Path for guitar player with a bass?

[Gregc57]

Hi. Short story is I've been playing guitar for some 45 years, mostly classic rock, and mostly by ear. I did formally study classical trumpet for 5 years, (so I can read music) & took formal drum lessons for at least that long (great for reading rhythms); and have a couple years of college music theory and ear training in my past. I'll dabble on the piano in my home.
I want to learn to really play bass; not be a guitar player with a bass. Can you recommend a book series or another path, video series or something, for someone like me? I'm a bit lost as to where to dig in and where to spend my limited $$$.
Thanks in advance,
Greg

 

[bholder]

It takes time and intent, not $$$. (Well, $$$s well spent can make it easier, but....)

 

[MrLenny1]

Taking lessons with a teacher in my humble opinion is the best way.
If limited on funds online courses may be more affordable.
Look into "Real Bass Lessons" on YouTube.
Jim Stinnett of Berklee Music College has a comprehensive course
for free & Patreon donations are always welcomed.

 

[fu22ba55]

Here's an Adam Neely video people often cite for guitarists to get stared:

 

[fu22ba55]

Jim Stinnett of Berklee Music College has a comprehensive course for free & Patreon donations are always welcomed.

Jim Stinnett's resources are great. R.I.P. Jim.

 

[Scott Lynch]

Recent thread addressing this same topic. Might be worth checking out. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/i-want-to-be-able-to-call-myself-a-bassist-not-a-guitarist-who-has-a-bass-help.1519935/

Short answer from me - being a bass player is more a mindset than anything else. It’s a musical role to learn.

 

[Malcolm35]

Dirt simple guitar to bass, follow the chords like you did on guitar, but now, play notes of the active chord one note at a time -- to the beat the song is using. Your old guitar sheet music can still be used.

For 4x4 time:
C = R-3-5-8. This could be R-R-R-R or R on the first beat and a 5 on the third beat.
CM7 = R-3-5-7
Cm7 = R-b3-5-b7. Most minor chords will have a flatted 3 and 7.
C7 = R-3-5-b7 and the dominate chord will have a natural 3 and a flatted 7.

Yep you need to know "the spelling" for the chords the song will use.
Where are the 3's? That fish thing, call up the major scale box and use the box to let you see where the notes are on your fretboard.

Three years from now you will no longer need the box.

Happy trails.

 

[Bass]

Hal Leonard Bass Method books 1, 2 and 3?

 

[MonetBass]

The main thing to focus on is your role: a member of the rhythm section. You're essentially a drummer (your background will help here) with a harmonic and sometimes melodic function. Figure out the bass parts to songs you like and play along. Get some song books and play the bass line, since you can read. Practice, and have fun!

 

[el murdoque]

I second the call for a human teacher. Your background is not-so-common.
Find someone who will make use of your knowledge and show you how to wrestle the thick ropes properly.