• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Picking the bass back up

I would suggest something like:
1)Bass Guitar for Dummies by Patrick Pfeiffer.
I've found it quite a user friendly book, and is surprisingly comprehensive.

2) Rock Bass by Jon Leibman
The book features lots of basslines that you can practice with an included CD. The music isn't just rock - it also includes Motown, Disco, and lots of other genres. It basically goes from the 1950s to the 1990s.
The good thing about the included CD is that the bass comes out of one speaker and the melody and drums out of the other.
 
Although my approach is different then most and since you have played before. I would go out buy a Tascam bass trainer some good head phones put in your fav CD or download the MP3s (Newer model) and jam out to your fav tunes. Your hands and fingers will come back pretty quick. To me the ear is the most importent tool in music.

I also took years off and found out when i returned to bass as a former guitar player not only was I better but more focused and payed attention to details such as ear training.
 
Welcome back. I did this about a 1 1/2yr ago after just over 20 years of not playing. I tried a bunch of videos, books, and online stuff but, found taking a few lessons from a teacher has really helped. You'd be amazed at how much stuff comes flooding back to you. The hardest was the muscle memory (not as fast as I was, but getting there).