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Post subject: Beginner Bass Player - any help?
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:42 pm
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I am a beginner bass player. I have had my Squier Electric Precision Bass since Saturday. It was an anniversary gift from my husband. He and his father both play guitar and have their own band, so to speak. They want me to replace their existing bass player eventually. One problem that I have is that I am fairly short and I find that my bass is a little long for me. I have short arms and fingers and I have a little trouble reaching around the neck without straining my fingers and arm. Any advice on this? Also, where on the internet would be the best place to help me learn how to play? I can't read notes, but I can read tabs. I just have a hard time playing what I'm reading. Any advice? Thank you.


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Post subject: Great book from A to Z!
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 9:14 pm
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Hal Leonard Bass Method - Complete Edition: Books 1, 2 and 3 Bound Together in One Easy-to-Use Volume! (Plastic Comb)

http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-Meth ... 0793563836

The author (Ed Friedland) is an excellent instructor / professional bassist.

This is great book with CD's. It is standard notation with some tabs. Though with the CD's, you can listen or play along with the music. If you really take your time and thoroughly cover the book, you will improve.

Concerning the basses size (Fender Precision Bass - long scale - the norm.), the Jazz Bass (long scale - the norm.) has s lightly thinner neck.

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/s ... 0326702521

Or if you are more comfortable with a shorter scale (sound is not as robust as the standard long scale instrument), the Bronco Bass will be easier to play.

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/s ... 0310902558

Good luck and have fun with the bottom. :D


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:26 am
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Location: Calstock, Cornwall, UK
Indeed, welcome to bass playing! You'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

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1996 Fender Precision '51 RI, Blond
2004 Fender Precision Std, Black-as-yer-'at
2007 Squier VM Precision TB, sunburst
Markbass CMD121H and ext cab


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Post subject: Re: Great book from A to Z!
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:55 am
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contrabassist wrote:
Hal Leonard Bass Method - Complete Edition: Books 1, 2 and 3 Bound Together in One Easy-to-Use Volume! (Plastic Comb)

http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-Meth ... 0793563836

The author (Ed Friedland) is an excellent instructor / professional bassist.

This is great book with CD's. It is standard notation with some tabs. Though with the CD's, you can listen or play along with the music. If you really take your time and thoroughly cover the book, you will improve.

Concerning the basses size (Fender Precision Bass - long scale - the norm.), the Jazz Bass (long scale - the norm.) has s lightly thinner neck.

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/s ... 0326702521

Or if you are more comfortable with a shorter scale (sound is not as robust as the standard long scale instrument), the Bronco Bass will be easier to play.

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/s ... 0310902558

Good luck and have fun with the bottom. :D



+1 on all of this. I have the Hal Leonard Bass Method book listed above and also a handy Hal Leonard bass scale finder (a fine supplement to the volumes). The Jazz bass does have a thinner neck (I play a J-Bass) making it a little easier for players with smaller hands (I have been mentoring a young bass player who frequently ditches his P-bass in favor of my j-bass)
Just a little more input, hope it helps. I hope you will find playing the bass a blast

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:25 am
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Hi Helen,

the number one thing to work on is getting the alternating index/middle finger plucking to work evenly and smoothly. All the mojo/tone of your playing is coming from your fingers and you've got to be able to be consistent.

I teach quite a few adults electric bass and they seem to love it. It takes awhile for them to readjust to listening to music - neophytes usually have a hard time hearing the bass lines in music for the first while. Concentrate on learning the neck up and down.

The P-Bass is a great instrument and while it may seem unwieldy right now, it'll feel like second nature in a year.

Good luck,
Andy


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:39 pm
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Location: Out there on the road
I also recommend the Hal Leonard Bass Method book. Also take a look at learning some scales, doesn't have to be in depth or anything, just the basics. They will come in handy to you. Just keep practicing, be patient and have fun, Rome was not built in a day. You will encounter some discouraging days but don't let them frustrate you. One day you will look back and laugh at them.
Here's a couple online Bass instruction sites that can be useful:
http://www.activebass.com

http://www.studybass.com/


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