What's the best way for me to learn bass guitar?

Question

I have no musical background. I've never played any instruments. I don't know notes, scales, etc. I want to learn because my friends and I want to start a band. How do I even start? Please, any advice/suggestions from seasoned bass players out there? Thank you!

Answer 1

All the great bass players didn't know how to play when they started. People like Steve Harris and Geezer Butler are self taught so you can teach yourself but it would be best to get a tutor because they will show you the proper techniques. You can find heaps of videos on Youtube too.

Answer 2

I did this: (even though I have a very musical background, it didn't change very much)



I looked up songs I wanted to learn, and played the tablature!

http://www.studybass.com/lessons/reading-music/how-to-read-bass-tab/



That should get you started pretty quickly. After practicing a ton, you may want to learn "traditionally" by reading musical scores. This is much tougher, but of course, practice is key.



If you aren't totally rolling in dough, I must recommend you get this bass or something similar:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-vintage-modified-jazz-bass-guitar



It's great and cheap! (in a relative sense)

Answer 3

A teacher, is right. A book or video can't watch you play, and make suggestions.

Books and vids, work best when used with a teacher.



And the irritating ads, that yahoo are selling now , are usually wrong, and often illegal.

Yahoo violates their own guidelines?



And what's up with the dumb facebook popup ads?

facebook sells your info to anyone they can, and the web is full of thoudsands or hundreds of thousands of sites, that want your credit and computer info. I'm not giving them mine.

Answer 4

Practice. Lots of practice.

Answer 5

I think the best way is to find a tutor...