"Starting over" kinda

[larrysb]

I last played bass semi-seriously maybe 15 years ago. Got fed up with the all the not-so-fun stuff about performing, unreliable bandmates, too many people with "issues" and I put the bass in the gig bag and honestly, didn't touch another musical instrument for more than maybe 5 minutes here and there. A few years ago, got back into playing acoustic guitar, but not performing. Just having fun. Got more dilligent about learning properly.

Dug up my old workhorse bass, fixed her up to fix all the stuff that needed fixing.

Now I need to fix my janky, rusty playing.

Long ago, I got started on bass by just picking it up and plucking away on it. No real training, just watched what everyone else was doing and did the same. Wasn't bad at it. Can't say I was all that great at it.

But, I want to "re-learn". Now seems like a good time to re-visit all the fundamental technique things, as I'm so rusty as to have forgotten my bad habits as well as any good things inadvertently aquired. The theory stuff is pretty easy for me, but the proper physical technique, feel and timing to some extent need development.

So - where does one start these days, when starting over?

 

[Malcolm35]

IMO start back with running your scales. Gotta do our scales to get our fingers moving the way they should, and our ears hearing the good - and bad notes. I recommend the one finger per fret major scale pattern as a starting point.

When the scales flow do your arpeggios the same way.

The General Instruction section has a "Getting started" sub section. Lot of good information there, a quick read just to take the rust off, would also be time well spent. Here is a link. How to get started?

Dig out your old sheet music and start playing songs.

Have fun.

 

[fearceol]

the proper physical technique, feel and timing to some extent need development.

Physical technique is a personal matter. Experiment. Find a technique you are comfortable with..and above all...make sure it is SAFE. Search Youtube for.."Adam Neely Safe Bass Technique". In a nutshell, both wrists should be as straight as possible, and the hands relaxed.

Timing can be practiced by playing along to songs you like. If possible, record yourself doing this. "Feel" IMO, cant be taught or practiced. It comes through constant playing and listening...preferably through playing with others. The latter is a great way to learn..even doing an odd jam session now and then is great.

Best of luck on your comeback.