VERY new Beginner

[mads_acosta]

Hello!

I am 27 years old and just rented my first 3/4 upright bass. I don't play electric, or really anything of the sort (I'm a long time woodwind player). I have signed up for a school so I can take lessons, but I was wondering what books, videos, instructional guides are the "tried and true" for starting this instrument from scratch? I want to have plenty of good quality materials to compliment the fact that I'm also taking lessons. Picking up a new instrument from scratch is intimidating, but I've always wanted to and, well, no time like the present!

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Hi there and welcome. What kind of music do you want to play? Orchestral? Jazz? Bluegrass etc.? This site may have some good starting points: Double Bass

It's a challenging instrument but very rewarding when it starts to come together and you can play with other people. Good luck.

 

[PNeher]

Hey! Welcome to the bass world! I hope it sticks with you and you with it!
Beginners, in my opinion, always need a GREAT teacher to start. The techniques that you learn from the beginning are never forgotten, so if you need to change something down the road, it is always more of a challenge. You should begin with "proper forms," approaches, and sound concepts, so that you are not frustrated in the future. Better to be frustrated now, and experimental...trying LOTS of different approaches so that you settle on Your Way. There are countless books. Your teacher will advise you what direction is best for you. Remember that the bass is quite a large and somewhat unwieldy instrument. So, best to observe your forms and how the bass you have chosen "fits" to your body. And you are never to old to begin music and instrument study. Yea! Check out my LessonFace sight and my YouTube videos for some hints....
Best!

 

[rguerin]

Rufus Reid has a book called " The Evolving Bassist "
I have two books in the works but there not quite ready
PNeher is on point about technique 4sure! What a lot of folks don't think about is natural body weight and using this to your advantage. The angle and height of your bass is very important as well. One of the main things is to ALWAYS stay relaxed!!!!! If not, you can really mess yourself up. I know it may be difficult in the beginning because your gonna be using muscles that you've never used before etc... so treat it like a workout. It's ok to push yourself for a bit but two things... If it hurts, stop! & Always allow time for rest... your muscles need this for growth etc...
What kind of playing do you want to do?
Sincerely,
rg