Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Newbie bass player
- Thread starter GabyJ
- Start date
As a newbie myself (one year), I say this: Practice practice practice. Explore options. Try tablature - some may say not to, but it allows you to get around and learn the fingerboard and feel like you are accomplishing something. I also use studybass.com (excellent lessons and exercises), the book "Bass for Dummies (lotsa theory but helpful). Plenty of material out there, at little if any cost.
Read about and get a feel for terms and concepts; know roots, octaves, fifths, etc, work to arpeggios, learn scales. Study the fingerboard. Play with a metronome and get rhythm down. Use your fingers AND try a pick. Go out to a Guitar Center and try different instruments. Watch videos. Again, absorb and learn.
How do you know you are successful? The things I can do versus what I could six months ago are incredible. The way I hold the instrument is different. My fingers are more adept. My right hand speed has increased. These changes in dexterity, and my understanding, are far greater than they were. I only hope to acheive some personal plateaus I am after - ones that are FAR REACHING now, but are possible, through discipline and tenacity.
Chris
For a newbie with a heart of gold, I'd drop the price on
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-lotus-headless-bass-steinberger-licensed-761516/
to 250 shipped, without the case. (or with the case if you're local, I'm just not willing to ship with that pelican case. Is heavy and big.)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-lotus-headless-bass-steinberger-licensed-761516/
to 250 shipped, without the case. (or with the case if you're local, I'm just not willing to ship with that pelican case. Is heavy and big.)
+1. This is good advice.
I will add the following as bass player who has been playing for 26 years...
1. Watch live videos of your favorite bass players if you can. I learned a lot in my early days seeing and listening to the style and instruments used by my favorite bass players, from there I developed my own style and sound over time.
2. If you go to a music store to play and try stuff, please be attentive to other people in the room. Don't play too loudly, and if someone appears to be waiting for the rig or bass you are trying, ask if he/she is waiting to try it. It can be very frustrating when people who are obviously not buying hog up gear in music stores and ignore people who may also want to try it out (and even perhaps make a purchase).
Welcome to the world of bass playing. You won't regret it, nor will you ever have a hard time finding a band to play in!
I thought I was going to go that route Im only 3 weeks in . For me Im going to need lessons because I really dont know anything and I dont want to develop bad habits . I mean I just dont know what to do , I try to play songs but by the music gets to far ahead of me by the time I even figure out a few notes and who knows if Im even hitting the right notes. Im sure there are plenty who taught them self how to play but Im already 49 years old and I think if I self teach I will be 75 years old by the time I learn. Im hoping with lessons I can play by 55
From one newbie to another, I recommend buying something that looks cool to you. If you want to stick with it, you shouldn't be able to look at/touch your bass without thinking "This is the coolest thing I've ever owned, and I want to play it RIGHT NOW". Motivation to play is extremely important, especially in the beginning.
Because I'm not you, I don't know which bass will have this effect on you. Hopefully whatever you find cool can be had cheap though(I'm lucky, basic black is the epitome of cool to me, so I had lots of cheap options). Once you've found something that jumps out at you for a good price, do some research on it and ask about it here. And try before you buy, if possible.
As far as teaching yourself goes, I went through the lessons on studybass.com. I hit them -really- hard in the beginning(the first weekend after I bought my bass, I played around 20 hours over three days). This allowed me to quickly get past the really frustrating stage where I couldn't do much of anything on it. Again, motivation is really important, so the sooner you start actually having fun, the better. The computer program Guitar Pro is a pretty handy learning aid as far as learning songs goes. The website Guitar Tabs With Rhythm | Songsterr Guitar Tabs and Chords is pretty good too.
Because I'm not you, I don't know which bass will have this effect on you. Hopefully whatever you find cool can be had cheap though(I'm lucky, basic black is the epitome of cool to me, so I had lots of cheap options). Once you've found something that jumps out at you for a good price, do some research on it and ask about it here. And try before you buy, if possible.
As far as teaching yourself goes, I went through the lessons on studybass.com. I hit them -really- hard in the beginning(the first weekend after I bought my bass, I played around 20 hours over three days). This allowed me to quickly get past the really frustrating stage where I couldn't do much of anything on it. Again, motivation is really important, so the sooner you start actually having fun, the better. The computer program Guitar Pro is a pretty handy learning aid as far as learning songs goes. The website Guitar Tabs With Rhythm | Songsterr Guitar Tabs and Chords is pretty good too.
Id suggest checking area music gear stores for used basses by Esp Ltd, Ibanez, Peavey, and anything else they got used in that $200-$300 range as best bet for best for money bass. Or an Ibanez Sr300, or Esp Ltd B104 if wanting new.
heh gaby j! great selection of the vintage modified squire, trust me, put a preamp into that bass and it will have a monster sound and tone.
Anyway, i m not really a professional player, i have been playing and performing for 3 years (finger style) and 6 months (slap and pop of Marcus miller style). Maybe as a beginner,
1. try to motivate yourself as a bassist to learn theories of scales (full scale, pentatonic, blues and etc) .Slowly then pick up techniques which vary your playing.
2. have a role model of a bassist which you enjoy listening to. This might in return set the direction of your style of playing. For me, it's the legendary marcus miller.
3. you could also do bass covers of songs. watch youtube and see how the good bassist improvise. Thats where you
learn how to play the unplanned (improvise). 4.exposed yourself to all kinds of music and learn music like a language, practice, practice and practice till you know it very well
good luck and peace!
i think what you could sir, is to
1.pick up basic covers of songs at first. train your listening skill because when you listen, you start to be instinctive whether the note sounds right.
2.then you move on scales which help you to improvise in your playing and soloing. LEARN PENTATONIC scale 1st as it is the easiest scale in my opinion. then you move on to blue scales. one of the easiest way to apply your scale into playing is to groove within the scale.
3. check him out MARLOWEDK in youtube.
i think he's able to help you a lot and enjoy bass playing. goodluck sirIve been playing bass for 3 years going on my 4th. I started on an upright which is hard enough, even if you started on a bass guitar 
, anyways i eventually picked up my brothers platinum edition mockingbird and just started playing 
now i find myself getting a shecter stiletto custom 5 and hoping to start putting up youtube videos
, anyways i eventually picked up my brothers platinum edition mockingbird and just started playing now i find myself getting a shecter stiletto custom 5 and hoping to start putting up youtube videos 
Lulz
There's always Squender.
Most of the suggestions for the price range are great. If you can, play them first!
Then find one used! That way you can get something in the $400-$500 range for $200-300 or so.
Like a made in USA Peavey http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/80s-peavey-dynabass-candy-apple-red-excellent-condition-807230/
Good luck!
This is a wealth of information, really thank you all a ton, I've been learning theory with Bass for Dummies already, and I just yesterday started studybass.com. I'd get an instructor but right now I'm really strapped for the cash so I'm just trying to pick up the basics now.
By the way, would Squier 030-3075-505 Classic Vibe Jazz Bass, be worth looking at for 300 dollars over the Vintage Modified
By the way, would Squier 030-3075-505 Classic Vibe Jazz Bass, be worth looking at for 300 dollars over the Vintage Modified
Lots of great advise here. Just want to add: aside from practing/learning scales, your way around the fretboard and playing technique, spend some time trying to learn a favorite song or two by ear.
I guarantee that after learning one or two complete songs and playing along with them a bunch of times and getting the timing and notes perfectly, your confidence will grow and you will only grow more eager to take it further.
As for instrument, $300 these days will buy you a very decent new bass. I recommend the Sqwyer Vintage Modified basses or an Ibanez SR300. Both represent two ends of the spectrum: vintage looks with passive controls for classic sounds out of the box (Skwyer) or sleek modern looks with active eq for more tone shaping (Ibanez). Try them both.
As mentioned, $300 will also buy you a nicer used instrument that will normally go for around $500 or more new and if you buy from the classifieds here chances are you're getting a well cared-for instrument and are not being scammed. Of course, Craigs List is another option, but if possible check out any instrument before you buy with someone who knows the instrument.
Oh, and it's spelled: S-Q-U-I-E-R
I guarantee that after learning one or two complete songs and playing along with them a bunch of times and getting the timing and notes perfectly, your confidence will grow and you will only grow more eager to take it further.
As for instrument, $300 these days will buy you a very decent new bass. I recommend the Sqwyer Vintage Modified basses or an Ibanez SR300. Both represent two ends of the spectrum: vintage looks with passive controls for classic sounds out of the box (Skwyer) or sleek modern looks with active eq for more tone shaping (Ibanez). Try them both.
As mentioned, $300 will also buy you a nicer used instrument that will normally go for around $500 or more new and if you buy from the classifieds here chances are you're getting a well cared-for instrument and are not being scammed. Of course, Craigs List is another option, but if possible check out any instrument before you buy with someone who knows the instrument.
Oh, and it's spelled: S-Q-U-I-E-R
if you are thinking of buying it at guitar center, then get on their mailing list (both paper and email). they frequently do 10% and 15% off sales, and occasionally do a 20% off one too!
gnjpowell
Inactive
- Nov 12, 2010
- 562
- 2
- Disclosures
- Bass & guitar tech, FOH sound, backline rentals
Welcome to Talk Bass. My 2 cents are this - Go to a Guitar Center or any music go round and play as many basses as you can. Don't worry about the price. Play them all!!
Find one you like. The search our forums, e-bay, craigs list, google (where ever) and find pricing. There are hundreds of basses in your price range. They are everywhere. SX's, Squier's, Ibanez and countless other imports. All are really very good basses for any player. Everyone will most certainly give you an opinion and most of them are pretty good. But, I am sure most people here will also tell you that they have played $200 basses that have been junk or have been one of the best basses ever and likewise, $5000 basses that have been junk as well..
Find one you like. The search our forums, e-bay, craigs list, google (where ever) and find pricing. There are hundreds of basses in your price range. They are everywhere. SX's, Squier's, Ibanez and countless other imports. All are really very good basses for any player. Everyone will most certainly give you an opinion and most of them are pretty good. But, I am sure most people here will also tell you that they have played $200 basses that have been junk or have been one of the best basses ever and likewise, $5000 basses that have been junk as well..
Mike:
DO NOT let your age be a detriment. And keep in mind, you are probably doing this for your own enjoyment, yes?...as opposed to learning the bass to be a professional or make a career from it; of course I would not know your intentions. My point here was to not let your age get in the way....but please pursue it as you need.
I feel "qualified" to answer in this light because at age 51, I have only been at it for a year - by myself - and I absolutely love it, and have learned a LOT! I have no designs on learning bass for anything more than self-enjoyment; I WISH I had done it years ago, but I did not, c'est la vie! Good luck!!
Chris
There is a lot of good advice on here.
I taught my self some basics years ago as a teenager when I was messing with drums and bass at the same time. I ended up becoming a serious drummer (don't hold that against me) and was away from bass for many years.
Nine months ago I decided to get serious about REALLY learning bass. I used things that I watched on you tube, taught myself how to read tab and picked out patterns by ear. I also joined this forum which has been a great help. About a month ago I started lessons. The instructor has helped me quite a bit and I'm making serious progress now.
I have moved up the from absolute newbie to extremely mediocre bassist. Enjoy the ride.
I'm 52 by the way.
