Paul asks…
Learning to play bass guitar?
My friends are working on starting a band and need a bass player and for some reason they decided that I should join them and play bass, though I’ve never picked up a bass in my life…I have wanted to learn for a while though, so it’s good now I have a reason to! Anyway, a few questions:
1) Do I need to go out and actually get a bass to learn?
I know that I definitely will if I get serious about it, or if/as the band does more, but for now my only guitar knowledge at all is some basic chords on an acoustic 6-string and some music theory that I got from piano and voice lessons. I don’t want to pay (or ask my parents to pay, I’m 15) for a bass when I don’t even know if I’ll like it (I’m almost positive I will though) or if I’ll be good at it. I know that the bass and regular guitar are totally different instruments, but for the very beginnings of learning and seeing if bass playing is something I want to really try, would it be alright to start on my 6-string acoustic and just ignore two of the strings to start learning bass basics?
2) How hard is it to learn bass/how long does it take?
3) Is it possible to self-teach yourself bass with books and such? I don’t have the time or the money for “real” bass lessons, but my friends brother just learned and his some books he said he’d give me.
4) What is a not-too-expensive but still good quality bass for a beginner for when/if I do decide to get one?
:] thanks!
JasminCahill answers:
1 yes you should have a real bass to play on. Borrow a friends or rent one from a store
#2 Bass is physically harder to play than guitar due to the larger strings and neck. It is mentally a bit easier though since you are only playing one note at a time
#3 It is possible to teach yourself since you already know some guitar and piano basics but lessons would help
#4 The most popular bass in the world (and most copied) is the Fender Precision (P-bass) It is the first electric bass guitar ever made and is still the industry standard. The Fender company makes a very inexpensive version of it known as the squire that sells for under $200. There are many very good copies of it too that are about the same price.
Remember that a bass guitar needs a bass amp and if you are playing with a full drumset than you will need one capable of putting out at least 50-100 watts just to be heard over the drums
This can get expensive so look around for some good deals on a used amp. All together you will be spending about $300 for a bass and amp capable of jamming with a band
George asks…
I have a few questions about bass and such…?
Is it easier or harder than playing a regular guitar?
Can you use a pick/do most bassists just pluck the strings?
What few basic chords are best for beginners to learn first?
Pros/cons?
Any additional information will be great too :) Thank you in advance
JasminCahill answers:
It’s easier somewhat than a guitar as you don’t play the melodies, you just play the bass line (obviously).
Picks aren’t used on bass guitars, you always use your fingers as the strings are very think and won’t respond to picks.
Mary asks…
Good Amp for Guitar? (Les Paul)?
Merry Christmas!
Ok so I just got a new guitar for christmas and it is a epiphone les paul 100 and I am still a beginner at guitar (I know most basic chords and 7 chords like b7, e7 etc.) I was wondering if there was a good amp for a begginer. I tried a vox amp of my friend and I really enjoyed, but I really want to know if there is a perfect amp to get. I don’t expect to be doing any hard rock or metal for awhile, but still , is a vox amp anygood? If not, what amp is good and easy to use. That’s one of the reasons I liked my friends amp is because it was easy to use setting like bass and reverb and stuff with a simple turn of a knob.
Please read the whole question. Also, my friends amp was 200$ and it had setting for UK metal, UK rock and US metal and US rock. Do you know a vox amp that has that?
JasminCahill answers:
I’d go with the Marshall Class 5 amplifier
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh1gckzcZSg
Sandy asks…
Please help, school project, what song??
we’ve been set a project, to recreat a popular song, i’m a drummer, i’m nothing special, but i can learn a few songs, theres a gd pianist, a beginner bass…ist? and someones who’s brother could teach them basic guitar chords for a song, we cant’t think of a simple song. we’ve come up with a few, like simple plan – welcome to my life, i can play drums for, but we don’t no wat to do, any help is appreciated! thanks
JasminCahill answers:
What about “In the Air Tonight “by Phil Collins.
Lisa asks…
I need some guidance on the proper way of learning guitar?
Now, I believe I am a beginner guitarist but I am taking the “wrong step.”
1) I can play acoustic chords such as the ones you have shown for some well known songs(but they are very basic and often repeat sometimes only with 3 different chords, etc.)
2) I try to read/learn by guitar tabs (ultimate guitar)… But the only problem is, the rhythm. In songs, there are lead guitars, rhythm guitars, drums, bass, a singer, keyboard possibly, etc. A whole bunch of junk put into one. However, when I try to play tabs, often I have no idea how long or how fast to play each note.Unless it is a very obvious part(solo) but if it’s like during the chorus with 3 other guitars playing at the same time, it is hard to imagine the part on guitar. Sometimes, it just sounds out of place and I lose motivation on continuing to try and play the song
Also do you play dead notes, and just a side note: is guitar supposed to sound unprofessional without a singer/drums/background/everything
Unless it’s like a solo(or fingerstyle), using JUST chords for a song whilst not singing or anything else really, doesn’t give people the right knowledge of a song. For example, people aren’t able to deduce a song just by the chords you play unless it is some famous riff or you are singing the song.
Anyways, I am very confused and I’m looking for some guidance.
Please help, I have been trying to play for the past few months, but I’m not sure if i’m taking the right step or not.
Also, should I limit myself to more “easier songs” or more well known, because I mostly try to play music that is part of my culture(little tabs, not really a video tutorial)
JasminCahill answers:
Learn a scale…you pick it…and as you go thru the scale look to see if you can find the notes of any chords in that scale…
It will help a lot…
Then do the same in any other scale you choose…
Buy a guitar scales and a guitar chords poster…hang them on the wall you will practice in…
That being said…take the time to LISTEN to every chord you play…continue to work out hearing the nuances of the chords you’re learning…timing will come w/ practice…it just does…
I would suggest..when you can do clean chord changes w/ out having to look…take that time to close your eyes and listen to what you’re playing…
GL
Robert asks…
This is for my fellow Christians????
I can play basic chords on the guitar.
I want to really learn because I love playing worship songs.
Here is my question.
Since I am just a beginner on the 6 string acoustic.
And because I am also interested in learning Bass what is a better avenue to pursue?
I have heard that if you learn Bass first everything else comes a lot easier.
And what should I buy.
as far as Acoustic goes, I love the Ovation but the cost (yikes)
I also like Martin, Taylor and Guild.
But what about Bass???
And should I go w/ Acoustic/Electric?
JasminCahill answers:
I think you should stick to the acoustic guitar. Until you can play really well, don’t start playing another instrument like bass. It’ll just confuse you and make everything complicated. ( I also play the acoustic guitar for my church. =) )
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