New bass New Student

bcarll,

Try this site: http://www.playprosoft.com

They have a product that's called "The Interactive Bass" that I own. It's very good in my opinion. It may even be all that you need. Me, I try to use it in conjunction with the lessons that I get from my teacher. You can work with either Tab or notation using it.

The deluxe version, which I have, has 2 CD-ROMs, 2 audio CDs, a very detailed book and an adapter that allows you to plug into the soundcard of your PC. You notice that I said PC. I think it only works with Windows at this time. Check it out. I only wish that I had found out about it sooner and I probably would not have invested in some of the other learning materials that I have. Congratulations on getting started!

 

Welcome BCARLL,

You might want to send a message to the forum moderators, john turner or ryan, to move this thread to GENERAL INSTRUCTION, as you may get more responses that way.

To be honest, I tend to shy away from "programs" titled things like "FAST TRAK" or "LEARN QUICKLY," you know, that kind of jazz. I've never interpreted musical development as something that has a quick end to a journey. I mean, hell, the learning part is half the battle.

Now, this certainly doesn't mean that I don't understand the desire to advance, and to do it quickly. Software aids, or other "play-along" devices can be very beneficial. I can't recommend softwares, because I don't use them, but I can certainly suggest some other things. First would be a drum machine. Click Here for More Info.I think a metronome is very important, and you can think of a drum machine as an extravagant 'nome. The benefits include some variety from your standard 'nome "click-click-click" monotony. Also, you really develop better rhythm and time feel. And most importantly, it's fun. You can find many drum machines for relatively cheap. I have a basic Roland model that I've been happy with.

The Toneworks PX3B Bass Pandora, Click Here for More Info, is a wonderful tool. It has a built in drum machine for one feature. It also has a tuner, but I've never tried that feature on it. Several other features can be handy. You can plug a CD player into it, and record bits of CDs, then modulate or slow down the song, to help you learn it. It also comes with effects as well. As they're digital, many are quite cheesy, but there are a few that are fun to play with for variety. This is a great tool. Well worth the money. (Buy the $20 adaptor though if you get this, it goes through batteries like a chaste woman's --- nevermind).

Also, I would explore finding some other musicians that you can play with on occasion. They don't have to be pros, that would just leave to frustration from you and them, but I encourage you to find people that are a little bit more advanced than you. For one, they can challenge you, which is always good. Also, they can help explain some things you might be struggling with. I compare this to how I learned to rollerblade. First time I ever rollerbladed (is that a word?), was a game of streethockey. Imagine that. Trying to learn how to skate while holding a stick and trying to follow some puck, which you then want to get in the goal. The great thing is, it took my mind off of the whole "how-do-I-skate" thing. I didn't think about skating because I was thinking about the game. It took my mind from stressing out over how to brake, turn, accelerate. Sure, I had to think about it on a subconscious level, but it didn't overwhelm me. Playing with other musicians can be like this. It helps take away the extreme, over-concentration, that we sometimes fall victim to. That deep analyzation that will sometimes get in the way of more natural, organic playing. It helps free your mind of some stresses. Sure, you still have to play with them, and listen to them, and yourself, but that sort of distraction can sometimes be beneficial.

 

Hey, there is a book titled Harmonic Chords for bass. It is an excellent book. the music is written in traditional style & Tab form. The great thing about the book is that it provides a variety of scales that challenge the player with easy to extreme finger placement for your fretting technique. Also, in the process of running the scales you will see a variety of progressions that show relationships. The important thing is knowing where to go from where you are!!! Also, read the TAB for now. Another thing, while your fingers are resting, make a chart of the fretboard & the notes on the neck, and study them when you are not playing.

 

Welcome to TB and the wonderful and sometimes frustrating world of bass.

My advice is to find a good teacher. There are alot of people who seem to take alot of pride in saying that they're "self taught". Anybody on this board will tell you that there is no shame in getting help.

If you'll tell us what part of the country you live in, we can help you find somebody. That is IF you're interested.

Dave