Absolute Beginner

Hi. I'm very new to playing the bass - I bought an Epiphone Viola only 3 weeks ago and am loving playing it ! I just wanted to get people's take on this; do you feel that you need a natural aptitude to be able to play the bass or do you really think that you can learn and develop if, like me at the moment, it doesn't feel that easy.....?! At the moment, being able to play scales seems a long way off ! Anyway, I'd really appreciate any comments you have. It would be great to hear from others like me, whom started from scratch with no absolutely no experience, stuck with it and playing the bass is now paying dividends. Cheers, Fraser.

Hi all. Thanks for your responses. Can any of you recommend a particular brand of strap, and also, advise where to buy it from.....? Many thanks, Fraser.

Hi all. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to help combat the above.....? Many thanks, Fraser.

Hi all. Please can someone recommend a decent basic tuner for me to use with my Epiphone Viola, as this is the one thing I forgot to purchase when getting my guitar.....? I'm not looking to spend lots of money on it. PS I live in England. Many thanks, Fraser.

Hi Bass Tractor. I have absolutely no idea what you mean but thanks for your comment anyway. Fraser.

Hi all. I'm new to the world of bass playing, but am really enjoying playing my 1 week old Epiphone Viola ! I wondered if anyone could kindly steer me in the direction of a good bass tab book for beginners.....? I'm looking to play Beatles covers, and possibly anything by Coldplay (An interesting mix I know !). Thanks very much, Fraser.

Hi Jo. I am a complete novice and have recently bought a bass guitar. I am looking to start lessons and live in Hemel Hempstead. Please can you advise if you cover that area ? If so, please can you provide your up to date prices and contact details. Many thanks, Fraser.

Hi all. Thanks again for your comments. I went to Coda Music in Luton today, and am very pleased to say, purchased an Epiphone Viola ! I tried out various bass guitars (Squier, Ibanez etc), but the Viola felt by far the most comfortable in terms of body shape and weight. It played really well also. Anyway, thanks again. PS Can any recommend a bass guitar tutor within the Hemel Hempstead / surrounding areas ?

Thanks all. I should of mentioned previously, I have fairly small hands for someone who is 6' 4" tall ! Which short scale (Or potentially long full scale) bass would you recommend in this instance.....? Many thanks to all for your help, it's really appreciated.

Thanks for your extremely informative response..... Hopefully, someone will be able to respond to my actual question ?!

Thanks. Don't quite understand your reply though.....?! I've never got the whole smile face thing !

Hi all. I'm new to the world of Bass guitars, so please bare with me ! I'm looking to purchase a beginners short scale bass, which is relatively light (I have issues with my left shoulder),and has little neck dive. My budget is £300 maximum, and I wondered if any of you can kindly recommend a bass within this price range.....? The two guitars I am interested in at the present time are as follows: Epiphone Viola Epiphone EB-0 (I could possibly stretch to the EB-3). I am open to other suggestions though ? For your information, I will mainly be playing Beatles covers. Many thanks.

Hi all. One more question for you if you don't mind ? I haven't had a chance to get to a music store yet, and wondered if any of you have played an Epiphone Viola Bass ? If so, are they any good ? Lastly, is it a shorter scale neck ? Many thanks.

Thanks all. Just out of interest is there much difference between the makes Chord and Cort ? I had a quick look at the Vintage Modified Jazz Bass online - a lovely looking instrument! I love that retro feel! Does the VM bass have a slimmer neck than the Ibanez range? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks again.

Hi all. Thanks again for the information. I really appreciate it. One other bass I've looked at it is the Epiphone EB3, which I believe has a full scale neck ? Anyone ever played one ? If so, is it any good ? Thanks again. PS Although, I previously indicated that I'd be playing all styles of music, I'm heavily into The Beatles and aspire to play the bass line from "Taxman" !

Hi. I have fairly small hands. Is a Colt bass on a par with a Jazz or would the Jazz bass be better ? Thanks.

Thanks all. Can anyone recommend a good music store in Hertfordshire, UK - one relatively close to Hemel Hempstead ? Cheers.

PS Sorry, I really should have spell checked my post !

Hi all. As the subject heading suggests, I'm new to playing the Bass a Guitar, and am seeking done guidance ! I'm looking at purchasing one of the following guitars, but don't know which one to get - I'll be trying to play various styles of music: Squier Affinity P Squier Jazz Ibanez GSR 180 Epiphone EB0 Any thoughts you can give re. the above would be gratefully appreciated, or suggestions for any other brands/models would be fantastic. PS I've also been offered a Cort bass - are they any good ?! Lastly, I'm 6 feet 4 inches if you need to know my height in terms of choosing a suitable guitar body - thought I'd mention it although it may be totally irrelevant ! Thanks very much.