Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Information on learning to play bass guitar

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Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 09-07-2003, 04:11 AM:

I just moved in to my new house and after moving in, I was able to pull my POS Palmer P-Bass out of storage since I have space now. I got it from a friend years ago with the intent of learning to play. I now want to do it. I recently dismantled it and cleaned inside and out, checked the frets, replaced the pick-ups (new Duncan pickups), replaced the nut, the strings, the pots and the jack. I have it tuned and ready to go. It has nice thick heavy sound. THe problem is that I do not know how to properly play it. I can pick out a song by ear after tooling around with it, but I totally suck. I don't have any real time to take lessons due to family and job obligations but I do not sleep much at night. Is there any anything online that can teach me how to hold it properly, do maintenance and so forth? What I have seen so far is just not enough. One site has taught me how to do finger excercises which I am doing now to prep me for fret work. Any tips, websites, good books or whatever would be helpful.

BTW, my goal is to be able to play funk and ska one day but I do not expect miracles.

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 09-07-2003, 11:13 AM:

Chris,

What you need is bass tabs. here is a link to one of many sites.

Bass Tabs

Posted by Sean M. Grimes (Member # 445) on 09-07-2003, 11:53 AM:

Chris,

And for a wealth of information check out TalkBass I have been playing for almost 20 years, and semi-professionally seven. They're good guys over there and will answer just about any question as long as it is asked in a non-trolling way (which I know you dont!)Just browse the forums.

I honestly recommend a teacher. To play seriously, it will help musically theory wise and technique wise. A hell of alot more than a book will. [Cool]

I started playing Double Bass classically, then Double Bass again in a jazz situation. Then went electric for fusion and rock. It's a great thing to play bass, I love it!

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 09-07-2003, 12:56 PM:

One thing I recall from having played bass in high school orchestra is I had to "unlearn" a lot of stuff I picked up from playing guitar. This is really where having a teacher right there in the room with you will help. It is tough to just do it from a book, tape or stuff you download.

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 09-07-2003, 01:06 PM:

Chris, you're in a great town for music training. Lots and lots of professional musicians here that teach or tutor on the side. Like Bobby said, there's really no replacement (at least initially) for having a teacher right there to keep you from learning bad habits. I know your schedule is rough, but drop by the music department at CCSN sometime and talk to Dick McGee or Dee Gauss-Snelson, or Tom Ferguson. All are former or current orchestra leaders in town, and all would have recommendations for bass teachers and tutors.

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 09-07-2003, 10:32 PM:

Thanx guys...if there is any other info out there, I am a sponge...

Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 09-08-2003, 01:54 AM:

You will need a pipe, the crookedy kind like Duck Dunn smokes, otherwise people will think you're trying to be Albert King but have picked up the wrong instrument.

You will also absolutely need 2,000 sets of star-shaped sunglasses

and it will be neccessary to wear only a diaper onstage.

Posted by Christopher Duvall (Member # 284) on 09-09-2003, 02:14 AM:

All I can say is...Bootsy is da man. I might be able to do the diaper thing after doing Rocky Horror for about 16 years, but buying 2000 glasses is where I draw the line. [Razz]