2nd Bass lesson

Gavin · Post by **Gavin** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:00 pm

As in the first lesson,it always starts on fret 5.The numbers denote finger positioning.Taking the Maj.7 Arpeggio, start at the 5th fret, 2nd finger, then to 1st finger, 4th finger,3rd finger, then 4th finger.When you get to the last 4, work backwards until you get back to number 2.They are all basically the same with all the Arpeggio`s and the Pentatonic scales.Hope that makes sense

polyal · Post by **polyal** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 4:46 pm

are you practising to backing tracks...i dont know of any bass players that have ever had dedicated ' bass guitar ' lessons ?..if not whats the method of practising

+ are you using a pleck / fingers or both ?

Gavin · Post by **Gavin** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:24 pm

No backing tracks.Just relentless practising.It does get boring and frustrating at first, but it gets more enjoyable when you start getting the scales into memory.I am assured that you have to be bored, before it gets better, which is the case in most things.But i am enjoying it.
No pick, just the two fingered walking method.
The reason i took Bass lessons, is because i have arthiritis in my hands.I always wanted to play the guitar, but the restricted movements in my hands, i thought Bass might be easier, as i only have 4 strings, with wider gaps in between.I would do well to be average, as i am learning that you need a wide hand to cover 4 frets with 4 fingers.My pinky isn`t very manovarable, so it may restrict me, but it is getting betterI have new treatments which has stopped it getting worse for now, so thought it may help to get them moving.Anyway, that is the reason i took bass.

polyal · Post by **polyal** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:06 pm

i bet the F# maj scale is a bit of a t***.... ( the A maj shape starting at the second fret )
esp if you've got arthritis....good therapy though if you try it now and again
i also think the two fingered method for the right hand always looks better and more natural for bass
...anyway keep it up and keep us posted on your progress

jamesd74 · Post by **jamesd74** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:07 pm

If its getting a bit boring stick a song on and jam away....Its all good fun...

polyal · Post by **polyal** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:25 pm

definitely agree with that ...making sure you report to your teacher what you've been experimenting with and how your playing it

jamesd74 · Post by **jamesd74** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:18 pm

Regarding your hand.....I have limited ability in my left hand.......I was attacked by a dog when working as post man....I had 16 broken bones and 56 stitches......Playing the old guitar has helped me build back up strength.....

So if it has helped me me I am sure it will help you....

polyal · Post by **polyal** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 6:58 am

glad to hear your on the mend james..git playing is a good therapy for the hands...out of curiosity though..what sort of dog was it ?

jamesd74 · Post by **jamesd74** » Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:10 am

Japanese Akita

And a bloody big one.....

And when I say it was a fight to the death it was, for the dog fortunately....Or unfortunately as I blame the owners...

But at least it was me and not some kid....That maybe went into there garden to retrieve a ball...