Any bass players here?
Discussion
I've been playing the guitar for a few years now and I'm tempted to give the bass a go. What do I need to get started?
I've got a fairly basic 30w combo amp for my guitar - will that work as a bass amp initially? Secondly, what do I need to learn? I have played very simple basslines as a stand-in before, but I've always just played the strings with a plectrum like I would with a normal six string - I presume there's more to it than that if you want to do it properly?
I've got a fairly basic 30w combo amp for my guitar - will that work as a bass amp initially? Secondly, what do I need to learn? I have played very simple basslines as a stand-in before, but I've always just played the strings with a plectrum like I would with a normal six string - I presume there's more to it than that if you want to do it properly?
Your amp should be ok for practice but keep it low or use headphones else you will blow it up.
I play with a pick, always have done. Nothing wrong with this, never got into slap bass (go the 80's) but I can play finger style if I need to.
Personally, play bass because you want to not because you are the crappest guitar player. Bass is more about feel, I can normally spot a guitarst doubling as a bassist a mile off as they play unsuitable material for the instrument.
I play with a pick, always have done. Nothing wrong with this, never got into slap bass (go the 80's) but I can play finger style if I need to.
Personally, play bass because you want to not because you are the crappest guitar player. Bass is more about feel, I can normally spot a guitarst doubling as a bassist a mile off as they play unsuitable material for the instrument.
Bullett said:
Personally, play bass because you want to not because you are the crappest guitar player. Bass is more about feel, I can normally spot a guitarst doubling as a bassist a mile off as they play unsuitable material for the instrument.
I agree entirely. I'm a reasonably competent guitar player and fancy trying something different, but I also feel my style would work well with bass. Whenever I find myself noodling around I tend to end up with quite percussive bassy riffs and I think they'd translate well.
I play with fingers, purely because I can't play with a pick. I know it's boring but I found after learning SOME scales and arppegios the more technical basslines were easier as the spacing is a little different to a six string, as for amps I use my bro's old 50 watt guitar amp. As long as it's on the clean channel volume isn't a problem but I guess each amp is different.
Bullett said:
Personally, play bass because you want to not because you are the crappest guitar player. Bass is more about feel, I can normally spot a guitarst doubling as a bassist a mile off as they play unsuitable material for the instrument.
This can't be under estimated - in my opinion the difference a good bassist makes in a band is huge. A good bassist can control the flow and space in which the other elements of a band interact and you only get that good by wanting to be that good and wanting to play the instrument.I reckon there are a fair few bassists on PH - Mr Carter may be along shortly and I believe he's been known to occasionally play
. I'm not one of them, I'm just a rythmn guitarist who's glad they're there!So, looking at a specific point for a second, just how likely am I to blow up my guitar amp if I use it to begin learning the bass?
I presume the range of FX and amps for bass guitars is pretty much as vast as it is for lead?
Would also re-iterate that (probably misguidedly) I think my style of playing might lend itself to the bass. I've been around enough bands and musicians to realise the skill involved and I understand it's not 'guitar for dummies'.
I presume the range of FX and amps for bass guitars is pretty much as vast as it is for lead?
Would also re-iterate that (probably misguidedly) I think my style of playing might lend itself to the bass. I've been around enough bands and musicians to realise the skill involved and I understand it's not 'guitar for dummies'.
I'm a bassist.
If you're using a guitar amp, keep the volume low otherwise speaker damage can occur. There are plenty of reasonable practice amps out there, but steer away from the ultra-cheap 10w jobbies unless you just want something disposable. 20-30w is more suited to practice IMO. Orange make lovely little amps
Using a pick is absolutely fine - I don't agree with this snobbery that exists among some bassists that you have to use finger-style or slap to be a "proper" bassist (having said that, I mainly use fingers!). Using a pick gives you much more attack to your sound which can be useful (particularly for rock) and also makes moving between strings and playing very quick stuff, easier.
If you're using a guitar amp, keep the volume low otherwise speaker damage can occur. There are plenty of reasonable practice amps out there, but steer away from the ultra-cheap 10w jobbies unless you just want something disposable. 20-30w is more suited to practice IMO. Orange make lovely little amps
Using a pick is absolutely fine - I don't agree with this snobbery that exists among some bassists that you have to use finger-style or slap to be a "proper" bassist (having said that, I mainly use fingers!). Using a pick gives you much more attack to your sound which can be useful (particularly for rock) and also makes moving between strings and playing very quick stuff, easier.
Ta for the 'intro' Dai
You will need to keep the volume down on a guitar amp if you plug a bass in - or you will trash the speakers. Practice amps are indeed expensive, I have a Gallien Krueger with cost the best bit of £600!
As for fingers or pick... I'd say fingers as moving from a low string to a high string with a pic at speed is very tricky (especially on a 5 or 6 string bass), using two fingers may start off more difficult, but ultimately you'll be able to play more accurately and with more control over tone. I was a session player for about 10 years, and all the other guys on the circuit used fingers... but you need to do what comes natural. If it becomes a pain, you'll stop playing, so the most important thing is to enjoy it. If a pick feels right, use one. The pads on your fingers will need to toughen up.. which is a real pain (literally sometimes).
I was self taught (as a kid), just playing along to everything I liked, then joining bands and playing the same material... it's often the way to go.
The other really important thing is to start listening really carefully to what the bass does in relation to the kick drum. The kick drum is your friend... don't fight it!
Good luck
You will need to keep the volume down on a guitar amp if you plug a bass in - or you will trash the speakers. Practice amps are indeed expensive, I have a Gallien Krueger with cost the best bit of £600!
As for fingers or pick... I'd say fingers as moving from a low string to a high string with a pic at speed is very tricky (especially on a 5 or 6 string bass), using two fingers may start off more difficult, but ultimately you'll be able to play more accurately and with more control over tone. I was a session player for about 10 years, and all the other guys on the circuit used fingers... but you need to do what comes natural. If it becomes a pain, you'll stop playing, so the most important thing is to enjoy it. If a pick feels right, use one. The pads on your fingers will need to toughen up.. which is a real pain (literally sometimes).
I was self taught (as a kid), just playing along to everything I liked, then joining bands and playing the same material... it's often the way to go.
The other really important thing is to start listening really carefully to what the bass does in relation to the kick drum. The kick drum is your friend... don't fight it!
Good luck
Bill Carr said:
Orange make lovely little amps
Like this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORANGE-CRUSH-20B-BASS-GUITAR...
GetCarter said:
As for fingers or pick... I'd say fingers as moving from a low string to a high string with a pic at speed is very tricky (especially on a 5 or 6 string bass), using two fingers may start off more difficult, but ultimately you'll be able to play more accurately and with more control over tone. I was a session player for about 10 years, and all the other guys on the circuit used fingers... but you need to do what comes natural. If it becomes a pain, you'll stop playing, so the most important thing is to enjoy it. If a pick feels right, use one. The pads on your fingers will need to toughen up.. which is a real pain (literally sometimes).
Is there a standard technique for finger picking a bass (alternate fingers or something)? I'm self-taught on lead guitar, but I've always just used a plectrum, so there wasn't much question of technique in terms of actually striking the string (harmonics and palm muting aside). Maybe it'd be worth some lessons or at least a book or something to get me started on the right track.
Any suggestions (recommended manufacturers etc.) for a first bass - something affordable but potentially capable of the odd pub gig?
May have to drop some hints for Christmas. My OH is a teacher and session musician - woodwind and brass mainly, but sure she'd be able to find a guitar shop.
Chris71 said:
Is there a standard technique for finger picking a bass (alternate fingers or something)?
Yes, it's alternate index, then second finger.The first (REALLY boring but REALLY useful) excersise is to play two patterns. One straight quavers (just think straight ahead rock), the other dotted quavers (think Status Quo).
My FTP is down or I'd put up something for you to demonstrate.
Watch this space, I might be able to upload some stuff tomorrow.
Edited by GetCarter on Tuesday 20th October 15:30
t84 said:
Bill Carr said:
Orange make lovely little amps
Like this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORANGE-CRUSH-20B-BASS-GUITAR...
Got mine for £60 delivered :-p
Just another bass player chiming in..
If you're just practising at home your guitar amp will be fine. As other have said, just don't crank it too loud, or add loads of bottom heavy eq. You'll hear the speaker crying out in pain before you'll break much.. You can get something like an cheap older 150 watt 1x15" Laney or Peavey Bass combo or similar for about £150 ish on ebay if you get more serious, which is enough for first few rehearsals and gigs..
If I were starting from guitar I'd try and use both pick and finger styles, as both have their uses. I play only fingers but can bluff pick 'type' attack if necessary. Best way to start fingers is just running up and down scales or chromatics alternating with opposing emphasis to strengthen both fingers. You've got some proper blisters to look forward to but it's worth it..
The main thing is to tie the band together, strengthening the drummers pattern, as Get carter says, stick tight with the Kick drum. Timing and feel is everything, if you really listen to great songs with good bass lines you'll hear how it all works.. Most important, get a bass sorted and get together with some others and have a play.
Regarding good first bass, it really depends on what you want to spend. The current best buy I've tried over the last few years for under £200 mark is the Peavey Millenium. Most new Squier's I've seen have shocking build quality.
Good luck, and welcome to the club.. !!!!
If you're just practising at home your guitar amp will be fine. As other have said, just don't crank it too loud, or add loads of bottom heavy eq. You'll hear the speaker crying out in pain before you'll break much.. You can get something like an cheap older 150 watt 1x15" Laney or Peavey Bass combo or similar for about £150 ish on ebay if you get more serious, which is enough for first few rehearsals and gigs..
If I were starting from guitar I'd try and use both pick and finger styles, as both have their uses. I play only fingers but can bluff pick 'type' attack if necessary. Best way to start fingers is just running up and down scales or chromatics alternating with opposing emphasis to strengthen both fingers. You've got some proper blisters to look forward to but it's worth it..
The main thing is to tie the band together, strengthening the drummers pattern, as Get carter says, stick tight with the Kick drum. Timing and feel is everything, if you really listen to great songs with good bass lines you'll hear how it all works.. Most important, get a bass sorted and get together with some others and have a play.
Regarding good first bass, it really depends on what you want to spend. The current best buy I've tried over the last few years for under £200 mark is the Peavey Millenium. Most new Squier's I've seen have shocking build quality.
Good luck, and welcome to the club.. !!!!
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