Just Learning Bass

[funky_numba]

Hi ppl,

I'm just learning bass at the mo. Got some books etc.

Can any of you tell me how you first started out learning to play bass? How many of you stuck to learning scales every other day? Just would like some advice to help me along. My fingers are aching, trying to learn exercises on how to place them over 4 frets at once!!!!!!!! This is gonna take me ages!!!!

Thanks.

Paul.

[risingson]

When I first started out I just played along to all my favourite records. The best thing you can do initially to is to practice using your ear to pick out bass lines and approximating what you hear onto your bass. It's all about familiarising yourself with your instrument, if you're using your ear to pick out bits of music and then playing what you hear, you will find learning things will come a lot quicker to you. What kind of music do you like to listen to?

Edited November 16, 2010 by risingson

[bubinga5]

I first started learning by getting my fingers on both hands used to playing together..then i bought a book and CD and learned..

Above all that i learned my favorite CD's for years... i will say though there is nothing like a good teacher to set you on your way... your finger will ache but it wont be for long... i wish you luck on this wonderful journey bro...

[funky_numba]

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1025373' date='Nov 16 2010, 12:12 AM']I first started learning by getting my fingers on both hands used to playing together..then i bought a book and CD and learned..

Above all that i learned my favorite CD's for years... i will say though there is nothing like a good teacher to set you on your way... your finger will ache but it wont be for long... i wish you luck on this wonderful journey bro...[/quote]

Thanks bubinga5, really appreciate your encouragement!! Hopefully, I will find a tutor in the new year!!

Got some additional help at home. My big sis is a wiz at piano/ keyboard (she's the only one that can read music), my little sis sings with a jazz band as well as being a singing teacher (her boyfriend is a sax player). We are all involved in stage musicals, however I've had a longing to play bass for many years!!!!

Just hope to stick with my bass. Long road ahead and all that, but enjoying it so far despite the hard reading.

By the way, what are your fav cd's? Not the whole list, just a sample?

Thanks again!!!

Paul.

[icastle]

I just went through my tape collection and tried playing along with different tunes and different styles of music.
Kept at it until I could do it without thinking or hurting

I still learn new tunes exactly the same way today.

[funky_numba]

[quote name='risingson' post='1025372' date='Nov 16 2010, 12:12 AM']When I first started out I just played along to all my favourite records. The best thing you can do initially to is to practice using your ear to pick out bass lines and approximating what you hear onto your bass. It's all about familiarising yourself with your instrument, if you're using your ear to pick out bits of music and then playing what you hear, you will find learning things will come a lot quicker to you. What kind of music do you like to listen to?[/quote]

Listen to lots of different music, but fav is Jazz Funk, Fusion, Swing, Soul,... Jamiroquia, Simply Red, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, George Benson, Mezzoforte, Brand New Heavies, Genesis, Average White Band, Various 70's, 80's music.

How about you, Risingon, what music in your cd collection?

[funky_numba]

[quote name='icastle' post='1025401' date='Nov 16 2010, 01:18 AM']I just went through my tape collection and tried playing along with different tunes and different styles of music.
Kept at it until I could do it without thinking or hurting

I still learn new tunes exactly the same way today.[/quote]

That's just the way I thought everyone did it. Time to look through my large collection of music to try out!! Think that's what I'll be doing thru the xmas hols off work!!

[risingson]

[quote name='funky_numba' post='1025405' date='Nov 16 2010, 01:26 AM']Listen to lots of different music, but fav is Jazz Funk, Fusion, Swing, Soul,... Jamiroquia, Simply Red, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, George Benson, Mezzoforte, Brand New Heavies, Genesis, Average White Band, Various 70's, 80's music.

How about you, Risingon, what music in your cd collection? [/quote]

You listed a lot of cool stuff there that I'm sure as you're aware already contain some cracking (and at times some pretty advanced) bass lines. I started out playing Jamiroquai tunes. Their first album, 'Emergency On Planet Earth', is great to play along with, particularly 'When You Gonna Learn', 'Too Young To Die' and 'Whatever it is I Just Can't Stop'. Take it nice and slow, sit down with your bass and try and figure out what's going on with them and get your hands working together. Don't worry about nailing everything to begin with, it's all about having fun.

I listen to a stupidly diverse and at times bizarre variety of music. Old Motown/Stax/Atlantic stuff, The Beatles, Herbie Hancock, Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, Bobby Womack, Jefferson Airplane, Charlie Parker, masses of electronic stuff from Warp, Border Community, Ninja and BPitch... a lot!

[Stingray5]

The longer I play, the more I realize, the more I learn, the less I know.
It can be both frustrating and satisfying at the same time but the bottom line is about enjoyment and having fun.
As has been said, you can play along with CDs/mp3s etc and get your ears working.
Along the way, if you feel like it, try to pick up on some music theory - even if only the basics.
A good teacher would be well worth it and there's a wealth of stuff right here on Basschat, too, in the [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showforum=31"]Theory and Technique[/url] section.
It's one thing to know the 'how' -- it's even better to understand the 'why'.

[bubinga5]

[quote name='funky_numba' post='1025400' date='Nov 16 2010, 01:17 AM']Thanks bubinga5, really appreciate your encouragement!! Hopefully, I will find a tutor in the new year!!

Got some additional help at home. My big sis is a wiz at piano/ keyboard (she's the only one that can read music), my little sis sings with a jazz band as well as being a singing teacher (her boyfriend is a sax player). We are all involved in stage musicals, however I've had a longing to play bass for many years!!!!

Just hope to stick with my bass. Long road ahead and all that, but enjoying it so far despite the hard reading.

By the way, what are your fav cd's? Not the whole list, just a sample?

Thanks again!!!

Paul.[/quote]
Paul...what i listen to i would say, is not important ..im a specialist, and thats only good if thats all you want to play...listen to as much music as possible and soak it up... all the musical groups...rock, funk, jazz, pop, latin... i will say though get some Steely Dan and study it....

get a good tutor...its great to be able to talk to a human when your learning..i just had a book that i couldnt ask questions to....a GOOD teacher is worth lots when it comes to learning...noticed i put the GOOD in higher case...

i would encourage you to learn the piano too...it will make you a better musician...

[bubinga5]

QUOTE>>It's one thing to know the 'how' -- it's even better to understand the 'why'.

Ha ha!!! spot on S5...

[Lozz196]

When I started out, my favourite band was the Sex Pistols, so had some lessons, where I learned what the notes were on the bass neck, then bought the songbook to Never Mind The B*llocks, and taught myself from there, learning to play all my favourite songs.

I still don`t know scales, after playing for some 30 years, but my musical "ear" can tell if something is out of key. Probably an unorthodox way of learning, but it worked for me.

[Cat Burrito]

Playing with somebody else will really raise your game too.

I think I had one or two books rather than load myself up and confuse things. If you get one with backing tracks just go from there.

[xgsjx]

Learning your scales is a good thing. Boring as hell, but worth it to be able to step into an originals band & play bass like you spent ages writing the line.

Having another musician to learn with is a help too. My best friend plays guitar & we taught each other as kids anything we learned about theory & practised together regularly. Ironically, we've never played in the same band!

Simple rock basslines are good to get your right wrist loosened. I found playing along with The Cult & Van Halen to be most enjoyable & very easy to play.
Oh, & learn your blues scales & simple blues patterns, they'll come in handy later.

[Wylie]

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='1025501' date='Nov 16 2010, 03:34 AM']Playing with somebody else will really raise your game too.

I think I had one or two books rather than load myself up and confuse things. If you get one with backing tracks just go from there.[/quote]





A teacher is the best way, in my opinion. Books can be good, but you can't ask a book questions, and I had (and still have) lots of questions. A teacher can clear up things quickly that would otherwise keep you stuck.

No question, playing with others, when you are ready, is very important. But no point in getting inundated at the outset.

I had an Eric Clapton/BB King CD, 'Riding With the King,' that features lots of straight-ahead blues. Playing along with the slow ones, at first, helped a lot.

[mrtcat]

I started with some tabs from a bass magazine and also by playing along to cd's. I found it really important to do stuff I enjoyed to help me fall in love with playing bass.

Once I was able to play a handful of songs I started a band with mates at school(we must have been bloody awful) it really gave me good incentive and helped me keep the enthusiasm up. Only then did I start to worry about theory.

Only then did I take lessons to help me understand theory etc and it made masses of difference and gave me a nice solid platform to build from. I'm the kinda guy that hated school and although I'm not thick I hated having homework etc. That's why I had to make playing about enjoying and not schooling. If I'd started with lessons I know for sure that I wouldn't be playing now cos I would have resented being set homework and jacked it in. Once I was really into playing tho I found I actually wanted the lessons cos I could see it would make me a better player.

I guess what I'm saying is (if you're anything like me) worry about enjoying it first and then when you know you love playing take some lessons to open even more doors.

Oh yeah listen to anything and everything. Don't be embarrassed to learn anything if the bass line grabs you even if it's a nursery rhyme or the Brittney Spears or something. It all helps to add to your arsenal of styles.

Good luck

[xilddx]

Just play, jam along and play some notes to your records. Bubinga5's advice in post #3 is good.

Play, make music, enjoy yourself. Make the music first, the theory and technique will follow.

BTW, four fingers per fret is OK if it's nearer to your body, above the 5th fret. If you are doing that at the low end of the neck (1st position)where the strings are farthest away from you, it's not really a good idea, it can strain your fretting hand. Most bassists with normal hands find it difficult. I've been playing for many years and I still find that very uncomfortable.

Good luck!

[icastle]

[quote name='silddx' post='1025890' date='Nov 16 2010, 02:15 PM']Most bassists with normal hands find it difficult. I've been playing for many years and I still find that very uncomfortable.[/quote]

Oh
I'm abnormal

I'll just haul my sorry arses over to the Abnormal Room then shall I?

[EdwardHimself]

So you're just learning bass are you? as opposed to learning bass and juggling sheep at the same time? Lol only joking.

[quote name='silddx' post='1025890' date='Nov 16 2010, 02:15 PM']BTW, four fingers per fret is OK if it's nearer to your body, above the 5th fret. If you are doing that at the low end of the neck (1st position)where the strings are farthest away from you, it's not really a good idea, it can strain your fretting hand. Most bassists with normal hands find it difficult. I've been playing for many years and I still find that very uncomfortable.

Good luck![/quote]

I have pretty small hands and I don't really have a problem with this. You need to make sure your thumb is resting on the back of the neck which might feel unusual at first but you get used to it and it allows your fingers to stretch further. Also don't forget, as Victor Bailey says, the first 5 frets are the "money frets"

[Bloodaxe]

[quote name='Lozz196' post='1025498' date='Nov 16 2010, 08:24 AM']When I started out, my favourite band was the Sex Pistols, so had some lessons, where I learned what the notes were on the bass neck, then bought the songbook to Never Mind The B*llocks, and taught myself from there, learning to play all my favourite songs.

I still don`t know scales, after playing for some 30 years, but my musical "ear" can tell if something is out of key. Probably an unorthodox way of learning, but it worked for me.[/quote]
Swap the Pistols for 'Highway To Hell' & 'Piledriver' & that's me as well

[thisnameistaken]

[quote name='silddx' post='1025890' date='Nov 16 2010, 02:15 PM']Most bassists with normal hands find it difficult.[/quote]

I don't think your hands are normal-sized given that they fit into womens gloves.

[funky_numba]

Hi guys,

Been a busy few week.. at rehearsals... learning script and music for some show i'm involved in... going to pub after rehearsals and then coming back home to my lonely bass afterwards and feeling all guilty with not practising more. Still took on board all comments to having fun playing the bass along with other songs. Loving it!!!

Currently trying to practice bass notes for some songs.. Broken Wings by Mister Mister, Canned Heat by Jamiroqua and It's My Life by Talk Talk. Getting somewhere with the first two but don't understand the tablature for It's My Life. My left fingers are numb... is that normal?

Any of you know any easy jazz songs to play along to or even some 80's songs?

Thanks!!!

[thisnameistaken]

[quote name='funky_numba' post='1037300' date='Nov 26 2010, 02:11 AM']My left fingers are numb... is that normal?[/quote]

Er, no. Are you right-handed?

Numbness is bad, you should try to figure out what's causing that and fix it. If it's your fretting hand then you're probably gripping the neck too tightly - do you feel tense when you play?

[Bloodaxe]

[quote name='funky_numba' post='1037300' date='Nov 26 2010, 02:11 AM']Currently trying to practice bass notes for some songs.. Broken Wings by Mister Mister, Canned Heat by Jamiroqua and It's My Life by Talk Talk. Getting somewhere with the first two but don't understand the tablature for It's My Life. My left fingers are numb... is that normal?

Any of you know any easy jazz songs to play along to or even some 80's songs?

Thanks!!![/quote]
I found this tab for 'It's My Life' via 911 Tabs:

[url="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8453031/Talk%20Talk%20-%20It_%27s%20My%20Life%20%284%29.gp3"]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8453031/Talk%20Tal...e%20%284%29.gp3[/url]

After a cursory listen, it seems pretty close. You'll need either GuitarPro or the free [url="http://tuxguitar.herac.com.ar/"]Tux Guitar[/url] to open it though.

'80s stuff? Gi's a clue Duran Duran? Gillan? Motorhead? The Jam? [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5IFkU8zciA"]The Piranahs ?[/url].

Easy Jazz? Try Miles Davis' "Kind Of Blue". Incredible recording that works on many levels - very easy to get into & never stops giving. Also look up Cannonball Adderley, especially the stuff he did with a young chap called Joe Zawinul:




Numb Fingers = Bad. I'm with TNIT in thinking you're gripping too hard - does your left forearm go stiff at all? I've had a 'bar of steel' forearm a couple of times at gigs where I've had difficulty hearing myself, soon learned to ease off & turn up a bit.

[i][b]Any[/b][/i] hand/arm/body discomfort when playing, other than blisters, is wrong & needs rectifying ASAP.

Pete.

Edited November 26, 2010 by Bloodaxe