How can I become a good bass player?

Question

I've had a bass for a while, but I still don't know how to actually play it. I have a guide book, but it doesn't really help me, and I don't have any money for lessons. I'm going to teach myself, but every time I do I get really overwhelmed by all the information out there!

Answer 1

Go on youtube theres information there and you will find out.



Practise makes perfect! Im sure youve heard this a billion times and its true. Some dude said it takes 10,000 hours to become good at something.



Start practising and improvising on your own. I was no good at art and i have a doodle pad and ive grown better.

Answer 2

1: PRACTICE (till you almost hate the bass)

2: Play music with other people, no matter how much you feel you aren't good enough to play with them. Band interaction is the best teaching tool.

3: Listen to music that has distinct bass playing and observe how their playing works around the music. Also just enjoy it. Try these albums:

A) Double Nickels On The Dime- The Minutemen

B) Mingus Ah Um- Charles Mingus

C) Introduce Yourself- Faith No More

D)Unkown Pleasures- Joy Division

E) Undertow/ Aenima- Tool

You don't have to listen to bass virtuosos, just stuff where the bass does the job of supporting the band while at the same time remaining a separate and distinct instrument.

4: Pick out some of your favorite songs and learn them. Also occasionally learn a song that challenges you. If you can, watch music videos, preferably live ones, and watch the bassists style and technique and then try it out yourself. Find what style, techniques, and sound works for you.

5: Importantly, remember to have fun with it and view it as a constructive endeavor.

Answer 3

wow a brand new thread about something I've been thinking of the last couple days. Ive had a bass for like 15 years and i still am not very good. I think an important thing is to get your bass set up right, the action nice and low so you aren't wearing yourself out plucking or picking, i just did this with my ernie ball musicman a couple weeks ago after 10 years of owning it. Constantly just having it in your hands, trying strange frettings to get used to them. When I used to play a lot, i had callouses always on my fingers. try to play a song you really like slowly by googling the bass tab for it, I'm trying to learn "Lounge Act" by Nirvana right now. Check out Gary Willis on youtube for some crazy muting techniques. Gary Willis Progressive Bassics. Here's the best version of a guy doing lounge act on bass that i've seen, a lot of them cheat and dont do the slides, but this dude rocks. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvTg0sG0src

Answer 4

OMG i improve into very very nearly to ask that question yet I asked a diverse one! this is the toughest question ever! #a million. Is guitar gamers cuz my dad is spectacular and he taught me a thank you to play...and cuz my idol shrink performs guitar. #2. Is the nice and comfortable drummers reason the sexiest guy that i comprehend is an surprising drummer. #3. Is singers reason i like to sing. #4. ultimately is bass gamers....that's gloomy for me to rank them as #4 reason i admire bass guitar... That improve into an surprising question i'm gonna celeb you! :)

Answer 5

There are all kinda lessons on Youtube! That's how I learned the cello, and how I learned to be a photographer!

Answer 6

Practice makes perfect. Believe in your self.