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Too much info when learning bass?

#21
I had the same problem when I started. The only time I had to practice was when the kiddo was asleep. So here's what I did, and what worked for me.

I started just surfing this forum. Looking for advise and feedback. At times people will dump all kinds of stuff on you, theory that you need to learn, this and that. It can be too overwhelming at first.

Play music you enjoy...This is the most important thing. Just play music and have fun. You will learn many things as you go. Do focus on good posture and technique as best as you can. *Just search on youtube for these kinds of things. I saw someone already posted Adam Neely's video*

Download Rifstation if you can find it anywhere. It's no longer available on their site, but this lets you take an MP3, plug it into the software, and it will give you the chords to play too. This will teach you the notes on your fretboard, and help steer you away from tabs. (Tabs are fine on occasion, but I find I learn better with chord charts)

Lastly, check out Scotts Bass Lessons. I started by searching online for information, and while I understood some of that theory stuff, I had trouble connecting it all together...Scotts Bass Lessons filled that gap for me. I did it for about 2 months, got to a comfortable place with my theory, then stopped. It made a pretty big difference on understanding Modes, Arpeggios, Patterns, etc.

Now I'm just over a year in, and I'm taking a personal lesson every couple of months to just fill in the gaps where I have the most trouble.
 
#23
-Stingray said:
Been using SBL for a few years now, and recommend it highly.
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No question there is a lot of stuff at SBL but it is poorly assembled and use of technology is minimal when compared to alternatives. I found too much of it relied on you already knowing something that wasn't in an earlier lesson. Granted this was nearly two years ago now. What it does have in spades that others lack is modern professional players giving actual workshops.
 
#26
I forgot to add, when you're done with Bass Aerobics, as an alternative to SBL look into Jeff Berlin.

No nonsense. Just pure discipline. Hard, but you'll learn. Not too cheap either but hell cheaper than getting a private tutor every week or two.
 
#28
Lobster11 said:
IMHO, the single most important thing to focus on first is your physical technique: how and where to hold the bass, how to fret and pluck (or pick) the strings, etc. If you don't do this first you'll likely develop some bad habits that will cause you problems (and possibly injury) down the road. It's hard to learn this stuff from a book, so if a teacher isn't an option then I'd start with some good instructional videos on these topics (including Scott's). Here are a couple good ones by Adam Neely that are often recommended around here:
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New here with serious L hand problems.
Curious how many of you do have the thumb above the first finger. That was new for me after watching this, so thanks for posting. I don't do it, but I was mindful to try tonight.
 
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#29
I haven't read all the responses, so forgive me if my two cents is something that's already been mentioned.

I like the Ed Friedland's Hal Leonard Bass Books. Why?

- the playalong examples are awesome
- you don't learn silly things like the melody to Happy Birthday, you're reading actual bass lines
- within the first two or three weeks you can play along with the first track while reading the actual notes. Simple whole/half/quarter note stuff, but real notes nonetheless.

Honestly, the book teaches itself. But you should definitely try your hand at learning a song by ear. The first couple of songs I learned by ear back when I first started? Took me hours to days. Tabs can help, but tabs don't provide everything. Not that standard notation does, either.
 
#30
HD007 said:
Welcome to the forum and to the bass; based on your avatar, you'll find the White Russians most refreshing ;)

You're asking a great question. And yes, I think too much information can be a problem.

One lesson service you might check out is Fender Play, which is new-ish. You can do a free trial for a couple weeks.

The nice thing about Fender Play is that it's oriented toward exactly your situation: those precious few minutes you can grab at the end of the day. The lessons are short, from 5 minutes to about 15. The sound and video is well produced. You can do them on your phone or tablet or computer. The main down side is there are not a huge number of songs (once you get to that point) but they continually add new lessons so I think it could be a nice library. Currently for bass they have two "paths," which are rock or funk. If you like it, it's an annual $89 subscription I think.

I'm a fairly advanced musician, fwiw, with a degree in music, and always enjoy looking through available instructional materials.

I agree with the above comments not to worry about scales or theory at this point. I always find it's best to work on songs you like and to play along, even if it's just with a recording or lesson at first. When you play bass, you'll find you're soon in demand. Playing with others is a real rush, and you'll be able to do so pretty quickly.

Good luck with whatever method you choose, and keep abiding!
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I'm a member of Fender Play. I'm currently using it for Guitar. You can switch to any instrument you wish, when you are a member. I tried the Bass path, but found it awkward and disjointed. It's a little less awkward in the guitar path. I've been using BassBuzz.com I like that very much. I got pretty deep into, then went into a period of not practicing (work related) So, I've started again.

Fender Play is nice in that you get 10% of products. I've purchased an acoustic guitar amp, and 10% is 10%. :)
 
#31
"Whenever you start something new, start with one thing, not two." as my grandma used to say. If Ed Freidland's book (and it's a good book) is working for you, I'd stick with that.

Scotts Bass Academy is really good too. But it's easy to get overwhelmed there if you're just starting out. Not so much because of the material as it is about the amount of material presented there. It can feel like trying to get a drink of water off a firehose at times.

The good thing about Scott's SBL is it's complete. The courses are well structured and have videos and downloadable workbooks plus a forum where you can ask any questions you have. My only niggle with Scott is his taking longer than I'd like to get to the point sometimes. But that's more a difference of opinion over teaching styles rather than an actual issue. When Scott gets down to the meat of a lesson or video, he's spot on. And he's also not the only instructor on his website.

But for now I'd stick with your book if you're finding it beneficial. Once you work through the Friedland books you will be better prepared to branch out further.
 

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