Slow and steady...but mostly slow

[FoolishMortal]

Hi All,

Here's my very short intro:

• Just turned 50
• Got cancer, beat cancer
• Wanting to do all the things I've always wanted to do
• Huge fan of Rush and, therefore, Geddy Lee

Through the generosity of another, I got the opportunity to start playing bass. I posted on Nextdoor to ask if anyone had a dusty bass that would be loaned to a total stranger. I had just about given up when a nice lady named Susan helped me out with a Squier.

Armed with that axe, I went in search of a practice amp that wouldn't blow my wife out of the house or scare the dogs. $30 later, I was the proud owner of a Rumble 25, purchased from a Craigslister. I was on my way!

I've been watching videos (BassBuzz, ScottsBassLessons and others) and practicing on my own. I went to one introductory lesson, but the teacher and I didn't hit it off...at all. So, on to the next - I'll try the Guitar Center program, and I can check in with two local shops that host private teachers.

My hope is to be able to jam with others without embarrassing myself or taking the session completely off the rails. I'm practicing/learning timing, the scales, fretboard notes and simple chord progressions. Getting my fingers to do what I want them to do, in tandem, is the hardest part! Oh, that and getting my little finger to produce a clean note.

I plan to read a ton on this forum, so I'll be lurking more than posting. I don't have advice to share (unless you're interested in motorcycles or vintage shaving gear) and most of my questions get answered with research. And on that note, I've found some great resources here already!

Thanks to all for creating a place for an old newbie to learn.

Cheers,
Brandon

 

[G-Dog]

Welcome, Mortal. Congratulations on beating cancer! I'm a 27 year survivor, too.

And congrats on your Fender Rumble amp. It's a very good start. Please continue that by coming to the Fender Rumble Club and joining us there. We like helping newby Rumblers with whatever we can. Also checkout the Rumble Wiki page linked in my signature for lots of Rumble info.

Rumble On!
.​

 

[PillO]

Hi All,

Here's my very short intro:

• Just turned 50
• Got cancer, beat cancer
• Wanting to do all the things I've always wanted to do
• Huge fan of Rush and, therefore, Geddy Lee

Through the generosity of another, I got the opportunity to start playing bass. I posted on Nextdoor to ask if anyone had a dusty bass that would be loaned to a total stranger. I had just about given up when a nice lady named Susan helped me out with a Squier.

Armed with that axe, I went in search of a practice amp that wouldn't blow my wife out of the house or scare the dogs. $30 later, I was the proud owner of a Rumble 25, purchased from a Craigslister. I was on my way!

I've been watching videos (BassBuzz, ScottsBassLessons and others) and practicing on my own. I went to one introductory lesson, but the teacher and I didn't hit it off...at all. So, on to the next - I'll try the Guitar Center program, and I can check in with two local shops that host private teachers.

My hope is to be able to jam with others without embarrassing myself or taking the session completely off the rails. I'm practicing/learning timing, the scales, fretboard notes and simple chord progressions. Getting my fingers to do what I want them to do, in tandem, is the hardest part! Oh, that and getting my little finger to produce a clean note.

I plan to read a ton on this forum, so I'll be lurking more than posting. I don't have advice to share (unless you're interested in motorcycles or vintage shaving gear) and most of my questions get answered with research. And on that note, I've found some great resources here already!

Thanks to all for creating a place for an old newbie to learn.

Cheers,
Brandon

Welcome.

I went through something similar about 3 years ago. Never played music before (except on the stereo). Decided my horizons needed expanding so read a book on music theory. Decided that I wanted to play bass (also a Rush/Geddy fan). Bought a bass and amp at my Local Long & McQuade and signed up for lessons. My teacher is an excellent bass player (plays in several bands, does studio work etc.) and has the patience of a saint.

 

[Chad Michael]

If you love how it feels and how it sounds, you will do fine.

"Playing bass is like laying down a carpet of comfort for the other musicians to walk on"

(there's that, too)

 

[Malcolm35]

Welcome. The bass was the best thing that ever happened to/for me. Keep going. Small steps, little successes lead to big steps, and big successes.

Again welcome to the bottom end.