So, I wanna start playing bass...

[Toasty Virus]

..The only thing is, I really don't have a clue how to get started.

So, could you, the people of The Escapsit give me any advice on where to, firstly, get a good but fairly cheap Bass Guitar and secondly, get started on playing the thing?

 

[SturmDolch]

I have an electric guitar, a Fender Stratocaster. But I'll still give you this advice: be wary of $200 starter packs. My first guitar was a Fender Squier from one of those and it never stayed in tune.

To learn to play, I really recommend lessons. I never took lessons and can't play my guitar at all. This makes me not want to play it at all, and therefore not learn anything on it. It's just sitting here in my room. With lessons, you are required to go and learn. You might think, "bah! I have the drive right now!" but you will most probably lose it after a few weeks of getting no where with online tutorials.

 

[Doinstuffman38]

Two good names that make cheap yet efficent starter basses are Squier (Fender), and Epiphone (Gibson). They make more affordable versions of Fender and Gibson guitars and basses. I myself have a Squier P-Bass, and it's been serving me well for about two years.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150254495785402&set=t.782628002

I at one point also owned an Epiphone EB-3 (an SG bass), but I had to sell it. It was one hell of a bass, though.

I would recommend a Squier Starter kit. Comes with either a Jazz or P-Bass, a small amp, a cable, a tuner, some picks, and maybe a DVD.

 

[Toasty Virus]

I have an electric guitar, a Fender Stratocaster. But I'll still give you this advice: be wary of $200 starter packs. My first guitar was a Fender Squier from one of those and it never stayed in tune.

To learn to play, I really recommend lessons. I never took lessons and can't play my guitar at all. This makes me not want to play it at all, and therefore not learn anything on it. It's just sitting here in my room. With lessons, you are required to go and learn. You might think, "bah! I have the drive right now!" but you will most probably lose it after a few weeks of getting no where with online tutorials.

Oddly, the EXACT same thing happened with me when I tried to learn Guitar a few years back, but I'm more motivated now, so here's hoping!

A friend has actually offered to teach me, just need to get a bass now :3

 

[Deathlyphil]

Definitely try to get lessons. Unless you can absolutely guarantee that you will play for at least half an hour a day, 5 or 6 days a week, then you will need external motivation. I know that sounds like a lot, but if you want to get good at it, you have to put the time and effort in.

Plus it's always handy to be able to talk directly to someone who know what they are talking about if you have any questions, such as styles, alternative fingerings, good music to start on, bass lines that are more than one note.

Hope I haven't put you off, and I hope that you enjoy it.

 

[EmzOLV]

I started playing bass back in 2001, (wow, 9 years :S) and its awesome!!!
Massive bass lover

I would suggest, firstly, if you're serious consider lessons with someone who can help you with say the theory or improvisation - this is something which takes a whileand its always great to hear people correct you so you dont get bad habits

Aside from that pick songs you love and try and listen to whats being played and attempt it yourself. Its great to try and learn by ear.

Aside from this, try practising five minutes every day and not just an hour a week. This will be far more helpful and will build muscle memory.

I can help you with more tips but I'mnot very well and will be going offline so feel free to send me a message!

 

[Baby Tea]

..The only thing is, I really don't have a clue how to get started.

Fun! I was the same way!
I bought myself a Fender Squire. Great, inexpensive bass.
Perfect for starting out.

I would recommend lessons if you have the money for them.
That, or get tabs for songs you like that aren't crazy difficult. Then play along!

The trick is to keep playing. The more you play (I.E. Practice), the better you get. I know that sounds pretty obvious, but you wouldn't realize how many people get a guitar, play for a week or two, and then complain that they aren't very good when they donly play it for a few minutes every few days. That's ridiculous. If you actually want to get good, set aside an hour (Or two) a day to just playing it. Picking around, working on chord/note progression, taking lessons, playing along to songs with tabs, or practicing tabs.

It takes work, but having the skill to play an instrument, and play it well, is freaking awesome.

Have fun!

 

[Jazzyjazz2323]

Honestly bass is one of the easiest instruments to learn it's all about feeling if you've played guitar at all you don't really need training to play bass if you haven't all you need is a couple of lessons.In my opinion bass is more about the feeling and soul of the player rather than the technical prowess.Just get a nice bass I have an, Ibanez which plays really well though fender makes some pretty stellar ones too as does ESP, and just go with the flow and swing to the rhythm.

 

[are.you.the.god.its.me.vader]

..The only thing is, I really don't have a clue how to get started.

So, could you, the people of The Escapsit give me any advice on where to, firstly, get a good but fairly cheap Bass Guitar and secondly, get started on playing the thing?

If there are any music shops near you, check em out - see what kinda thing they offer and what's right for you.

As for the getting started, try plodding along to your favourite (simple) songs, so you'll want to start learning to read tabs (which really aren't that hard)

Learn to read tabs: http://www.studybass.com/lessons/reading-music/how-to-read-bass-tab/

 

[Ham_authority95]

..The only thing is, I really don't have a clue how to get started.

So, could you, the people of The Escapsit give me any advice on where to, firstly, get a good but fairly cheap Bass Guitar and secondly, get started on playing the thing?

Squier(fender) and Ibanez make some great, cheap starting kits. I've been using an Ibanez starting bass since day one, and it still sounds great.

As for how to get started:

-Start getting lessons. Work on learning the notes, rhythm, and songs with the teacher.

-Join a band. Bass playing is boring if you don't have anyone to do it with.

In that order, especially if this is your first musical experience. Most importantly, Just have fun with it. Hopefully that helps.

 

[l33t.heathen]

I would definitely take lesson from someone especially to get started. its way easy to develop good habits right off the bat then to try to unlearn bad habits and then learn good ones. so a solid foundation will probably serve you better in the long run then saving money by not taking lessons

 

[niege]

I was the same a week ago so i just bought a cheap ass bass and i am going to start a band with my friend and look how it ends
and there are some sites that can teach you

 

[derelict]

I have an electric guitar, a Fender Stratocaster. But I'll still give you this advice: be wary of $200 starter packs. My first guitar was a Fender Squier from one of those and it never stayed in tune.

Funny, my Squier keeps tune fine with decent strings. You set the intonation properly yet?

Seem to remember a story about someone trying out for Ozzy's band using a Fender Squier. They're no masterwork, but not bad guitars.

OP- whatever you choose to start with, stick at it. All the greatest players in the world may or may not have some burning natural talent, but I can tell you what they DO have. Thousands upon thousands of hours practicing, playing wrong notes, etc., to get where they are now. It's much like drawing, not a natural talent but a slowly honed skill.

 

[SturmDolch]

Funny, my Squier keeps tune fine with decent strings. You set the intonation properly yet?

Seem to remember a story about someone trying out for Ozzy's band using a Fender Squier. They're no masterwork, but not bad guitars.

Yeah, that's why I only said "be wary of" instead of "avoid". I once posted advice on a thread like this saying to avoid them, and got beaten over the head with a dozen cricket bats for it. So obviously many people have good experiences with Squiers, which is great! Just be careful, and take it back to the shop to have it looked at if it's acting up before it's too late.

 

[Toasty Virus]

Thanks to everyone that replied, every one of your comments has helped :3

 

[kuros_overkill]

Gave my Squier an "over haul" Stays in tune now. Its cheap enough to get you started.

Find an instructor, also start "studying" some bass players as well,