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Double Bass more advice please

A

Akbrownsfan

Oct 11, 2007
19
0
55
Anchorage, Alaska
#1
Hi Folks! I am still going to boy a DB. I am slowing it down a little as I am now going to get an instructor first. However I KNOW I want one as I explained in the other thread. I looked up a couple instructors in my area using the net.
I think I have one picked out but I guess I won't know how much I like them till we meet.
Here is my question...........the instructor who just got an email from me explaining I have no musical experience.........suggested picking up a cheap electric for a couple hundred instead of a DB for two grand. I know it is good advice if I was unsure of my committment to playing. (well I'm not unsure.........I've been around long enough to know)
Would the electric help that much vs just learning from a DB? I am getting a DB as soon as I am 99% positive which one I want. One will be bought within 2 months. Wouldn't it hurt my hand positioning by not learnin on a DB? Would it be better to learn with frets vs non frets?
What do you folks think? Thanks!!
 
#2
You can learn a lot about theory, constructing bass lines, playing with good time, etc. on the bass guitar. You won't learn much about how to physically play the double bass. If you want to play double bass, get a double bass and an instructor who knows the double bass (this guy sounds sort of iffy, to me)
 
#6
well i find that it is good to have an electric though. I play double bass and in regards to jazz and classical i love it, but playing electric makes you so much more versatile and usable by groups looking for a bassist, and if you don't have a car that can easily transport a bass then its good to have an electric just to bring along with you wherever you go. As far as learning the double bass, it won't help you, but I would say that as a bass player it would absolutely be helpful to own an electric. I know thats not really helpful seeing as how it'll just be more expensive in the long run buying two instruments, but from my perspective I wouldn't have it any other way.
 
#7
To be fair to the instructor you emailed - he doesn't know you, or what your committment is like, and has probably taught many people who have only lasted a term or two then given it up as too hard. So he might be trying to do you a favour by suggesting you try an electric first. There is no evidence here yet that he may be an "iffy" instructor!

But you say you are sure of your committment to learn DB, so I'd agree with the others. Wait for the big one, unless you have spare cash and want to learn BG as well.
 
#8
Bassist4life89 said:
well i find that it is good to have an electric though. I play double bass and in regards to jazz and classical i love it, but playing electric makes you so much more versatile and usable by groups looking for a bassist, and if you don't have a car that can easily transport a bass then its good to have an electric just to bring along with you wherever you go. As far as learning the double bass, it won't help you, but I would say that as a bass player it would absolutely be helpful to own an electric. I know thats not really helpful seeing as how it'll just be more expensive in the long run buying two instruments, but from my perspective I wouldn't have it any other way.
Click to expand...

Don't think anyone would argue with that but the question is, does it make sense to play the pork chop first, then move on to upright?

Akbrownsfan said:
Would the electric help that much vs just learning from a DB?
Click to expand...

Yes, and no. If the money's not there, or you haven't played any kind of bass at all, then sure it would be helpful to mess around on the electric first for the sheer mental exercise. But, while the two instruments have the same function (usually), they are two very different instruments. I say, "sh*t or get off the pot." If you want to play DB, play DB. Otherwise, it's kinda like taking swimming lessons to prepare for a golf tournament! Or something like that.

I went straight from guitar to DB, and then picked up BG later on (mostly for my own fun, since I've done maybe a dozen electric gigs in 10 years or so, usually doubling on hybrid jazz/R&B type gigs, and weddings and whatnot). I suppose it helped to know a little about where the notes are on a guitar, and I already had the basic concept of plucking with right hand, fingering with left... but I can play all over the guitar without moving my left elbow. It's hard to play 3 consecutive notes in a scale on the DB without breaking a sweat.

If you can borrow an electric from a friend or rent one super cheap, AND it'll be a while before you have access to an upright, then by all means start with electric. But if you don't meet all those criteria, then go straight to DB, do not pass 'Go'.
 

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