1 Topic by Olly

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Topic: Playing Bass Guitar

Years ago I bought a real cheap bass guitar for recording and I never played it. It really feels low quality.

So I decided to keep and eye out on eBay for something second hand less that £100.

So now have a bass guitar coming but I don't really know how to play bass.

I have been reading about whether to use a pick or not and there seems to be quite a wide debate about that.

Anyone play bass that could give me some tips on making the transition from guitarist to bass player?

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2 Reply by alun

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

No transition to make Olly, just the same as normal guitar, just less strings, I love the bass for improvising great fun, and if you prefer to use a pick then use it,  default/smile  don't read what other people do, Do what you want to do, dare to be different.


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  • Registered: 12-09-10
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

K i don't want this comment to down the wrong route.

White men can't play bass, they just stand there tapping there foot whereas the black man bounces away and gets right into the groove.

I am white so I never intend playing the bass.

Imagine if the words of Imagine ever came true.....

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4 Reply by Olly

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

Any ideas on string guage?

I have no clue and the strings on it currently seem to have passed their better days!

Thanks!

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5 Reply by alun

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

Light strings = easier to play, but some would say they lose a bit of tone, I would say they just sound different, Heavier strings = good tone, but again I would say different, but certainly more power to the fingers needed to fret the heavier gauges, trust your fingers and ears, and go with whatever your happy with.  default/cool
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6 Reply by polyal (edited by polyal 26-01-12 17:45:18)

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

http://www.stringbusters.com/Ko-Bespoke … S%20ELITES

the s40 are a good choice

pick / fingers ...practice both..   plenty of info on youtube

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7 Reply by Olly

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

Nice thanks

Here is a pic of my new bass:


http://s14.postimage.org/fh4frw34t/photo_2.jpg

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  • From: USA
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

bass guitarist always gets the girl................

Tattoo Removal

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  • Registered: 12-09-10
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

Strange that Arthur, my mate who has played in many band says "bass players are always the best looking ones who get the girls"

I need to start playing bass...

Imagine if the words of Imagine ever came true.....

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

And have plastic surgery.

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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

jamesd74 wrote:

Strange that Arthur, my mate who has played in many band says "bass players are always the best looking ones who get the girls"

I need to start playing bass...

I have played Guitar, Bass and Drums in bands, the girls have never flocked around me...or even given me the time of day......................perhaps i should have a shower.

Just Another Geetarman

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  • Registered: 12-09-10
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

I only have one once a year....Tight Yorkshire man

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  • Registered: 18-04-11
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

alun wrote:

No transition to make Olly, just the same as normal guitar, just less strings

I couldn't disagree more!

The bass is a unique instrument in it's own right, and is nothing like playing the guitar! Sure, you'll be able to quickly transition because the notes are on the same frets (but an octave lower, of course), but saying a bass is just the same as a guitar in anything other than design is just wrong!

It's a bit like saying a violin is the same thing as a banjo- they both have four strings, and are quite small, right? default/wink

...or that a piano is the same as a church organ because they both have keyboards...

In truth, they play very different roles within a band, and have very different sounds.

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  • Registered: 12-09-10
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

What we seem to be getting at here is Snooker and Pool....... Same method of game play different game.....

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  • Registered: 18-04-11
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

jamesd74 wrote:

What we seem to be getting at here is Snooker and Pool....... Same method of game play different game.....

Exactly! One is not inherently easier than the other, they are just different  default/smile

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  • Registered: 06-02-13
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

I love playing my bass, i play with fingers only as i much prefer the warmer tone that fingers produce, plus its easier to throw in some slap when ever you want too.

At its basic level a guitar player can jump on a bass and jam along using root notes but it would sound kinda bland, a good bass player knows the make up of individual chords and can fill the bottom end with conecting notes to the chords etc, creating a whole different thing.

Hope i'm not teaching anyone how to 'suck eggs'

Ste

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17 Reply by chetanfor (edited by chetanfor 16-01-23 10:30:17)

  • Registered: 11-01-23
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Re: Playing Bass Guitar

Bass guitar is as hard to learn as any other instrument. It requires dedication and focus to learn effectively, and it can be challenging for the beginner. Mastering the instrument will take years, however, with the proper guidance and tools, it's possible to cut your learning curve drastically. download apps

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