I'm attempting to teach myself bass . . . I could really use some tips on how to get started and how to make myself better . . . THANKS ALOT
2006-06-19 10:30:44 · 10 answers · asked by drummer_510 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
yea umm im pretty determined on teaching MYSELF . . . taking lessons is not an option just yet. . . . anybody know were i can get good fingering charts?
2006-06-19 18:22:45 · update #1
When in New York, if anyone asks you how to get to Carnegie Hall, tell them, "Practice, Practice, Practice"
That is what you need to get to where you want to go as well.
Take some lessons, to get a good grasp of basics. You can find lessons for many instruments at musical instrument stores in your area. Then play, play play and play more.
I think I practice a piece probably 40 times or more so I can play it once in performance.
Listen to bass lines you like and work on imitating them. The more you do that, the more you will be able to make up your own stuff in the future.
Avoid the pitfall of giving up too soon. Many people sound bad for a long time before they get good. Don't give up.
2006-06-19 10:32:35 · answer #1 · answered by Ken C. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just play. I don't know anything about scales or notes. I know one basic scale and my basic strings, yet I'm told I'm a awesome bassist for two years experience. As long as you know the fundamentals, you'll be fine. As for bass' and amps, I'd reccomend a small Peevee amp since you're a beginner. As for the bass, that depends on the sound you want. If you want a good bass for funk and Jazz (IE:Slapping and popping), go with something along the lines of a music man stingray, bongo, or a squier J bass. For more of a rock feel, go with a P bass. I disagree with the guy above me on the use of picks. I've been playing with my fingers for a very long time now, and have just recently started playing with a pick because it's easier to sing at the same time. Yes, it's limiting in speed, but so what? Saying you want to go faster is an excuse for having a bad sound. Try both pick and finger, choose the sound you like better and use it more often, but still remember to practice with the other just as much. EDIT:Now that I think about it, what would help even more, is playing with other musicians. You pick up stuff that way such as how to ear tune.
2016-03-26 21:57:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put on a record. Turn your bass up. Move your finger up the top string along the neck until the sound you hear comming from your amp and bass guitar is the same key as the record playing. You will know this because the sound your bass makes will not vibrate but seem to stay steady. This is the key of the song you are listenning to. Now experiment my moving your finger up and down the strings and find the same key in different positions. As long as you are on key, you can play different high and low notes all over the strings. Remember, first find the key that the song is written in...you don't want to hear hum..hum..hum..hum...from your bass guitar but huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum when you find the key. Good luck!
2006-06-19 10:38:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, I'm no bass genius, but I self-taught myself using that old, tired book by Mel Bay.
It works and it's simple.
I was blessed with a good ear and could pick up a lot of bass licks that way, but it helped to see the notes and co-related it to the fretboard.
Some people prefer TAB, but do it right: learn the corresponding notes and strings...it's only four strings and really is very easy.
As for making yourself better, one word: practice.
Two words: practice, practice.
Three words: practice, practice, practice.
Good luck!
2006-06-19 10:37:16 · answer #4 · answered by docscholl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By listening to Geddy Lee, Paul McCartney, John Entwhistle, Vic Wooten, & Chris Squire.
2006-06-19 10:42:04 · answer #5 · answered by Fonzie T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bye some cord conversion charts and practice the cords then familiarize ur self withthe sounds then write a ong and ur good to go
2006-06-19 10:34:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if ur a drummer u wont get 2 far... just kidding but you cant really teach yourself unless u have a lesson book.
2006-06-19 10:47:09 · answer #7 · answered by the color tate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt do it id get a teacher but if ur gonna teach urself learn to read music then learn all ur favorite songs and impres ur friends
2006-06-19 10:34:14 · answer #8 · answered by chuckles82791 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did a yahoo search try here first
http://www.andplay.com/?gcid=S13347x007&keyword=bass%20guitar
2006-06-19 10:34:24 · answer #9 · answered by surveyqueen2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use your imagination!
2006-06-19 10:32:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋