I have a bass, but I'd been only concentrating on guitar playing for years. Just recently I really got the itch to learn the bass at least a little to spread the learning activity.

I have an old Japanese made short scale Squire bass. I'm told it's practically identical to the P basses made at the time and has good quality.

That’s terrific. Even better!




A little bootsy collins …

I've never played bass, but how hard can it be, since it is the same as the low four strings on the guitar? And you don't have to deal with that third between the fourth and fifth strings.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
I've never played bass, but how hard can it be, since it is the same as the low four strings on the guitar? And you don't have to deal with that third between the fourth and fifth strings.

Time and Rhythm… polyrhythms, percussion etc

Very different than guitar unless your doing the one or two note rock thing.

There are guitarist who play odd time signatures and polyrhythms but they are not nearly as common. Whereas a bass player can decide where his downbeat will be - not necessarily on one.

Try to replicate what Victor Wooten is doing in that clip. Post to SoundCloud your run at it if you think it’s easy.

I think being a guitarist makes it easier to solo melodically on a bass on high frets, but hearing a bassist move around in time while driving a groove is beauty.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
I've never played bass, but how hard can it be, since it is the same as the low four strings on the guitar? And you don't have to deal with that third between the fourth and fifth strings.

Time and Rhythm… polyrhythms, percussion etc

Very different than guitar unless your doing the one or two note rock thing.

There are guitarist who play odd time signatures and polyrhythms but they are not nearly as common. Whereas a bass player can decide where his downbeat will be - not necessarily on one.

Try to replicate what Victor Wooten is doing in that clip. Post to SoundCloud your run at it if you think it’s easy.

I think being a guitarist makes it easier to solo melodically on a bass on high frets, but hearing a bassist move around in time while driving a groove is beauty.

Yes, of course. It was a little humorous jab at bassists. Like drummer jokes, who don't have to know anything about melody or harmony or pitch.

George Porter Jr started as a guitar player as a kid

He dropped out of school and joined the Meters at 16

A classic from Christopher Guest and Bill Murray. I had not thought about this for many years.

Mr. Rogers interviews a bass player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPbri5RFHHw

Something else for guitarist is finger style. If you’re bored with what you’re doing, take a look at what this fella does… One of the best in the world at this style, playing here with Tommy Emanuel.

It’s also a 2 note bass line; D and C
Fairly sure that at least Mike Dawes is playing in DADGAD (open)



And the awesome tribute to the late great Eddie …

Not switching to bass but thinking I should get one to have with my other guitars

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nhtagmember,

I have been taking guitar lessons for a few years. My teacher brought a bass over, I enjoyed it and have done more lately with the bass. Gibson 4 string. Both are a lot of fun.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and just never gotten to. That said, if I was going to pick up bass, I would get 4 string a P-Bass. I asked Jason Lollar about what he would pick if he was in my shoes, as that’s what he told me. It’s the most recorded bass guitar of all time, far and away. Chances are incredibly high that any song you can think of that you’ve ever heard on the radio, the bass is a P-Bass. It’s by far the least interesting bass guitar to me, but it’s what I would start with after some serious thought and a lot of shop talk with the guys over the years.

The other thing is I would do is sit down and learn Bob Marley songs. My old boss, who used to hang out and record bass in the big Nashville studios from the 70’s through the 90’s told me if I wanted to learn bass, and get the feel, that’s what I should do. Not because I love Bob Marley, or even like raggae, but because if I could play “Jammin’” and pull it off, I had the right feel to go anywhere from there.

This guy did it:

quote:

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

Follow Victor Wooten



[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-eH8tkIs9s" width="700"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

friend sent me a link, he is apparently touring this year and next,

will probably go see him when he hits RVA,



speaking of bass, another good one is Julie Slick

she tours as a member of Adrian Belew's power trio,
got to see them last Monday night, fantastic show

Speaking of female bassists (plus guitar and vocals), Tal Weikfield is another.


With Jeff Beck …

^^^ I have that DVD of the show at Ronnie Scott's. Well worth the price.

Obligatory Jaco post …

Weather Report 1976 at Montreux Jazz Fest

Joseph, Wayne and Jaco

Long ago, I remember my father finding the album review of Black Market in Downbeat magazine and then off to the record store to buy the vinyl.

6guns: How are you doing with that bass? Making progress?

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
6guns: How are you doing with that bass? Making progress?

Hey, you guys are holding my nose to the grindstone!

Actually, I appreciate the question. Although the last couple of weeks I've been "weak", I have taken a couple of pro lessons and did a few online lessons on ultimate-guitar. Thank you for bringing it up because tomorrow I'll get in more time on the bass.

I'll include a video of the guy I took a couple of lessons from...and some guitar lessons years ago. He's a real pro in this area and the Chicago area. Berkley grad and all that. Marco Villarreal.

quote:

Originally posted by 6guns:
Hey, you guys are holding my nose to the grindstone!

I wasn't trying to give you a hard time, man. Truth is, I appreciate you starting this discussion -- there's way more for me to learn from it than for me to contribute to it.

My new toy arrived yesterday, and I finally got to get it out of the box today. Being a total n00b, it's a little intimidating.