Beginner to Bass

ranger715 · Newbie Alert Joined: 28 Sep 2003 Posts: 1

I am essentially a true beginner at bass. I bought a bass a couple of months ago and I have really just been "playing around" since then. I went through my first book which is a 30 year old Mel Bay bass book from dad called "The Electric Bass Volume 1" written by Roger Filiberto. What the book basicallt tought me was basic fingering and scales, how to read music and now I am somewhat comfertable playing at the top (first 4 frets) of the fretboard.

I have tried to use tabs to learn some songs and I usually don't have trouble playing the actual notes but I always seem to get lost when I try to play along with the actuall song. The only thing that I have found real sucess with is when I take chill acoustic songs with no bass and find the lyrics with the chords on top and I play the bass.

Also due to time and financial constraint there is absolutely no way for me to get a teacher.

Basically what I am looking for is what I should do now. My goal really is to play well enough that I would be able to keep up with a guitarist and was just looking for ideas of what I should practice and any good daily practice routines. Thank you so much for all your time and help I truly appreciate it. Also I am really sorry of how long the post was I just wanted everyone to understand where I'm coming from. Thanks again.

Mkuk0 · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 4:51 am Post subject:

Welcome to the doghouse, no apologies required, we were all new once.

Don't get bogged down with Tab, it can be helpful, but is certainly not the only way. Learn by ear, listen to songs you like, try and pick out the bass lines, try and predict where the bassline is going next.

Learn your fretboard so that for instance if you need an 'A' you know where to go, without thinking. The only way to get there is PRACTICE, and then practice some more, and when you fed up with that, practice.

Borin' I know but its the only way.

hope this helps

Mkuk0
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bassmaniac50 · Rattlesnake Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Posts: 430 Location: Ohio

Ahhh yes, I too started on a Mel Bay book, but it was Mel Bay's guitar method #1, and I started on guitars at 12 y/o before going to bass at 14 y/o!
Welcome to the Bassdogs >ranger715<! Very Happy

BassMan02 · Tiger Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 848

Play with cds and practice a lot. Check out the Bass Logic book. It is the best bass book I have ever bought. If you get it, take your time with it because it is a small book but a whole lot to take in.
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SteveJazz · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2003 3:05 pm Post subject:

That old Mel Bay book is a good one, I remember it. Play those scales you learned on one string, all the way up and back down the neck.

Play the notes of a major or minor scale in this order: 1,3,5~2,4,6~3,5,7

And: 1,2,3~2,3,4~3,4,5~4,5,6~7,1,2, etc. (and back down the same way)

And: 1,2,3,4~2,3,4,5~3,4,5,6~4,5,6,7, etc.

Find some very old recordings, simple 3 chord tunes, without all the layering found on modern recordings. Play along.

You are off on a great adventure. Just keep practicing, and listening, you'll be fine.

SJ Cool