Organist, now learning bass (5string)

[christopherw]

As an organist/pianist, I'm finding that there are two ways in which I can learn bass: learn each fret on the neck, or learn patterns...does that make sense? So, my real question is, "which is the best way for me to learn bass?" I have a basic understanding of how the bass is set up - I just want to become more clean in what I play.

[4hisglory]

Since you are an organist, you probably have a pretty good understanding of the bass since you play it with your feet.   I am new to the bass and I am taking more of a pattern approach right now, but I am also slowing learning the notes on the frets to.  I just think that the more you play, the more familar you will get with the fret board.

[MikeGee]

As an organist/pianist, I'm finding that there are two ways in which I can learn bass: learn each fret on the neck, or learn patterns...does that make sense? So, my real question is, "which is the best way for me to learn bass?" I have a basic understanding of how the bass is set up - I just want to become more clean in what I play.

I kinda have done both, I learned scales which have helped me to learn the fretboard. Then I learned chord which I arppegiate, that helped me to learn patterns. Yea I did both

[jazzcad]

Having played for a while I believe ther are NO shortcuts, learn  where notes are located and the rest will fall in place.

[djgroovin]

It's good to learn both.  Focus associating the patterns with the sounds you want to play.  That should be the main focus of ear-training.  Learning the fret board will come through practicing scales and arpeggio.