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Noob Help

J

Jdawg1972

Nov 27, 2019
2
0
#1
Hello....first time poster here and a total noob when it comes to playing a bass. I'm in the process of actually getting a bass and attempting to learn to play via the interwebs (any noob links would be appreciated). I was curious about finger plucking vs a pick. Which way should I go to begin with? Does the type of music I want to learn play a roll in which path to go? If knowing the type of music helps I am into more metal than anything else ( New stuff like Five Finger Death Punch, old stuff like Van Halen/Ratt and some hard rock like Breaking Benjamin). Any information shared is appreciated. Also any recommended online information/links/training for a beginner is appreciated as well. If this is in the wrong forum I apologize......go easy I'm a noob :)
 
#5
We that came over from guitar do tend on using the pick or just our thumb to sound the note.

Fingers do tend on being looked upon as being the "correct" way. I use my thumb and it does what I need to do. Try fingers first.

The pick will let you dig in and get some volume, however, that is what your amp is for.

Getting started stuff, I would recommend you spend some time at this site - How to get started? and the book Bass Guitar for Dummies will have what you need. Mark's instruction is good and you should spend some time here.

talkingbass lesson 2 - Bing video

Good luck and happy trails.
 
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#6
Hi and welcome to TB.

Pick or fingers ? They are simply tools of the trade to use as you see fit. It is like a carpenter deciding whether to use a saw or a chisel. ;) Each has it's uses. Use whatever one appeals to you...better still...become proficient on both.

As for tutorials :

IMO a few lessons from a good teacher would get you off to a great start. In the meantime...

Here is a set of videos. Rarely on Youtube do you get a set of lessons starting very basic and working from there.

Learn Bass Guitar - YouTube

www.studybass.com Go to the study guide and work your way through the lessons.

Lots of useful information in the "How To Get Started" thread here:

How to get started? Dont overlook safe technique (covered in post no. 5).


Best of luck on your musical journey. :bassist:
 
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#8
Welcome!

Don't worry about being a noob, we were all noobs once, too. (Some of us still kind of are.)

Good tips already given out, studybass.com and talkingbass.net are the usual recommendations and both are good. If you can get an in-person teacher, though, that can be a big help. Not right away—you can learn your way around the instrument and some basics easily without one—but once you have those getting good personalized feedback is super helpful.

As for fingers vs. pick, I find fingers easier but some songs just feel like they need a pick so it's good to learn both. Unless you have previous experience with a pick I'd spend the first couple months with fingers and then start incorporating a pick.

Most importantly, try to practice every day. One hour spread across two days is better than no practice one day and then an hour the next. I know that can be a challenge but learning bass is really fun so hopefully you'll just want to do it every day anyway.

Have fun and welcome aboard!
 
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