bass guitar?

Question

i just started playing the bass guitar yesterday and im a little confused on how to use your fingers on the frets do u just rest your finger on the strings or do u actually push down

Answer 1

you press down to change the tension (and in effect the length) of the string which changes the pitch
or for harmonics you hold it lightly -- but that will come later

Answer 2

Push down on the strings. If you rest your fingers on them, it'll make no sound because you're actually stopping the sound with your fingers.