I've always heard the jokes about bass being easier to play, but what's the best way to learn bass having played guitar for ten years?

Just go buy yourself a bass and have fun.

Follow Victor Wooten

He sure is a good role model!

There’s a ton of VW content online and I’m pretty sure he provides instruction even though he is an advanced virtuoso bass player.

I think the hardest part is that as a guitarist … timing is important, but not like the bass player being tied in with the drummer. As you know, that’s a separate relationship that just has to be tight. Then you can groove!

I've dabbled with bass a few times and find guitar skills don't transfer over all that well. Musically it is a different animal altogether.

Taking lessons from a good teacher is always a good way to get started in something new. You have a lot of general theory knowledge and listening skills, so you probably won't need to take lessons for very long to become competent.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
Just go buy yourself a bass and have fun.

Follow Victor Wooten

That looks nothing like Victor Wooten. I saw him twice in concert and the dude I saw had 6 hands.

Ha ha ha ^^^ I feel the same way about Antonio Sanchez. Freaking atomic clock as well.



Everybody can play “working man” on bass.

Like everything else… Crawl walk run

Teachers are awesome and I would never discourage one.

I also find a lot of helpful content on YouTube these days. Has changed my playing w so much access to superlative instruction. I’m easily self-taught.

Probably why I suck … lol

I also use a Fractal Audio Systems AxeFX III modeler for amps, cabinets, f/x plus I/O. Swapping in a bass is no different than any other guitar. I output to traditional cabinets and FRFR

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:

Teachers are awesome and I would never discourage one.

I discouraged a lot of teachers.

Most bass players transition from guitar. When you join a band and you're the second best guitarist is usually how that goes.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
Just go buy yourself a bass and have fun.

Follow Victor Wooten

Wow! Thank you for posting that.

I keep telling myself that if I get my "summer chores" done, then once it turns chilly I'm going to buy a bass and try to learn. I'll be starting from zero, so to speak -- I know zilch about playing guitar at the moment.

You mean like this young lady….?

https://youtu.be/PmNyNJFCugo

4 string bass = the same notes and positions as the top 4 guitar strings. Knowing that, you immediately have that much learned.

You can use simple tab and play along with songs, practice timing with a metronome, etc.

Bass can be a bit boring when playing alone. A guitar can give you more of what you recognize as a song. Bass to me is far more isolated.

This gal will teach bass to you.
https://youtu.be/g46tXWxtsfY

I've seen Victor live many times. He is as good as it gets, as are the bands he plays with. Also check out the whole Rush and Yes catalogues for serious bass rabbit holes. I've been playing guitar for close to 40 years. Bass is a different animal.

I've been playing bass on and off for about 40 years now, two things I have noticed about folks who switch in from guitar are;
1. Their timing is generally slightly behind, in many types of music the bass is just a microscopic bit ahead of the downbeat, rather than right on it.
2. They tend to overcomplicate bass lines, you need to be the rock solid foundation of the band, not a high-flying show-off. Don't come out of the gate trying to be Jaco or Entwistle.

As far as my favorite artists Stanley Clarke and Jocko Pastorius fill that bill. She has an eclectic style that's a little tough to listen to sometimes, but when she's doing the full on jazz quartet thing Esperanza Spalding is pretty good too.

All these guys are great… The music of my life.

The captain says better what I was trying to articulate about guitarists and timing.



Here’s a little RTF

Thanks for the comments and videos, guys.

I probably would start with a teacher for a while. I tend to do better with formal instruction as it keeps me honest and accountable.

I've also watched various youtube videos, but sitting across from someone with constant feedback feels better to me.

Awesome! Let us know when you buy your first bass.