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Kit-Kat · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

Anyone know what would be the best way to learn to play the bass?

Buying books or dvds or just trying to find the notes by listening to songs like premonition!

Anyone got any tips for a novice who does not know any notes at all!!!

My brother is good on keyboards & taught me how to play big sleep on keyboard tho Very Happy

_________________
"QUIT DREAMING THIS IS REAL LIFE BABY!!!"

Lore · Joined: 27 Aug 2007 Posts: 97 Location: Brussels

I've thought about learning to play the bass many times... unfortunately I'm convinced that humming along to songs is better suited to my limited musical talents. There are just some things you can't inflict on humanity Shocked

Barry Beatmaster · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 63 Location: London

i learned by playing along to songs on radio, tape, cd. it's great for ear training, and developing good timing. back in 1992 I remember Tommy Vance playing glittering prize on GLR and saying after "I still think that's got a great bassline".

I got my technique together from instructional videos and books + muso mags.
use 2 fingers and pick for the right hand (adding slap later), and 4 fingers,1 per fret on the left hand and go from there.

Kit-Kat · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 6

Cheers Barry
_________________
"QUIT DREAMING THIS IS REAL LIFE BABY!!!"

boostybleep · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 1

Having recently started playing bass myself I may have a few good pointers for you.

Use internet its a godsend, read everything and anything bass related.
Play along to songs, again use the internet for tabs(for starters) if you cant read music.

Find a tutor, preferably one who you are comfortable with and enjoy going to see. They will show you techniques and make sure you not forming bad habits.

Finally and most important for me so far, practice, practice, practice and more practice. You will make great strides with lots of practice in a short space of time. And have fun.

dky_70 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Rochdale

Here's my tip, find some crap quality bootlegs to jam along to, without being too techy there are recordings that won't have the bass coming through the mix, Glasgow 1995 is a good example.
I'm having fun with the classic Forbes basslines, but I'm struggling with the John Giblin groves.

All the keyboard and guitar stuff I've done for the tribute bands has been done playing along to recordings or working stuff out by ear.

cheers
Dave