Bass beginner.

stratowide

Hi all,looking for some advice about my journey into bass guitar playing.
I've decided to make a serious effort and learn how to play the bass properly,so a bit of direction would be greatly appreciated.

Would it be better to learn song's and progress from there or learn scales and then onto song's..?

I got lesson's a while back and didn't feel they were doing anything for me(they were from a guitar teacher),so I was thinking of maybe a book tutorial(recommendation's)

Or am I going the wrong way about this..

Thank's in advance.

ball

It depends on the person I suppose.

I started off just learning songs I liked. I'd listen to a song and pick out each note individually. I eventually got better and when I started learning scales, I realised it was all stuff I pretty much already knew.

Don't rush into things. Start off simple and you'll notice yourself gradually improving.


Oh, I never had any lessons btw.

Rigsby

First, I would give lessons another try, this time from a bass teacher. Ask them if bass is their first instrument. Granted, "bass" teachers are scarce, but a good one can get you off to a great start.

That said, the very first thing I'd recommend learning before bad habits develop is good technique. This will get you playing to a high standard, while at the same time saving you from physical problems later on. Below are some links for right and left hand technique. Be sure to warm up before and after playing, with gentle stretches. You Tube should have clips on this.

Try not to get hooked on tabs. They are ok to a point, but it is better to train your ear by listening to songs closely, and playing along. A book I'd recommend ( very reasonably priced) is Ed Friedland's "Bass Method" (check E Bay). There are three volumes, which you can get together is one spiral volume. Another good book is "Bass Guitar for Dummies". Dont be put off by the "D" word. It is a good book if you are starting from scratch. While it is very important to know your scales inside out, CHORDS are what a bassist plays 90% of the time. So once you know your scales, start immediately on learning chords. A great all round bass site is www.studybass.com Great lessons on chords (among lots of other things ) there. Methodically go through this site from start to finish, and with time and patience, you will make good progress. Also, get a metronome and look up You Tube for tips on how to use it. It is the bassists "friend". No good knowing a lot of theory if your timing is out.

Here is a link to a similar thread. I posted on this also, so there may be an over lap on some of the above information.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=72108554



Left Hand Technique :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRoQuXlj9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkSsapYYsA&playnext=1&list=PL946CC9D5CCF21066


http://chriskeuken.nl/health/the-narrow-options-of-the-left-hand-the-thumb-as-wrist-guard.html




Right Hand Technique :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPVMBPmrblU




Welcome to the "low end" and good luck with it. :cool: