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Getting Started with Bass
I love teaching the bass. It has a great feel and makes the student realize the importance of solid rhythm playing and groove quickly. Regardless of the style, Funk, Pop, Jazz, Rock, Punk, Blues, Country etc…the bass has a definite role in music. The beginning bassist will have some challenges at first but soon will be playing recognizable bass lines, reading in bass clef, counting and looking for a good drummer, guitarist and a garage to start jammin’ in. Once again packages make the most sense. Fender, Epiphone, Ibanez & Yamaha are good brands to choose from. The method books I use are: Mel Bay’s Electric Bass Method Volume 1 & 2 for beginning to intermediate level reading & technique. For electric slap bass there are two books I use: Progressive Slap Technique for Bass Guitar by Stephan Richter (Koala Publications) or Slap It by Tony Oppenheim. The best inexpensive metronome is the Matrix MR-500 or any other battery operated metronome. Korg, Seiko, Boss & Qwik Time also manufacture metronomes. Picks are used for bass playing but it is best to develop finger style technique. If you want to use a pick on the bass I suggest heavy gauge picks.
In my online bass lessons archives you will find a variety of tunes and a important lesson titled “Natural Notes Bass”. This lesson will help you understand note placement in standard notation for the full range of the bass fretboard. The lesson has a corresponding video watch & learn. Bass lessons online with webcams is a great way to learn! Please contact me to schedule your free lesson today.