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

What to practice?

M

mrreason

Guest
Oct 14, 2013
8
0
Lancaster, CA
#1
I had my bass for a week now, start private lessons next Sat. Everyone says practice, I love to practice, however what do you practice when you don't know anything? Fingers don't get to OFPF. Book says do this, video says do that and you will sound like this. Just need a solid place to start and I can go from there,

Any help would sure be appreciated!
 
#2
I understand your desire to start ASAP. Before anyone clouds the issue, I would recommend that you wait until you have your first lesson. However, make a point of telling your teacher that you would like him/her to give you some good introductory exercises for you to practice. There are exercises you can practice to build up your finger strength and picking skills. Best of luck and welcome to the world of bass playing!
 
#3
Welcome to the low end! My humble suggestion is to start with the Hal Leonard Bass method. The author is TB member Ed Friedland, who is a great teacher and a cool guy.

The Method will start you out from rank beginner and build from there. You'll learn to read music in the process. My bass teacher worked in parallel with the exercises in the book for several months until we could tackle sheet music for "real" songs.

You can buy the book with CDs on Amazon or at your local music store. Here's a thread that was recently started to discuss it:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/hal-leonard-bass-method-thread-1008337/
 
#6
you also must train your ear. concentrate on picking out the bass line in any music you are listening to. hum along with it. you will reach a point that if you can sing the bass line, you can play the bass line.
 
#7
Forget about OFPF (for now) that's a guitar technique. Try fingers 1 (index), 2 (middle) and 4 (pinky). If you are brand new to the bass just strap it on and wear it for a while and get used to the weight. Start fretting notes with your left hand, don't worry about technique just touch the bass. Get used to how it feels in your hand. Use your ear to pick out notes. You are just dipping your toes in the water. Your teacher will get you on track. Good luck.
 
#8
All good advice.

Also take a little time to just play. Play one note over and over or a hundred notes but listen to them and feel them and learn to make good sounds on your bass. Remember to use your own creativity as well as what you are learning in your lessons.

Good luck!

MJW
 
#9
Just a quick comment on the OFPF technique. It can be too much of a stretch for even seasoned players when used on the lower frets (1-5). By all means, experiment with the technique further up on the neck if you wish, then later on, when your hands begin to adapt, start moving down gradually. Even then, some still find it too much of a stretch lower down. If it feels uncomfortable or causes any pain or strain, then use fingers 1&4 on the lower frets.

The "Bass Method" book that was recommended talks about this at the early stages, and generally recommends using index and pinkie on the lower frets.

Best of luck with it. :)
 
#10
Thanks for all the great advice, I will "hold my horses and get to know my bass".
Showlow Your humble opinion is exactly what I wanted. You all are a wealth of information and experience. I welcome and appreciate it all. Please don't mind me asking a bazillion questions.
 
#11
you can never go wrong memorizing the notes on the fretboard. Many ways out there to help, but it is something to concentrate on that can be done without hurting technique before you even have one. That and look up hand exercises and stretches that are done without the instrument for the same reason. just my fellow oldtimer beginner opinion.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back