Want to learn bass guitar, need some help?

Question

Ok, I already play guitar and several other instruments. I am interested in learning bass (electric) Should I buy a 4 or 5 string bass? Anything else in particular I should know? My hands are a bit small would a smaller bass be better?

Answer 1

Normally, 4 strings is plenty. It's the normal instrument. When you get good, a 5-string can be a lot of fun, though.

Whether you use a pick or fingers depends on what style(s) of music you want to play. A pick is good for harder rock, but fingers are normal for other kinds of music. It takes some getting used to, but it's worth the effort to make the adjustment and learn to use your fingers -- just practice alternating between the index and the middle. After you get better at it, if you play with your fingers, you can then expand into more complex ways of playing, like slapping, or using more than the two fingers.

Learning the notes is easy. It's the same as the bottom four strings on a guitar, but an octave lower.

Answer 2

well, since u already play guitar, bass is going to be a piece of cake. it's really just a lower sounding guitar w/ 2 less strings!
now, i'm a pick user...some prefer to just use their fingers but it's alot harder to learn in my opinion.

a good bass for people who are guitarists is the Fender Squire P-bass, it has 4 strings and the neck is a good size. costs about $150 comes in red, black, silver, and some other colors. and a good amplifier is the Fender RUMBLE, it's made for bass (bass sounds crappy if used w/ a regular guitar amp), costs about $140.

GOOD LUCK!!