Advice on what tutorial to start out with

fnp5150

fnp5150

Sep 18, 2017
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#1
Ok, so I have what I need to get started learning to play bass and I've been watching numerous internet/YouTube based methods of instruction, but I would like some opinions from other's who've gone this route. I don't want to skip around doodling with 3-4 different instructors, I hope to pick the right one to start with. Private instruction is very lacking in my area, so that's out. I want something that will teach me in a way that will give me a good foundation to build on, such as learning to read bass lines and scales. On the other hand, I don't need a PhD in theory, and I would like to be taught to play songs (easy ones) earlier than later. I have many years of structured music experience due to playing the sax in jazz bands, but I need to translate it to the bass. Treating myself as a complete newbie, because thinking like a bass player and reading bass clef is completely different than what I'm used to. What have you guys tried that provided a good, well rounded instructional method, and most importantly, has a easy to navigate and use web site/channel? TalkingBass and TeachMeBassGuitar are 2 that I have read the most about, any experience with those? Any others?
 
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#2
Scotts Bass Lessons gets a lot of praise around here. If you do a search, you'll find threads about it. As for "being taught to play songs..." it would be much more beneficial to listen closely to the bass lines in simple songs (to start with) and try to copy/play along using your ear..and trial and error.

Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons

A book worth checking out (your local library might have it ) is "Bass Guitar for Dummies".

Here is a set of Youtube lessons that IMO are great because they run chronologically, starting very basic and building from there.



Best of luck. :)
 
#3
Thanks, that's one I haven't seen before. I'll give it a close look and see if it's something that I can grow with as I learn, though it may work out better to go with one series to learn the basics and another one may be more suited to more intermediate lessons. I've watched several from Scott's and like them, but for me, he spends a little too much time shooting the breeze, and not much on teaching.
 
#5
I do best from books - first - then go to the videos next. Bass Guitar for Dummies is a great get started book in that it starts off with how to hold the bass, how to get sound from it, etc. Basic stuff you need to get started.

There are a zillion how to play sites. The ones mentioned are good, I'd add www.talkingbass.net

Good luck.
 
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#6
fnp5150 said:
Ok, so I have what I need to get started learning to play bass and I've been watching numerous internet/YouTube based methods of instruction, but I would like some opinions from other's who've gone this route. I don't want to skip around doodling with 3-4 different instructors, I hope to pick the right one to start with. Private instruction is very lacking in my area, so that's out. I want something that will teach me in a way that will give me a good foundation to build on, such as learning to read bass lines and scales. On the other hand, I don't need a PhD in theory, and I would like to be taught to play songs (easy ones) earlier than later. I have many years of structured music experience due to playing the sax in jazz bands, but I need to translate it to the bass. Treating myself as a complete newbie, because thinking like a bass player and reading bass clef is completely different than what I'm used to. What have you guys tried that provided a good, well rounded instructional method, and most importantly, has a easy to navigate and use web site/channel? TalkingBass and TeachMeBassGuitar are 2 that I have read the most about, any experience with those? Any others?
Click to expand...

If you have the funds.... personal instruction is CERTAINLY the only way to go. That said, you nailed it, it has to be GOOD personal instruction. Again, if you're serious about it I know a great instructor. (I could dissolve into bunch of fanboy B.S. and the like but bottom line I have ALL the materials from ALL the authors (Friedland, Johnson, Stinnit) and ALL the LIFETIME web memberships (Scotts, Marks, Nitty) and all the YouTube subscriptions AND all the previous BAD instructors you can stand! Studying with Mr. Hubbard over skype for the last 6 months has surpassed the last 6 years of music study I "attempted.") I M H O if you want to understand the bass and learn to be a well rounded player, Joe can get you there. I wish you much luck on your journey! I know I feel blessed to be well down the right path.

Joe Hubbard Bass Lessons
 
#9
Find a video, book, dvd, cassette, carrier pigeon that will teach you the 12-bar blues.

Early on my path, someone gave me a book & cassette combo that had the basics, including instruction on the 12-bar blues in E. I don't think anything I've ever learned has taught me more about playing rock, blues and country than that.
 
#11
fnp5150 said:
Ok, so I have what I need to get started learning to play bass and I've been watching numerous internet/YouTube based methods of instruction, but I would like some opinions from other's who've gone this route. I don't want to skip around doodling with 3-4 different instructors, I hope to pick the right one to start with. Private instruction is very lacking in my area, so that's out. I want something that will teach me in a way that will give me a good foundation to build on, such as learning to read bass lines and scales. On the other hand, I don't need a PhD in theory, and I would like to be taught to play songs (easy ones) earlier than later. I have many years of structured music experience due to playing the sax in jazz bands, but I need to translate it to the bass. Treating myself as a complete newbie, because thinking like a bass player and reading bass clef is completely different than what I'm used to. What have you guys tried that provided a good, well rounded instructional method, and most importantly, has a easy to navigate and use web site/channel? TalkingBass and TeachMeBassGuitar are 2 that I have read the most about, any experience with those? Any others?
Click to expand...

Learn the difference between half to whole steps and the open notes. That alone will make it easier to find the notes and where. Then work on very basic easy songs for example:
CSN&Y - Teach Your Children & Southern Cross
VM - Brown Eye Girl
Youngbloods - Get Together
TP - Free Fallin'
Ed Sheeran - What do I Know
Allman Brothers - Midnight Rider (for a beginner it will be a bit tricky due to the groove and hammer-on but just stick with it)
 
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#12
fingerguy said:
Learn the difference between half to whole steps and the open notes. That alone will make it easier to find the notes and where. Then work on very basic easy songs for example:
CSN&Y - Teach Your Children & Southern Cross
VM - Brown Eye Girl
Youngbloods - Get Together
TP - Free Fallin'
Ed Sheeran - What do I Know
Allman Brothers - Midnight Rider (for a beginner it will be a bit tricky due to the groove and hammer-on but just stick with it)
Click to expand...
I'll add, Louie Louie, Hang On Sloopy and Wild Thing. That's a three for one. You'll feel like a rock god tonight. :smug:
 
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#13
Used Learn Bass today from YouTube. Was going to skip the first 2-3 lessons that were for absolute newbies but I'm glad I didn't. Turns out, plucking a bass is COMPLETELY different than a guitar or banjo. I couldn't figure out why I sounded so crappy until I learned that you don't "pluck" a bass. He demonstrated it perfectly and now I sound a world better. It is NOT easy to switch from guitar to bass. Guitar is more your interaction with all the components and guitar, bass is much more personal between you, wood, and strings.
 
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#16
I taught myself playing using resources here and there online. Would I have to start now, I would definitely go with Mark from talkingbass.net. I love his lessons and the way he delivers them: it's always packed with information and despite that it remains very clear to understand. I always learn something from one of his videos, even if it's about a topic I thought I knew pretty well.

I am also a big fan of MarloweDK and his youtube channel. He has so many great playalong videos. And a few slap introduction videos that are what really got me going at the beginning.

Good luck!
 
#20
Use Riffstation. It's like using the Nashville Number System, only simplified. It will be rough going in the start, but it will force you to learn where the notes are on the neck, will help you develop a voice, and you can start playing music immediately. Just, my advice, choose a 3 chord song to begin with, stick to roots until you're comfortable.
 
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