sentinel wrote:
hello everyone!
hey guys rob here. im new to the forum and wanted to know if you all could help me with some bass stuff. i dont know much about amps, bass tones, bass lingo/bass guitars, or anything really. im trying to find some stuff out but its a bit complex for me to understand because most of the things people think of as "beginner" explanations, i dont understand(tone, bass up keeping, bass parts and there reasons for being there, bass' that would be good for me or not, etc.) i would like to be completely comfortable talking about everything bass with other musicians, and i am not.lol. if there are any suggestions you have, whether it comes to practicing that would help also. thanks guys, hope to get some good feedback
here is a list of bass players i like whether it be playing style or tone. i have a very very broad taste/knowledge with music, so anything that you throw at me i will probably like if i dont already.
rob
Welcome Rob/sentinel:
First things first. You'll learn lingo soon enough the more you converse on forums such as these and interact with other musicians. So if there's any terms you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask. (I've been playing for over 20 years, and I still don't know what a "cowpoke" is).
What bass to get? Well it sounds like you're just starting out so I'll assume you haven't acquired one yet. So what are using now? Also, why do you think you're a lefty? As you may know, finding left handed instruments is pretty difficult unless buying sight unseen, and while I am a strong defender of true lefthandeness and prefer not to force change on anyone I will say that you will undoubtedly have more choices/options if you switch to righty. Many lefties ended up playing that way out of convenience, or they developed some hybrid of both (i.e. they play righties upside down or string their basses from high to low). If you want to stay lefty and you are a beginner, I suggest a good well-rated/reviewed inexpensive bass. Agile, SX, Brice, Douglas, and Fender/Squire all get good marks for decent quality at a low price point. Personally, I don't recommend getting a super expensive bass when starting out, though some may disagree (market value for resale being a prime argument). IMO, develop on a decent quality lower priced instrument first. If you choose to continue with bass, then in time you'll know what you desire in an instrument and can better hone in on the "bass of your dreams" should you want to upgrade.
3rd, in terms of getting better, my advice is to take it slow and steady (wins the race), be patient, but also keep it stimulating and fun. Nothing turns a future bassist off quicker, IMO, than having to practice dull rudimentary 1/4 note plucking without accompaniment when you're first starting, but we've all been there (before we realized there are funner ways). For me, my skill developed rapidly thereafter once I found enjoyment out of simply learning bass parts to my favorite songs. (I still have tapes of me playing along to The Go Go's songs, and dare I say it, I have to site Caffey Valentine as an early influence). It will help you develop your ear as well. As I got better, I would up the ante and challenge myself with harder parts/compositions to play, and I would
practice until I nailed it.