Thinking of taking up bass guitar?

Question

How difficult is it to learn?
Also does anyone know what or cheap, beginners bass guitar is and where i might be able to get one in the UK? Not particularly bothered about exceptional quality.
Cheers

Answer 1

Squier (made by fender) basses are very cheap and of great quality and wonderful to learn on. As for difficulty, it really depends on your diligence and effort in learning. If you are new to instruments, itll take a bit of getting used to but I do suggest taking up lessons.

Musiciansfriend.com is a great place to buy a bass and for about 200-250 you can get a combo pack type bass which comes with everything you need to start, including a bass, an amp, strap, picks, and a cable. Good luck :)

Answer 2

Bass guitar is a lot of fun, but you won't get much respect. Just to warn you. Bass isn't an up-front instrument. If you want to get the girls, or a lot of attention, get a guitar and play a lot of solos. However, if you're interested in being a solid bassist who can lock everyone together, definitely go for it.

What you really need to know to really be able to play any instrument is music theory. The rules are the same for all instruments. You can get a music theory book at any store. Be sure to always have your bass with you so you're actually learning it in relation to your instrument and your fingers, rather than some theoretical notion of a diminish major 7.

I'm not in the UK so I don't know what stores you have there, but I play a Squier Bronco. It's a shortscale bass -means the neck is shorter, so it's lighter- and it's a subcompany of Fender. It's a good, cheap guitar brand. You don't need something astounding for just starting, but if you get a really crappy one, it can screw up your playing or at least your hands.

Reading TAB is a good way to get started quickly, but being able to read sheet music is a real bonus.

At first, you'll have to work through some boredom and strengthening your hands. It will be frustrating at first, but if you start by just playing scales and getting to know where all the notes are, you can build up strength and proficiency. It's all worth it when someone just says the chord progression (Am, C, Dm, to make something up) and you can instantly build up a line. Don't be afraid to improvise on your own, but when you're playing a gig, the bass isn't the showy instrument. That's not to say you can never have a solo, but constant bass solos are annoying.

The most fun way to practice is playing along with a CD. First get the TAB and a metronome -a metronome is as important as your bass and amp- and listen to the song. Find out what time it's in -i.e 128 BPM- and start at half that. Eventually you'll have it all in your hands.

Ampwise, you don't want to play on a guitar amp. It's not made to give you solid low notes and you'll sound like crap. You can get a crappy amp off of eBay, or if you're not averse to it Walmart has them. There's no point in playing bass guitar without an amp.

Answer 3

First Act sells inexpensive instrument packs. I'm teaching myself electric. I'm about to teach myself bass as soon as I can get one. I've picked up my friend's bass b4 and started playing something that I taught myself on my guitar. It doesn't seem that hard. There's 4 strings as opposed to the 6 on electric and acoustic guitars. Personally, I feel bass might be easier because in nearly every song the bass stands out. Therefore, it may be easier to listen to a song and learn how to play the bass part than it is to listen to a long and learn how to play the rhythm or lead parts with a 6 string guitar.

Answer 4

I used to buy guitars from second hand shops, you can probably pick up a reasonable bass for £50ish. However I would advise learning how to play a six string, the best bass players can play both. Basic open chord structures are relatively easy to learn, its getting your fingers used to pressing the strings that can be difficult (and painful). It takes a lot of perseverance and practice initially but once you've mastered some chords and chord changes you'll find your enthusiasm grows and with it your determination to improve.

Answer 5

If you'd like a relatively inexpensive way to learn guitar from home, online guitar instructions certainly are a convenient and apparent decision but for years, Jamorama, https://tr.im/MZZtH is a front-runner in that industry, providing quality multimedia guitar training that you can get to your computer.
Jamorama offers a good assortment of classes and is obviously an excellent pick for a beginning guitarist. Jamorama's video material is all in good HD quality, and their principal teacher, Mark McKenzie, does a congrats covering the fundamentals within an easy-to-understand and instinctive way.

Answer 6

Its pretty easy to play the bass guitar especially if you can pick out the bass in a song. Its pretty easy. Check out musiciansfriend.com their Rogue SX100B is the cheapest that I have ever seen. It plays just like the regular ones and its light so you can stand for a long time.

Answer 7

Like anything worth while, it will take time and patience, but if you are musical and have a good ear, it won't take too long before you are having great fun.

I don't know if you can get these in the UK, but this is a great starter bass that sounds and plays very good for a student quality bass:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200-4String-Bass-with-Quilt-Maple-Top?sku=519968

Answer 8

i too am learning bass.I got my guitar a year ago and i am still learning...You need to practice scales and learn where your notes are...I love it..The bass is the one instrument that gets my feet dancing...I love to play The Chain Fleetwood Mac..Its brill...I got my bass in a local music shop with a practice amp for £200....

Answer 9

not sure bout the UK, but i know that in israel you can get a decent one for 800...thats a bit less than 100 pounds, i think. but remember that you have to buy the sound magnifier...(sorry i cant remember what itz called in english...not a native speaker...)
it isnt very hard to learn. about as hard as guitar, but it talkes longer.

Answer 10

It's relatively easy to play - easier if you have a good ear and rhythm. I still get a kick out of playing mine! Best instrument to play in my opinion! Go to your local guitar shop - don't let them patronise you - and pick one you like! Good luck! :-)