tunes will line up easier playing the F on the B string instead of one fret from the nut on the E. That's up to you. BE SURE and try and avoid dropping those deep B's, C's, and D's in every song you play. They can often unsettle a tune, the other guys will get tired of it quick, and you may not be asked back. Use the few extra low notes where they fit. The advantage of a five-string is being able to play two octaves across the fingerboard, being able to transpose far easier than a four. Buying a whole bass to pick up low E-flat down to open low B is just a bad idea. Learn to see and use the entire fingerboard.
4. I'd use a nickel roundwound set. They're generally reasonably priced, a good in-between tone, not as clanky as stainless rounds, and far more lively than pressurewounds or flats. You will try many strings over time if you stick with it, but nickels are a good 3 Bears set, not too dull, not too hot, just right. Stick with the 'regular' gages like 45-135, 40-125, that neighborhood, and D'Addario XL's or GHS Boomers or Bassics aren't hard to find and relatively cheap.
5. The basics (strumming, using a pick, tuning, etc.) are similar if not just alike. But you will now have to keep the mindset of a bassist, not a guitarist. I also play keys, and while Hammond and pianos all have the same keys, playing them is two different spaces in my head. This is how it will be with you. With the exception of great rhythm guitar players, most guitarists and the part they play ride on top of the foundation you will now be building with the drums. Two . . . . different . . . .worlds.
I've played bass since the late 70's. I was a club player, played all the Holiday Inns and Elks Lodges and VFW's and weddings and proms and local festivals, moved to Nashville and got to go on the road with some has-beens and used-to-be's, did a little C-Team recording, subbed on the Opry a few times, I had my day. I converted to five-string in the mid-80's and have played them continuously since then, owning a Peavey or two, more than a few Yamaha 5000's, an off-the-shelf Alembic and a custom Alembic five.
I'm certain like most of us, all this time in and I still have much to learn and hear, and still work to 'perfect my technique', an oxymoron if there ever was one. On my good days, I can spank the plank, and some days not so much, but I always keep digging and most of the time enjoy it.
The more you know, the more you find there's still a lot more to know and work on. There is the occasional guy blessed by God with a supernatural ability, but for the other 99.9% of us, the time and work put in is what comes out when the Red Light goes on.
Best of Luck,
JW
