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learning to play the bass guitar

  • 28-08-2011 10:41am
    #1
    moycullen14
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 897 ✭✭✭


    hi ,

    my son (13) wants to learn the bass guitar. we have no music in the family so don't know where to start.

    should he learn the normal guitar first
    should we buy an instrument now or wait (im afraid his interest might wane and i dont want to be left with an unused instrument)
    any recommendations for lessons

    as you can see im clueless here so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

    tia


Comments

  • #2
    Daniel S
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭Daniel S


    For beginners, bass is usually much easier to learn. As he improves, they become pretty similar.

    If you are short on funds, get him an old acoustic guitar and get him to learn that first. Then if he improves (and likes it), go for the bass ;)

    As for lessons, try and get him to learn as much as he can by himself. Bass/Guitar "Tabs" (Short for tablature) is very very easy to understand. It's basically just a picture of the strings.

    Here's an example of a tab (Thin Lizzy - Emerald):

    http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/print.php/id357152/?transpose=0

    The number is the fret where you place your finger/s with "0" being the string played open. The letters EADG are the string names. For guitar it is EADGBe ("Eat All Day Get Big easy" is a good way to remember it, but it's not necessary)

    Honestly, just get him any old bass/guitar/acoustic and give him a few tabs to work out, he'll be playing pretty quickly after that and that should encourage him to get better. Once he's playing a few songs then you should look at lessons.


  • #3
    Rigsby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,457 ✭✭✭Rigsby


    If his heart is set on bass then get him one...a cheap one. Then if he loses interest, you wont be down too much cash. There are lots doing the rounds on www.adverts.ie and www.buyandsell.ie It is also possible to get a beginner package which consists of bass, amp, strap and cable, all together. Like this :

    http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/bass-starter-kit/794662

    I disagree on two points that mtb_kng made. One is tabs. They are OK to a point, but people become too dependent on them. Better to have him develop his ear by trying to play along to simple songs and try to figure things out for himself. The second point is lessons. IMO, a few lessons (if you can afford them) are very important at the start when someone is starting from scratch. Why ? If for no other reason, than to learn good technique. This is best learned sitting knee to knee with a teacher who can spot problems and advise accordingly. IMO, good technique is the first thing to be taught. This way bad habits dont have a chance to develop. If you cant afford lessons, there are lots of books out there for beginners. When he starts to get the hang of things, he should try to hook up with some friends for a jam. This will prevent him from getting bored, and also keep him focused.

    Hope this helps :)


    BTW, if you decide on lessons, do a search here : www.gumtree.ie


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