Starting bass

I made the switch years ago, pretty much for the same reason as you, and I've found that you're one up on heaps of bass players form the point of view that you know chords, and if you know what notes make the chords you can be a little more adventurous than playing the root note!

Depending on the style of the music, using a pick is good when you're starting out, I did that, now it's pretty much exclusively fingers. There is a difference in your attack, and it suits what I'm doing now.

Not sure if that'll help, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask, hopefully I can answer them.

Bass players unite!!

All Those Yesterdays wrote:

Yes, from a bass player to you.

Put the pick down. You do not need it.

I'll second that. I started out on guitar, and quickly switched to bass. I never used a pick. It really boxes you in. You can't do half as much stuff with a pick.

Switch wrote:

Ignore this. Many bass players are steadfast fingers only players. When it comes to it, choose which one suits the style of play YOU want to play, in both technique and sound. And remember, you don't just have to use one or the other.

Personally, I play a lot of punk and grunge, and depending on the song dictates which method i will use.

Easy bud. The pick has it's place. People just seem to get pick dependent and forget all about playing with their fingers or thumb.

oyster jelly wrote:

Thanks for the input. Do you have any practice techniques or know of any good websites to help me out? I am really excited to start. I've bought a used 5 string Winaroo(?) for cheap as I won't invest until I know if I will really be capable of playing. I am not the greatest guitarist in the world so I am ready for a new challenge!

Practice techniques? Well, this is where i agree with putting the pick down. When i got my bass i forgot to buy a pick and had to use my fingers, and i'm glad i did. This way i can appreciate both styles and, like the poster above said, i don't just play with a pick and ignore other ways to play. It may seem weird to start if you come from guitar, but you'll soon sort it; speed and accuracy will take time to develop however.

Although a pick may be an easier switch, especially to get into a quick band situation, however, there's not much point in picking up an instrument if you arn't going to enjoy it. And if you do pick it up for the band, and don't like it, maybe you should consider sticking to the instrument YOU like best.

cyberfretbass.com is pretty sweet for learning some stuff, but if you can get a cheap learn bass book, it won't teach you everything, but if you learn the licks and riffs in it it does tend to be helpful. http://www.guitarlodge.com/forums/guitar-bass/index.php is also extremely helpful and useful for both beginners and experienced players.

Most importantly, enjoy it! It does kinda sound like you gonna pick it up primarily for the band situation but please do make sure you enjoy playing bass. It IS a great instrument.

I did say 'traditionally'...

But yours must be one of those fancy, new age hybrid jobbies... designed for bassists that seek a challenge !!





























sheesh !!