LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: Keys410 on May 18, 2007, 09:23:52 AM
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Welcome new bass players to the bass forum. In this post you will find helpful tips on where to start on the bass. If I miss some stuff and you think it should be added just hit me up and I will modify the post.
The most common types of bass are 4,5,and 6 string basses.
The strings on a 4 string from top to bottom would be E-A-D-G.
The strings on a 5 string from top to bottom would be B-E-A-D-G
The strings on a 6 string from top to bottom would be B-E-A-D-G-C
The first thing you want to learn is your bass.
(http://funkychops.com/bass-guitar-parts/bass-guitar-parts-anatomy.gif)
You want to get your fingers use to playing. I started by just plucking the strings. In my right hand I used my index and middle finger. I would do a count 1-2-3-4, then go to the next string and keep doing it until I had done all strings. This will help your fingers start to develope speed in your plucking fingers
After learning that now you can start to learn the notes. Since most people start on a four string I will show the notes on a 4 string bass.
E string A String D String G String
Open is E Open is A Open is D Open is G
1st fret is F 1st fret is Bb 1st fret is Eb 1st fret is Ab
2nd fret is F# 2nd fret is B 2nd fret is E 2nd fret is A
3rd fret is G 3rd fret is C 3rd fret is F 3rd fret is Bb
4th fret is Ab 4th fret is C# 4th fret is F# 4th fret is B
5th fret is A 5th fret is D 5th fret is G 5th fret is C
6th fret is Bb 6th fret is Eb 6th fret is Ab 6th fret is C#
7th fret is B 7th fret is E 7th fret is A 7th fret is D
8th fret is C 8th fret is F 8th fret is Bb 8th fret is Eb
9th fret is C# 9th fret is F# 9th fret is B 9th fret is E
10th fret is D 10th fret is G 10th fret is C 10th fret is F
11th fret is Eb 11th fret is Ab 11th fret is C# 11th fret is F#
12th fret is E 12th fret is A 12th fret is D 12th fret is G
Most basses have 24 fret, 13-24 are just a higher octave(Basically the notes repeat themselves all over again).
Once you get the idea of what your notes are I would suggest then practicing your scales.
All scales have a pattern which is: Whole Whole Half Whole Whole Whole Half
Lets do the scale of C.
C-D=Whole D-E=Whole E-F=Half F-G= Whole G-A=Whole A-B=Whole B-C= Half
On the bass there is a easy pattern to playing the scales.
If playing in the Key of C the scale would be C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C.
The pattern would be:
C=1,D=3,E=5,F=1,G=3,A=5,B=2,C=3
That pattern 1-3-5,1-3-5,2-3 will work on any scale.
*Please note the 1,3,5 are not the fret numbers but the pattern*Also this pattern is for the Major scales
I hope all of the above information helps. Below are some helpful links that will also help on the bass.
www.uriahsmusic.com (http://www.uriahsmusic.com)
www.gospelbasslines.com (http://www.gospelbasslines.com)
http://www.studybass.com/ (http://www.studybass.com/)
I also suggest praying before practice. When doing that the Lord really blessed me to learn it fast.
Be blessed.
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Thanks Keys. :)
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Hello everyone! I am new to this site and also to the bass guitar. All the postings has helped me so much. Thanks! I now know the basics! :)
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Hello everyone! I am new to this site and also to the bass guitar. All the postings has helped me so much. Thanks! I now know the basics! :)
Welcome aboard tuswt13! Don't forget to do searches, there are plenty of bassic :-) knowledge here .. and resources.
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...this post is just sick. Wow!!! Great job keys. I have to print this out. This is great.
....When does your book come out?? ;D ;D ;D
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This is great. Now I just need to know how
to move my left hand across the neck of the bass.
Pray for me! ;D
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Great post!
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Im soon going to by a bass, and im just wondering what would be a great starting bass to learn on, and for a reasonable price, what brand to by with a great sound!
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ibanez they make good basses nice sound & not too expensive. i have a rd500 & 505 both are nice & you can grow into them.
Pastor Jeff
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ibanez they make good basses nice sound & not too expensive. i have a rd500 & 505 both are nice & you can grow into them.
Pastor Jeff
I like the SR and BTB models of Ibanez. I think they make good basses all around.....
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I'm a new bass player just starting out, I find the sites very helpful. Keep up the good work.
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thats some great stuff!!! I learn how to play in a day////
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:o 8) 8) :oGR8 STUFF 8) :o 8)
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Thanks for the good tips!!
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Can't wait to buy my first bass guitar, I am desiring to play in my church and glorify the Lord! Thanks for the helpful posts.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
BossRon
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Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! I went out today and purchased my first bass guitar! I got a Johnson 4 string. I was able to get it brand new from a pawn shop in Wilmington. The attendant gave me a reduction in price for the guitar, amp and cord. Pray for me that the Lord will bless my desire to play and the songs I play will bring Him glory.
God bless all!
BossRon
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Thanks KEYS!!
This is truelly great
i just posted a message stating how i didnt know where to start
and then i saw this message
Thanks again brother
may GOD continue to bless you always and forever!!!
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I am confused, when you say pattern, what do you mean. I have watched videos and I hear people mention notes versus pattern, but I can not figure out what the numbers represents in the pattern. I am new to the bass and trying to lay a good foundation before I try to build on nothing.
Thanks to all those that share their gift. Most will charge, but you guys do it for the love of God.
Thanks again,
Eric
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Keyboard Player
Going to to try the bass soon
This stuff is useful because knowin the keyboard, i said to my self "the guitar is like it (WS, HS)"\\
I'm going to try!
Pray for me
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Hello, My name is Vickie, I have literally tried every instrument from Piano to Banjo. I tend to give up. I thought I would try the bass. My small church has a piano player and thats all. I just want to play for the Glory of our Lord.
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I am learning to play the bass.... This is a blessing... Thanks "Keys410" Can anyone recommend a particular brand.... Also, I am headed to SamAsh today, what do I buy? I hope I dont sound ignorant... but when I learned to play the drums, I knew what set, and sticks were easy, but I know NOTHING about the bass, just that I want to learn to play... Can anyone help me out?
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Here's another great source for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players looking to expand their knowledge of the fretboard....
http://www.guitar-and-bass.com/
God Bless,
J
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Good job Keys410!
I'll be saying "Victor Who?" in no time! lol 8)
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hey look i am a new best player just getting started and dont really know anything about it what would you advise for me to do in this situation. but on the other hand my brother ddwilkins is awesome on the bass
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continue with what i've told you and begin to learn scales.
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what are scales
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what are scales
FROM WIKIPEDIA:
In music, a scale is a group of musical notes that provides material for part or all of a musical work. Scales are ordered in pitch or pitch class, with their ordering providing a measure of musical distance............
In many musical circumstances, a specific note of the scale will be chosen as the "tonic"--the central and most stable note of the scale. Relative to a choice of tonic, the notes of a scale are often labeled with numbers recording how many scale steps above the tonic they are. For example, the notes of the C diatonic scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) can be labeled {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}, reflecting the choice of C as tonic. The term "scale degree" refers to these numerical labels. In the C diatonic scale, with C chosen as tonic, C is the first scale degree, D is the second scale degree, and so on.
IN PLAIN ENGLISH:
In Western oriented music, there are essentially 12 notes, A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab.
Where you see "#" that means SHARP. Where you see "b", that means FLAT. A# and Bb are basically the same note. What you call it and how you write it depends on what key you are in.
A KEY is basically a way of telling the musician what NOTES he/she has to select from and how to manage those selections when applying them to a SCALE. Every song has a KEY. Every KEY has a variety of SCALES. In the KEY of C, the notes are C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, Ab, A, Bb, B
A Major SCALE in the KEY of C would be C, D, E, F, G, A, B. It's a subset of the notes available to you in the KEY of C.
One Minor SCALE in the KEY of C would be C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C. A different subset of the notes available to you in the KEY of C.
Hope that helps.
Peace,
James
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Which number goes with which finger? Also if that is the major scale pattern what is the minor scale pattern?
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OK disregard my first question. I finally figured it out so I guess my question would be, if some one is throwing numbers at you, how do you know which note to play if two notes have the same number? Ex: D-3 and E-3 and C-3.
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Which number goes with which finger?
There's not one answer to this question. It depends on what key you are playing in and how you select your notes for that key. For example, if I am playing the C-Major scale I could play it starting with my middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.Then my fingering would be like this...
- C: Middle finger - 3rd fret, A-string
- D: Pinky finger - 5th fret, A string
- E: Index finger - 2nd fret, D string
- F: Middle finger - 3rd fret, D string
- G: Pinky finger - 5th fret, D string
- A: Index finger - 2nd fret, G string
- B: Ring finger - 4th fret, G string
- C: Pinky finger - 5th fret, G string
This could also easily be played as
- C: Pinky finger - 8th fret, E-string
- D: Index finger - 5th fret, A string
- E: Ring finger - 7th fret, A string
- F: Pinky finger - 8th fret, A string
- G: Index finger - 5th fret, D string
- A: Ring finger - 7th fret, D string
- B: Index finger - 4th fret, G string
- C: Middle finger - 5th fret, G string
There are even more ways to play the C Major scale if you want to use open strings.
Also if that is the major scale pattern what is the minor scale pattern?
In my original post I detailed ONE way to play a Minor scale. There are several types of Minor scales. I'd have to get into a discussion on Modes to correctly describe them all. Look at my June 18th post, near the end of it and you'll see the note pattern for one type of minor scale.
Peace,
James
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OK disregard my first question. I finally figured it out so I guess my question would be, if some one is throwing numbers at you, how do you know which note to play if two notes have the same number? Ex: D-3 and E-3 and C-3.
They would not have the same number. If you are in the Key of C, or playing a C Major Chord, the 3 is E.
Now in the example you gave it COULD BE that what they are saying is "the Chord is D, play the 3rd" (which would be F#) and "Chord is E, play the 3rd (G#) and "Chord is C, play the 3rd (E).
Peace,
James
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They would not have the same number. If you are in the Key of C, or playing a C Major Chord, the 3 is E.
Now in the example you gave it COULD BE that what they are saying is "the Chord is D, play the 3rd" (which would be F#) and "Chord is E, play the 3rd (G#) and "Chord is C, play the 3rd (E).
Peace,
James
Well I gave that example because of the example that started this forum. In the key of C notes d, g, and c have a 3. That is why I ask about the numbers and knowing which not to play.
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Also thanks for responding with those examples on different fingering
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I don't know if this has already been posted but here's a resource about heads and cabinet speakers. http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_amps/how_to_hook_up_heads_and_cabinets.html (http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_amps/how_to_hook_up_heads_and_cabinets.html)
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i was with until this point:
The pattern would be:
C=1,D=3,E=5,F=1,G=3,A=5,B=2,C=3
That pattern 1-3-5,1-3-5,2-3 will work on any scale.
*Please note the 1,3,5 are not the fret numbers but the pattern*Also this pattern is for the Major scales
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i was with until this point:
The pattern would be:
C=1,D=3,E=5,F=1,G=3,A=5,B=2,C=3
That pattern 1-3-5,1-3-5,2-3 will work on any scale.
*Please note the 1,3,5 are not the fret numbers but the pattern*Also this pattern is for the Major scales
The part highlighted in RED DOES define the fret numbers. The difficulty in transitioning between tab and chord charts is exactly this point of confusion. What do the numbers mean? In this case, the numbers appear to mean fret positions.
For a 5 string bass tuned BEADG,
C is the B string FRET 1 D is B string FRET 3 E is B string FRET 5
F is the E string FRET 1 G is E string FRET 3 A is E string FRET 5
B is the A string FRET 2 C is A string FRET 3
1-3-5,1-3-5,2-3 as you have described it is a TAB description of how to look at playing a Scale.
If you were playing a 1-3-5 chord in the C scale, you have to FORGET ABOUT the numbers referring to FRETS and think about the numbers referring to the note placement in the scale.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
C D E F G A B C
You would play just the BLUE notes, C-E-G to play a 1-3-5 chord in the key of C.
There are a number of ways to play C-E-G on a bass. You could play
1st fret B string (C) + 5th fret B string (E) + 3rd fret E string (G) or
1st fret B string (C) + open E string + 3rd fret E string (G) or
3rd fret A string (C) + 2nd fret D string (E) + 5th fret D string (G) or
8th fret E string (C) + 7th fret A string (E) + 5th fret D string
You can play a 1-3-5 chord all over the fingerboard.
Hope that helped!
Peace,
James
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Hey Keys, thanks. I just copied the Bass Notes to notepad and printed it. This will help a lot. Just started on the Bass Guitar, I also play standard guitar a little, cornet, Trombone and french horn. But those were years ago. The scales are coming back to me, I remember what my music teacher taught me many years ago for the base cleff.
The notes on the lines are E G B D F A which is remembered by Every Good Boy Does Fine Always. The notes in the spaces are remembered by, A C E G or All Cows Eat Grass.
Thanks again
Happy Trails
Praise God[/size
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This information was very useful. I started the bass guitar on Friday and I'm getting far already. To God Be the glory great things He hath done. I think my knowledge come from already playing the piano, for noting and fingering sake, drums, for rhythm sake, and a lot more. Thanks.
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This information was very useful. I started the bass guitar on Friday and I'm getting far already. To God Be the glory great things He hath done. I think my knowledge come from already playing the piano, for noting and fingering sake, drums, for rhythm sake, and a lot more. Thanks.
I can contest to that. Im right along with you. Playing other instruments truly helps speeds up the progress.
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I have a show on ustream.tv . It's geared towards showing beginners things needed to take their playing to the next level. When I first learned how to play <no one would show me anything so I had to learn on my own. Im not claiming to know everything nor am I claiming to be a beast on bass. I just wanna help anyone who needs it. The show is very informal. I teach some or just answer questions. Come check me out. Follow the link and sign up. Then you can 'follow' my show. Here's the link http://www.ustream.tv/channel/semajbowens (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/semajbowens)
James
Find me on youtube under semajbowens
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I am new to music and an aspiring bassist. Today i received my practice bass, a Squire 70s Vintage Modified Bass. My desire is to learn to play the bass and use this instrument as my instrument of praise to the Lord. I look forward to learning from you all and thank you for making such information available.
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THE BIGGIEST PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE FILL IN BETWEEN NOTE.
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sircharles84,
Welcome to LGM! Can always use new bass players around here
TAKE OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Around here that's considered shouting. And not the kind of shouting we do in B-flat ;)
Look through the tabs and watch a lot of the videos that are posted on this site and on YouTube. Although they don't tell you specifically how to do fills, you'll see enough examples of that (from simple to mind-blowing) that you'll be able to pick it up on your own.
I'd also suggest getting Ed Friedland's book, "Making Walking Bass Lines". It talks about ways to add approach notes to walking bass parts. Very useful in church settings.
Peace,
James
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sup everybody this basic lesson really helped me a lot I play by ear but this is really going to make me a better bass player.
God Bless
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Hello bass playas. I'm excited to be in the bass room. I am a drummer that's been on LGM for drummers for a while.
I want to learn how to play the bass. I think it's the coolest instrument.
I bought a bass combo kit (Crate 4-string bass and Crate amp). My last day at work for the holidays is this Thursday. I plan on learning as much as I can in a three week period about playing the bass. I will be visiting here very often over the next three weeks and reading as many of the bass threads (during the late hours).
Maybe I'll post an impressive video at the end of my three week vacation for you playas.
Talk to you soon.
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I want to learn how to play the bass.
Let me know if there is any way I can help. I'll be glad to share anything I know!
James
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Thanks FJG. I'll hit you back.
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Hello To my fellow Bassists,
I am new to the forum and to the bass. I am looking to get a wealth of knowledge and help others along the way. Although I am new, I have had the opportunity to play during service already so God is moving me rather quickly to my calling. If there is anything that I can read, watch, or look online to help me, by all means please inform me. Thanks for helping me..
BLu
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Great thread! I'm new to bass to but have been playing guitar for 5+ years so I am not new to stringed instruments. What I can't yet get over is how big the bass frets are! I find that I can't use the same fingerings easily as I have to stretch a lot. How do I get over this?
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I initially had the same problem fenix. What I did was start playing in the higher registers. Over time my fingers got used to stretching out.
Also make sure you make proper use of your thumb on the back of the neck. Its easy to use your thumb as a pivot point to allow your pinky to hit certain notes rather than trying to stretch always.
on a side note you can always just fret all the notes with one finger ;)
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pls I need to kno
w the basics of bass
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I have always played the guitar for the Worship Bands, but our team was in need for a Bassist. I had a Bass guitar and knew about notes so the transition wasn't all that hard for me. The style of playing is different. I use the two finger method of plucking the strings and no pick. Now I am back to playing guitar for the Worship Team but would never think twice about returning to play Bass-I so love it!
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I have always played the guitar for the Worship Bands, but our team was in need for a Bassist. I had a Bass guitar and knew about notes so the transition wasn't all that hard for me. The style of playing is different. I use the two finger method of plucking the strings and no pick. Now I am back to playing guitar for the Worship Team but would never think twice about returning to play Bass-I so love it!
I think this is how I can started back on the bass. There was a need and I just jump end. We had more than enough drummers but not enough Bass players.
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For anyone looking to learn the absolute basics, freebassguitarvideos.com (http://www.freeguitarvideos.com/bass/beginner.html) has a decent beginner section of lessons.
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Hey thank you so much for posting this!
my friend sent me this link and its so helpful!
my new years resolution is en route to being achieved thanks to you!
God Bless ;D
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I am a new player How do u use the 1-3-5,2-3 in a song
Eddie
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Hey! I have a 20 fret bass it was a cheap 99$ one from Austin Bazzar. My question is, are the note to each string the same?
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I am a new player How do u use the 1-3-5,2-3 in a song
Eddie
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Can anyone help me with the basic bass guitar patterns for "Quartet Gospel" music.
For songs like Canton Spirituals, Pilgrim Jubilees, Lee Williams, Blues patterns....etc
Just want to be able to help the choir as much as possible.
"Skinny"
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This stuff is very helpful, especially for the beginners like me!!!!!!!
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Hey all new beginners,,,, before you go out and buy an expensive bass check this site out. www.rondomusic.com (http://www.rondomusic.com) bassess starting out at $109.00 and up. They are good quality Ash bodies and maple necks. I've been looking at these basses for a year. I brought one of the higher models that was for $189.00 i was so so impressed i brought 3 more.
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Aloha and thanks for posting this. Been playing about 5 months self taught and still very much a novice (I can get through "Mary had a little lamb" okay, but that's about it :D) so any help is always appreciated. I found this site because Im also the Co-Worship leader (unofficial) and was searching for Chords and came across here. Praise be to God from who ALL blessings flow indeed!
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Hello. The information is very useful. Hope to learn a lot more here. Let us praise God.
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Hey everybody,
I'm just starting out and trying to learn as much as possible as fast as possible. Any suggestions on what to practice first :). I've been practicing scales. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just want to be able to PRAISE the LORD with a stringed instrument.
Be Blessed !
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I would say: 1 learn the scale above and below the root, 2 learn the number system, 3 walking basslines
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Hi everybody I'm a aspiring bass player from the Netherlands and looking to learn from all of you guys!! Especially the gospel :)!! God bless you all!
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thanks so much bro this has really helped a lot...!
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I like the SR and BTB models of Ibanez. I think they make good basses all around.....
I agree, I have a 4, 5, and6 string. just go to Ibanez website.
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I'm also new to the bass. i've been playing for about 20+ years. i was taught by my brother, (RIP), but only to play by ear. i just recently started playing for my church and i'm quite confused about all of this. i tried studying and taking lots of notes on tablature,chord progression and scales. iknow some of the basic butnever learned to read music. i play pretty good, but want to expand my knowledge. i have a 4-string and planning to upgrade to a 5 string and could really use some input.
Old time player, but new to the game.
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Welcome to LGM. The Rondo basses are ok for starters. I will say the one I bought had a pretty big neck for a six string so a beginner could get discouraged based on the situation. Its best to go to a music store and play around before you buy the five. Search for bass lessons in this forum and there should be plenty of information to get you started.
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Can anybody help me? I'm in need of the bass notes to Overthere by the Full Gospel Fellowship Baptist Mass Choir. I would love to learn this song.
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Does anyone have the bass notes to LuLa Collins's Almighty God?
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Does anyone have the bass notes to LuLa Collins's Almighty God?
Chorded @ http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,45217.msg399433.html#msg399433 (http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,45217.msg399433.html#msg399433)
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I am just learning the bass just started lastweek I have always wanted to learn any advise for me. the first thing I am doing now is learning were the notes are on the bass
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Technique is important. You have to learn the mechanics(fretting and plucking) of playing the bass. If you start off on the wrong foot, it can cripple you as you learn. You tube has many tutorials on the proper mechanics of playing.
If you are playing a five string, the strings follow the circle of fourths(fifths) all the way up exactly. So that makes it easy to learn the notes on the 5 string. Ex. Open strings B-E-A-D-G. First fret C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab and on. If you learn the notes on the first string, then you know all the notes if you know the circle of fourths.
Then learn the major and minor scale patterns and the number system. These patterns repeat themselves all over the fretboard. The pattern in C is the excact same as the pattern in C# and on and on. The number system allows you to transpose very easily.
Listen to a lot of music for bass progressions. Learn them well as they tend to be repeated over and over in different songs. As soon as you can play some, try to play with other musicians.
There is much tutorial info on this site. Search it out. Good luck on you venture. There are many good bass players on this site that can be much more informative than I. They are glad to help. Review old posts in the bass section
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I am just learning the bass just started lastweek I have always wanted to learn any advise for me. the first thing I am doing now is learning were the notes are on the bass
Check out a website called studybass.com. Very helpful information at that site.
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I love this, i was praying for an opportunity like this. I thank God for this site. God bless u for helping me
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Hi.everyone im new to this post also to this Bass ,ive played Guitar for a little while,and just like to learn more
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Hi.everyone im new to this post also to this Bass ,ive played Guitar for a little while,and just like to learn more
Welcome to LGM!
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hey everyone, thanks for all the help. this site has truly been a blessing.
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This sticky thread needs to be updated for accuracy of music theory literacy and terminology.