What's the best way to learn to play bass?

Question

Someone just gave me a brand new bass for free, but I have no idea how to play. I don't want to hire someone to teach me if I can avoid it. Also I have eight hours per day at work unsupervised, so time I can spend per day is not an issue. I am not totally inept, I can read music in bass clef, but I am rusty.

Answer 1

Well, if you know anybody who can play it and who can teach you for free, then I would go with that, but most likely you are going to have to hire somebody to give you lessons.

Answer 2

Learn songs that you like play everyday and experiment with what sounds good....make sure to get a tuner so you know what sounds right

Answer 3

Hi

First, start getting these rusty fingers to work. I have a good technique how to get you started and if you persist, you will start getting good co-ordination inside one month.

Use one finger - per - fret method. Start practicing this fingering on the 5th fret because it is easier and won't need finger stretching.

Place index on 5th fret

put middle on 6th

put ring on 7th

and pinky on 8th

Now go 1-2-3-4 on each string all the way to the G-string and go back 4-3-2-1 all the way to the first.

Now, the secret is not that. You have touse the first 2 fingers on the right hand and alternate the index and the middle for each note and no cheating, please.

After one month, if you follow this closely, you will already get the feel. If yo know any riffs, always use alternate picking.

Answer 4

Left-T gave some very good advice on the finger excercises.  Its good to develop dexterity and proper technique when starting out.  There are also good instructional D.V.D's out there.  Check out some of them at Musicians Friend, Sam Ash Music, American Musical Supply.  (just google these names)  A 30 dollar investment is a good idea, and with the D.V.D,s  you  can work at your own pace as well until you get a lesson down good.

    If you have a good ear, once you start getting the hang of  the finger excercise, I would suggest  try listening and figuring out some Blues.  The tempo is usually pretty easy to follow along with,  and theres good structure in learning how to keep time with a drummer. (After all .. .. the bass and drums is the Meat and Potatoes of the band!)  Dont worry about playing every note you hear at first.   Try following along with the chord changes in the music to start.   Most important.. keep playing.. and have fun!  If you start to get discouraged. set the instrument down for a day or so.. then carry on!

   Happy Playing!