Long time reader , first post. I've been playing bass for about 10 years now. I was in a band when I was younger but we always used fret numbers. I can hear a song and then play it ex. "program director" by O.A.R. My question is I know everyone says to learn arpeggios and scales to start but that takes forever because I have to stop and think where the notes are. There are no local bass teachers in my area. I recently purchased "Edlys music theory for practical people" and it's helping. So where does everyone think that the best place for me to start is?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Where to start?
- Thread starter bigred5987
- Start date
Music theory is not much good unless you know where the notes are on the fret board. IMO this is where you should start. With time and practice it will become second nature. It helps to reinforce the memory if you say the notes as you are fretting them. Start on the E and A strings first. Go up and down the FB calling out the notes as you do so. Knowing where the octave is will help to identify notes on the D and G strings when you come to do those. A useful reference is that the word "BEAD" is spelled across the strings from (starting on the E string) on the 7th fret.
With most instructional books I will pick up one or two new things, some of those "things" get used, some get stored as nice things to know, and may get used if the conditions are right. So you've been playing for 10 years, I imagine you will not change everything over night.
But, you may pick up some thing from these posts. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/how-get-started-865586/ My specific answer to your question begins on post # 7.
good luck.
^ This, BUT:
First, I think you should work on learning the notes on the fretboard.
Personally, I think a person can teach themselves and teach themselves to be good players IF they are honest and work hard without taking shortcuts.
You really need to know the notes on the fretboard.
When you get the notes down, it is a good idea to learn a few scales (major, minor etc...). Don't just run up and down the fretboard, actually learn the scale, the note in the scale and the relationship of the notes in the scale (1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th etc...) and why you flat a 3rd etc.....
I also believe it is very important to learn chord construction. This is probably one of the most overlooked portions of learning to be a competent musician.
Using StudyBass.com and the excellent information on this site, you will have enough information and study material to keep you busy for a long time. And if you use it properly, you should see vast improvements in your playing and technique.
Good luck!
Yes to know your fretboard.
We have dots on our fretboard. Ever thought of using masking tape with note names? I will not tell.
Got to start somewhere.
Link Removed
Let the 3rd string be home. Gotta put that one to memory. Then rely upon the ole I IV V chord progression -- find a C on the 3rd string. Where is the F and G. OK that takes care of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th string 3rd fret. What is on the 1st string 3rd fret? C's b7 (A#/Bb). Third string notes I do not bother with the C#, D# (the sharp frets), if I need them it's just a matter of knowing they are there. Start with A, what are the notes on that fret. Then go to B, then C, D, E, F, and G. Then worry with what is the b7 of A, then B, etc.
I bet you already know your I IV V's add the b7 to that and you've got a start. Our fretboard is full of patterns hook some of them together. For example: C-F-G + three 1/2 tones = A#.
That is my memory peg, help yourself, or find one you like, it's not rocket science.
We have dots on our fretboard. Ever thought of using masking tape with note names? I will not tell.
Got to start somewhere.
Link Removed
Let the 3rd string be home. Gotta put that one to memory. Then rely upon the ole I IV V chord progression -- find a C on the 3rd string. Where is the F and G. OK that takes care of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th string 3rd fret. What is on the 1st string 3rd fret? C's b7 (A#/Bb). Third string notes I do not bother with the C#, D# (the sharp frets), if I need them it's just a matter of knowing they are there. Start with A, what are the notes on that fret. Then go to B, then C, D, E, F, and G. Then worry with what is the b7 of A, then B, etc.
I bet you already know your I IV V's add the b7 to that and you've got a start. Our fretboard is full of patterns hook some of them together. For example: C-F-G + three 1/2 tones = A#.
That is my memory peg, help yourself, or find one you like, it's not rocket science.
Thanks for the answers fellas. Yea I know I III V triads and to flat the III to get a minor and a that. Guess I really just need to memorize the fretboard. After that I'm hoping that everything will go a lot smoothly. Then I'm going to scales after I can recite the triads from memory. Well see what happens.
bigred5987 said:
As I understand it the chord tones would be numbered: 1,3,5 a chord progression I,III,V. The difference may confuse you down the line.
