If you love the deep sound of the bass and you dream of beating time to your band with your instrument, you can become a bass player by learning on your own. Bass, like all instruments, requires some practice to learn well. But with a lot of goodwill and practice you will learn without problems and in an instant you will be able to play your favorite songs.
Steps
Step 1. Get used to the shape of the bass
Identify the most important parts of the tool.
Step 2. Learn to tune the bass
Use a reference note from a tuner or tuning fork. The bass is tuned, starting from the top, in E LA RE SOL, where the E is the lowest string and the G the highest one. The tuning of the bass is very similar to that of the guitar.
Step 3. Learn to use the amplifier
Put one end of the cable into the amp and the other into the bass. Turn on the amplifier. When you finish playing, turn it off. First of all, learn the difference between gain and volume. Adjust the knobs on the bass until you get a sound you like. The basics of setting up a bass amp are the same as for a guitar amp.
Step 4. Learn the correct posture, how to hold the bass while standing and sitting
Adjust the shoulder strap to play comfortably. Put your right hand on the strings. The forearm can rest on the bottom. Find a position on the strings where the sound is well defined.
Step 5. Learn to play the strings
Use the index and middle fingers of your right hand to touch the strings. Try to move only your fingers, minimizing wrist and arm movements. Learn to alternate the movement between the index and middle fingers. Practice switching from one string to the other while continuing to play with index and middle finger, index and middle finger. You can use your thumb as a support on the bass.
Step 6. Learn how to mute the strings with both hands
When playing bass, the ideal is that two strings never play together.
Step 7. Get in position
Put both hands on the bass. Learn to use left-hand tuning mechanics. Put the index finger of the left hand on the first fret and the other fingers on the neighboring frets.
Step 8. Learn the notes of the first four frets of the first string, including the open string:
MAKES ME # SOL LA. Continue for each of the other strings, namely A, D and G.
Step 9. Learn to apply the right pressure on the fret, so that when you pluck the string with your right hand, the sound is clean
Avoid dirtying the sound by badly hitting the key.
Step 10. Learn to keep time
Use a metronome.
Step 11. Learn to read bass tabs
Look for beginner tablature on the internet.
Step 12. Learn music theory and develop your musical intelligence
Step 13. Learn to play an E major scale
Step 14. Learn the role of a bass player in a group
Step 15. Learn the most common techniques such as the legate
Step 16. Learn the vibrato
Step 17. Learn a song you like
Try to play it in time, with the right intonation.
Step 18. Learn other songs, other scales and other techniques
Advice
- Learn to play your favorite bass lines by ear.
- Observe professional bass players. Where do they play on the strings, what techniques do they use, what posture do they hold? How do they silence and how do the strings sound?
- Always learn new pieces. Learn to read music and tablature.
- On Youtube you will find many videos on how to play a specific bass line.
- Also learn to write tablature.
Warnings
- Learning a new instrument often requires developing new muscles. Do not overdo it.
- If you get stuck, look for a teacher. Self-taught is a good start, but don't underestimate the benefits of learning an instrument from someone who can play it.
- Rest often.
