So I'm going to learn bass? (bass, jazz, rock, tune)

[SlipJam]

Does anyone know what model i should start off with? I don't know how to play anything... But i am sure i want to learn. Any advice?

[mr dave]

it really doesn't matter so long as it stays in tune and makes you feel cool.

the biggest difference in beginner grade instruments is mainly cosmetic. there's really no point in spending serious money on an instrument until you've got a few chops. the biggest challenge you'll be facing to start off will be your own self-discipline and will power to keep playing the instrument and develop your abilities. it's one thing to want to learn it's an entirely different thing to actually learn. the cool factor is what will keep you coming back.

until you've got some playing ability down you're not really going to be able to really appreciate the improved quality of a higher end instrument. you also won't really know what you're looking for until you've been playing for a while.

so really, just go to your local music store / pawn shop. take a look at what's available in your price range and go with your gut. wouldn't hurt to have a friend who knows how to play to tag along to make sure it stays in tune.

[lucifer_sam]

Upright bass FTW. And play slap bass on it.

[FireInCairo]

the squier affinity p-bass is pretty good really
well mine is anyway
but im a guitar player so what the **** would i know
other than it sounds and plays allright
and its cheap as ****

[Fletch]

Originally Posted by SlipJam

I don't know how to play anything... But i am sure i want to learn. Any advice?

If this is true then consider just starting with a nylon string guitar. A Bass is just a guitar with 2 strings missing after all.

The theory is all the same and it will be easier on your hands/fingers to get going. Then if it all works out for you, buy a Electric Bass and rock your neighbours!

This question has made me think - Are there any Bass Players out there that didn`t start off playing a 6 string???? Surely there wouldn`t be many competent ones that couldn`t hold their own on Guitar too?

[mr dave]

Originally Posted by Fletch

If this is true then consider just starting with a nylon string guitar. A Bass is just a guitar with 2 strings missing after all.

The theory is all the same and it will be easier on your hands/fingers to get going. Then if it all works out for you, buy a Electric Bass and rock your neighbours!

This question has made me think - Are there any Bass Players out there that didn`t start off playing a 6 string???? Surely there wouldn`t be many competent ones that couldn`t hold their own on Guitar too?

1 - yes and no. if all you do is look at the strings and how they're tuned normally then yes, a bass is just a guitar missing 2 strings. but i'm going to use my fruit analogy again, it's apples and oranges, they're both fruits, both packed with vitamins, and both good for you. but i've never known anyone to say they were basically the same thing after tasting both.

2 - you're right the theory relating the notes is the same, but it's the same on any instrument. moving a step up from C will always bring you to D. the nylon string guitar is a decent idea also but it becomes another instrument in the way of getting the desired one. if you can get through a hard tune on guitar hero you've got the manual dexterity to learn how to play a real guitar or bass. i really don't see the need to delay getting a bass from the get go. the soft callouses you would develop on a nylon string guitar wouldn't do ANYTHING to prepare you for a bass. on guitar i primarily use the tips of my fingers to fret the notes, but on a bass i usually use the back of my fingertip. the increased size of the strings makes it easier to make a note sound that way.

3 - i've known a few, and you're right it does go both ways from a theory standpoint. one thing i did notice though is that bass players who started on a guitar had a tendency to overplay A LOT, which is fine if you're playing some crazy jazz fusion deal but not so good when you're trying to lock down a groove.

ironically enough in my experience it's the guitar players who started off playing bass that make for better musicians since they seem to better understand how to fit in a band setting. it took me YEARS to get over trying to impress myself by noodling all over my bass and just relaxing and grooving out on 4-6 notes for a full jam.

[mr dave]

Originally Posted by lucifer_sam

Upright bass FTW. And play slap bass on it.

first time i picked up one of those i tried to play the chili pepper's version of 'higher ground'. it was.... interesting hahahaha

[insinkerator]

stay away from Epiphone if you are buying a bass...

Take a look at the Ibanez GSR200... they a pretty nice bass, not too expensive.... Also the starter packs with all the gear arent too bad... some you can be very lucky with

[FireInCairo]

My bass player has a pretty awesome epiphone firebird - so i think theyre pretty good

hahaha also on the impressing people thing....finally learnt that not long ago.

[mr dave]

the thing with epiphones is that they're quality varies quite a bit. their low end stuff is notorious for not staying in tune. but if you get lucky and score a good one you're laughing.