I’m a bassist who just came by to see the explanation. Absolutely well done. Now if someone can make it so my guitar playing doesn’t sound like a bassist I’d be much obliged.
Learning the bass means really digging into what makes a chord ... a chord! You can really gloss over the fundamentals as a guitarist and learn where to put your fingers but not think about why you're doing it.
From playing bass for 17 years, I've learned a few critical things in order to be successful with bass. 1) Stay on the same wavelength with the drummer. 2) You are the most important member and don't let the guitarist tell you anything different. 3) Root notes, root notes, and root notes. If you know the root notes to any chord in a song, then you can write anything. 4) Keep it simple 5) Know the difference between when it is okay to stay with the guitarist and when it is okay to go rogue. 6) If you use effects, you don't need to go crazy. A good preamp, compressor and an overdrive will take you very far. 7) Darkglass is your best friend 😂
No body is going to the show to watch the bass player. Having an the idea that you’re “the most important member” is a piss poor attitude. Everyone needs each other to be successful, no one wants to watch a bass player on stage by him/herself. If anyone is the most important it’s whoever is carrying the melody.
@@JPuckett89 I'll have to disagree with you there. I'm a guitarist not a bassist, but the bass is definitely the backbone of the music. Sure, nobody goes to see the bass player, but that doesn't change the fact that nobody will come at all if the bass isn't on point. Guitarists, keyboard players and even vocalists can be a little off and the music can get away with it. Not so for bass. If a song is like a house, then the bass is the foundation. Everybody takes the foundation for granted, but the whole house cannot stand without it. Houses can be made of all kinds of things, good bad or ugly, but the foundation is essential no matter what is layered on top of it. Same with bass; everything must be layered on top of it. This makes bass the most important part.
Shortly after I started learning how to play guitar, I picked up a bass. I would learn (or write) guitar parts, then learn (or write) the bass part. It has helped in my amateur career... When looking to join/ form bands in my 20s, I noticed bass players were in high demand. Easy transition, and I got a lot of bass gigs along the way. Know more, play more 😉
One thing I remember seeing in Adam Neely’s video on this was that it’s a good idea to cut off the bass notes in time with the drummer’s snare. It’ll sound much tighter that way.
You got it! Was messing around jamming with our drummer before the rest of the band showed up and tried playing through the snare and cutting off like you said. Sounded amazing!
I started off as a bassplayer and learning guitar was easily one of the best things I could've done to improve my playing. Really helps for knowing what to play when now that I know guitar and vice versa
I’ve been a guitar player for 20 years now, just now getting into the bass and really trying to learn it instead of playing it like a guitar, just tuned lower. Lol
I definitely agree for starting out, less is more, but when you get a solid foundation, look at the bassists in some of the best rock bands in history: John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Chris Squire, and Geddy Lee, and see how they made their bands so much better by playing less at times, and just balls to the wall at others. Bassists don't get the love they deserve, but neither do offensive linemen in (american) football.
I think the most important thing in bass playing is to find the pocket, which is more than just timing your notes to coincide with the drummer's beat. It's a feel thing that's hard to define, but you'll know it when you hear it. When people talk about a band having a great groove, they're responding to musicians who are playing in the pocket. Playing in the pocket is critical when playing jazz, blues, and funk but it applies to all genres of music. Would make an interesting video to demonstrate how this works, Rhett.
Loads of great info here. As a guitarist I swapped my P-bass for a short scale bass recently and it made a WORLD of difference. Especially if you have smaller hands.
“Guitar player that plays bass” here. lol, I have to tape three fingers together to “not sound like a guitar player”... you may laugh but it works for me.😅 Good ‘boots on the ground’ vid, thanks Rhett! 👍🏼
I switched from lead guitar to bass in the 1970s when my blues band needed a new bass player and all I could find were Clapton wannabes. I found out many of these things listening to the great blues bands of the times. But the bit about being in sync with the drummer was really really key. My drummer turned into my best friend and we loved rehearsing just bass and drums in the off days between band rehearsals. Pretty quickly we were able to just follow each other in whatever direction the music called for without thinking or talking about it.
I've been playing bass just about as long as I've played guitar. I do use a pick. The funny thing is, at church, I play more bass than guitar (I also play drums) however, I tend to use felt picks and they work really well.
This is crazy. Literally 3 hours ago I had a discussion with my brother (a bassist) about wanting to try to learn a little bass, mainly to improve on my groove feel and rhythm skills. I come back home and this notification is waiting for me. Talk about signs! Awesome intro to the subject, you covered all the big questions. Thank you all!
I got a bass about a year ago, mostly to record tracks at home, and have really enjoyed the challenge of approaching it as an entirely new and different instrument. Also, now I hear bass lines in all music much more clearly, which helps me appreciate songs a lot more.
The biggest problem with how music is taught in school is that it’s not taught by musicians it’s taught by music teachers. There’s a very significant difference between being theoretically perfect and understanding how a musician plays in practical circumstances.
When I got a bass, the perfect song (for me) to get me started was was learning Jesus Just Left Chicago by ZZ Top. It taught me about keep time with the drums, keeping the melody and it was a straight forward playing pattern. It totally showed me the difference between bass and playing guitar. Jesus Just Left Chicago and Blue Jean Blues are my two favourite songs to play on bass.
As a drummer... I feel we make better bass players than guitarist do. I know that this is a broad brush comment, but I feel that a drummers foot and the bass player are soul mates. If a good drummer picks up a bass... they typically know exactly where to insert the notes. Guitar players are the melody makers. I think it's kind of engrained or hardwired over time.
Sigh. I am a life-long bassist who has watched guitar player insist that they can double on bass, no problem. Over and over. And then a sound guy hears someone like me at sound check and says "wow, nice to have a real bassist in the house".
Sure, there may be some difference tonally between a P-bass and a Jazz bass but the bigger difference is in the narrowness of the Jazz bass neck, especially at the lower positions. Some guitar players, like those of us with smaller hands, might find the Jazz bass neck to be more comfortable.
I've taught 10 year olds on P basses. I think the hand size thing is overblown. Yes, it will feel strange and "too big" at first, but you'll get used to whichever you choose. Just make sure you get a good set up done because that will be important for playability and comfort.
with respect, I disagree with many things here: 1) my favourite bass players (McCartney, Entwistle, Jamerson) certainly didn't play 'as little as possible'. 2) nothing wrong with a pick. 3) the biggest thing guitar players don't get when transitioning to bass guitar is thinking about the durations of notes. 4) good left hand technique means making contact more on the fleshy part of your fingers rather than the very tips like on guitar. 5) because short scale basses inherently have to have lower string tension for the same pitches, they tend to sound 'thicker' than full scale basses.
Excellent lesson It’s not enough to be an expert player of / an instrument You need to have to have the teaching skills to impart that expertise to beginners, intermediate etc learner-players This bassist had those ‘born teacher’ skills Rhett’s questions did not assume viewers had any prior knowledge so he wasn’t afraid to ask really basic questions on behalf of the learner-student eg “what are round (wound) strings? to which of course he knows the answer. Pretty much all the questions a student learner was likely to - and some they wouldn’t have yet known needed asking - were asked and / or answered. Eg what are suitable basses, their scale length, etc Especially important was how the bass and drums are a rhythm (or ‘back beat’) unit and coordinate as the foundation for the rest of the group’s players eg vocals guitars (rhythm & lead keyboards & horn section A model * tutorial - congrats guys Now to pick up my recently acquired G&L PB2 bass … … and rewatch this tutorial - on replay loop
Philip is a great teacher, like you. There is a great trend now happening in modern rock: The bass has been mixed lauder with a lot of productions recently. I also came from guitar and I love playing bass and I love the sound of the bass.
The Flat strings you want are Thomastik Infeld Less Tension been around a very long time They make strings for Orchestra instrument LA Bella Deep Talkin Bass flat nylon wrapped not as harsh on the money
Loved this. Would be great if you could keep going with it. I'd be interested to hear more about how he chooses notes, how he thinks about progressions and transitions between chords, other key techniques to develop, etc. I'm a guitarist first, but need to spend more time with my bass too! And overall, just wanted to say that I dig the channel. Appreciate what you do. Cheers, man!
Great video. I think Yamaha basses are under appreciated for the quality, cost and I agree with what your friend says about bass. I’ve noticed in successful bass players and even the amazing ones is to play what’s needed first. I focused on the basics when I bought my bass three months ago and people have been pleased at church on how I play to the song, keeping it tight and supporting everyone else because it adds depth to the music and allows others to have a foundation to work off of. Plus it helped I’m trained in percussion and love all music.
I've played the guitar for over 40 years. About 20 years ago my wife(who is a very good vocalist) brought home a beautiful small body Warwick Bass and then did a very good job of learning how to play and accompany herself. She refuses to use a pick. :) Now I don't have to leave the house to get in on some decent jamming. She started by binge learning a bunch of Al Green songs. I often pick it up and play it because it sits on a stand beside my guitars and because it's fun. Bass is a special instrument. It's the glue that holds everything together.
Cool video, however I don’t agree that you have to play with your fingers! Rhett if you feel comfortable with a pick why not play with a pick? This sadly is something I see way to often a guitarist picks up a bass and starts playing with there thumb or fingers because they think they should. Some amazing bassists play with a pick I do think I deserved more of a look than a very short mention
Nice video as always! I just wish there was some actual theory, about how to play bass, if you are a guitar player. Like, if you have this type of riff progression, you want wanna do "this" on bass. Or if you have this Chord, you might want to play root, 3rd, 5th or something. Or something like that. Im no bass player, and definately not strong with theory. But i wish i could lay down some better bass tracks, for my guitar music. Maybe a part 2? But a high quality video, as always.
This was a cool video idea. I enjoyed hearing the advice for a "guitar player." I play mostly acoustic guitar.. I've got a small collection. But I also have a Fender P-Bass for my at home recordings, sometime I'll add bass to a loop, etc. I've never had the passion/desire to truly dive deep into the bass guitar and devote enough time to become an impressive bass player, though I like to believe other musicians don't feel let down when I occasionally fill-in for a bass gig. There seems to be a lot of available work if a musician can fill that bass spot and do a good job.. at least I've noticed personally/locally significantly more opportunities for a bass player, than a guitarist or drummer. And of course, bonus points when you can sing some harmony lines! Sending peace & love from Missouri -Todd
I was making my own backing tracks. Programming drums with something like Superior Drummer 2.0 is actually pretty easy and straight forward. Programming bass lines is near impossible for me. No matter what I try it sounds like a computer. My local GC had just gotten in Squire Bronco shortscale basses in for $150 each. Very basic, one p/u, one volume, one tone. Plus, a shortscale is very familiar to a guitar neck. Once I got the basics down, something strange happened. I actually began to improve as a guitarist. Having some bottom end experience will really take your musicianship to a new level. The combination of the two is just natural.
Your bass player’s journey mirrored mine. Started with a Tele P-Bass, then a jazz bass, and finally ended on a mustang with flatwounds. It’s THE sound.
Perfect timing Rhett I'm switching over to bass , because bassist are needed in my area more than guitarist, my first gig was as a bassist even though I was a guitarist about 30 years ago , yep I'm a boomer lol . thanks Rhett your video's are great .
I had an Ibanez Soundgear SR400 bass back in the 90s. I decided I needed a bass again so just last week (3-8-21) I got a cheap Ibanez Gio GRS200TR. Man the SR400 was so much better sounding and easier to play. But I just have to get used to bass again. Now I'm thinking of getting one of the short scale Mikro basses.
As a Guitarist, who picked up bass and have been doing it for the past 12 years. 1. Know where "The 1" is. 2. I view the bass as a drum kit made of strings. 3. I listen to the drums for the feel. 4. I listen to the vocals for the melody.
I didnt know anything about bass, now i know the standard tuning of those 4 strings are same as guitar, EADG...which would also mean the note positions on the neck are same. Meaning simple triad chords would be same. What about scales tho...hmmm, interesting. Im no longer looking at a bass like its some strange alien thing. This 1 video really opened my way to the world of bass, thank you man. (Also please correct me if im wrong)
Scales are the same. Chords on bass are tricky, you can play them in the same position as a guitar but they don’t really sound great because the notes are so low and crowd out. Chords on bass work best when you spread the notes out and not too close together. Hope this helps.
I've had a MIM Fender P in standing my guitar room, completely unplayed for about five years now (a friend left it here years ago but is now sadly no longer with us and his family told me I could keep it) I've often thought about trying to learn it properly but I never got beyond a couple of minutes of noodling here and there (unplugged too - as I never had a bass amp for it, so not really much fun). I recently got myself a GT1000 (and an FRFR speaker), though, and a few weeks back I thought about firing up one of the bass amp models on there, just to see if I like it. Again, though, it didn't get past the thinking stage at the time. This video has definitely awoken the desire to try it out properly, so many thanks Rhett for doing this video!
I use a pick so when I switch back to guitar it feels so much easier. Skip The ring finger on your freting hand, that is a good way to start playing less like a guitar player.
I recently started learning guitar. I've been finding the fret board complicated. But for my right hand, I've been experimenting with all sorts of ways to strum and pick. One of the ways is walking my fingers up the strings towards the low E string with my thumb on the low E. I'm rather amazed at the different sounds one can produce on a guitar (acoustic only so far for me) with the strings open and how I pluck or strum. I'm not so wild about using a pick. I can get very similar tone by using my finger nails.
Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is a great example . I invite you to listen to the intro of " Silver Springs " . He is finger picking and using the volume pedal . It is so beautiful it just might bring tears to your eyes . ; )
Riding the rhythm with the drummer has a special enjoyment, and you’ll get way more jammin in cuz, frankly, guitar players are a dime a dozen. A thoughtful laid back competent bass player makes the jam work. You’ll get invited back. Oh, years ago I was asked to pick up the bass and warm it up as the bass player in my buddies hot band was gonna be late. I thought I sucked, and thanked the drummer for his patience and carrying thru. He said, “well at least you play on the beat” Thought it was a mild slag, but no, he later told me some players are tough to play with cuz they can’t really “ lock in”, and seem oblivious to what he’s doing. So work on your rhythm, and listen listen listen to what’s happening on the kit. Hours of enjoyment, and it will improve your guitar playing and ability to fit in to live ensemble playing.
Phil is the man-- he can groove, arrange and is a good hang. Bass makes us strong, it's The Force: it's around us, binds us. You can rock out without it, but when it drops in, shit gets real.
Rhett - I cannot thank you and Philip enough for this video . About a year ago , I bought a new Fender American Performer P bass , and a used Fender Squier 5 string P bass . I am a beginner on bass and have total hearing loss in one ear . ( which I am very self-conscious about ) Trying to learn on both at the same time was not a good idea , so I put the 5 string aside for the time being . I think I'm now ready to experiment with the Squier a bit . ( better pickups and new strings ) Because of the hearing loss , trying to pick out the tonal differences between , say , round wound and flat wound strings , I felt I wasn't really hearing much of a difference . But in your vid I could easily discern the subtle flavors . I don't know what you recorded the audio with , but stay with that . Philip's explanation of a bass players role helped me TREMENDOUSLY . Thanks again to both of you . ( Did I mention I'm 64 years old ? )
I see lots of guitar players on RUclips with impressive guitar collections but lack one essential piece of gear: a bass. The bass is a massively cool instrument and unfortunately a lot of guitar players underestimate the actual joy of playing bass. Ultimately, whatever instrument you play, the goal is freedom of musical expression (in the appropriate context) and as for using a pick.....check out Bobby Vega. Some of his licks sound pretty cool on guitar as well.
I've had a bass for recording demos since I got my first 4-track but generally just plodded on the root until I joined cover bands as a bassist. When it became obvious that roots and fills didn't work, I became more aware of walking lines and what I call the country line, which is basically just alternating between root and fifth.
Great vid. Like the channel. Good info. However depends what you are trying to accomplish as to picking the strings. Some of the best base lines where picked like guitar player does and not as bass player does.. Seen this times by Jack Bruce and Paul McCartney. In my opinion had some of the best heard. Played like a led guitar.
When I started bass, I found songs with a repetitive bass line to help build up a solid, consistent right hand technique. I think a perfect example is the sampled bass line from Massive Attack's "Safe From Harm". It's a repeating B A B F# A B B A ( 2 0 2 on A, 2 on E) fill that goes for about 5 and a half minutes. It pulls double duty in building right hand endurance and developing a consistent finger technique on one string, and jumping between two strings. If you really want to extend it out - practice with the Perfecto Mix version
Mike Watt (of The Minutemen, and Firehose, solo work, and side man for Iggy Pop) released a solo album in the 90s named "Ball Hog or Tugboat". The title refers to the tension between being ego-driven out-in-front bass that might be expected of a solo project (eg, the ball hog), vs the traditional role of the bass as the helper (eg, the tugboat that helps keep the harbor safe for the big ships).
Just purchased my first bass + amp setup. I went with the Fender Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass Black, Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 1x15 200W Bass Combo Amp Black and Silver, and a Fender Precision hardshell case.
Glad I came across this vid. Been playing bass for a little under 3 years and 13 months using almost exclusively finger style. Make conscious effort to mute all unplayed notes/ strings.
I have small hands so my favoured bass is the longer scale-length (compared to a Mustang), but more manageable string gauge, Bass VI. Plus I don't run out of strings with it having six and can play guitar parts on it without having to adapt too much 😁
"you can pick on a bass but"[cut to next scene]. I want to know how that ended. There's plenty of great bass players that played with a pick. If this video is about guitar players transitioning to bass it makes sense to talk about bass players who use a pick.
Got my first Bass one week ago! This was a fantastic lesson to forever keep in mind what is important and don't stray off target. Thanks so much for making this!
Yes, P bass or J-bass, Mexican or 2nd hand/used, make for great learner or new bass players instruments. I just wanted to mention, having been in around & playing music for 4 decades, another brand / maker of basses needs mentioning. Because of their quality, playability, affordability & all-round suitability; Ibanez basses should not be ignored - with models suited for beginner or garden-variety or pro bassists. I am not, myself, a bass player - but before my wife met me 20 years ago I was indisputably a base player of the lowest lounge-lizard order indeed, she will confirm this sordid fact with avid disgust ensuring my total embarrassment nowadays! SO... be a bass player, not a base player! Respect all women always. If Glenn Fricker reads this, f$*% you Glenn! This is one human nobody can or should or could respect, there is always an exception, even with common respect & Fricker's it :-P Cheers, peace & be nice to ya missus & dumb animals like drummers, for example..? Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central Queensland, Australia. Where it is so flamin' hot today that the trees are chasing the dogs around! Strewth, if the mulga snakes don't get ya then the Blackfellas bloody well will.
Excellent video! I would add one comment... have it set up by a pro bass tech. I'm a guitar player, and I have a 20+ year old MIM P-bass, that I use in the studio for working out songs. After many years of use, I had it refreshed and set up by a pro (Mike Lull...RIP, my friend), and it was a different instrument. Played so much more smoothly, sounded so much better. Its' worth investing in!
40 years ago I spent $75 on an El Degas Jazz Bass copy from Japan and though I have a few basses (Fender, Carvin, Hofner, Pedulla, all really good) now, it is still my go-to instrument. But I recently got a Squire Affinity Jazz Bass for $50 and it actually sounds a lot cleaner than my old fave. So, you can get a good sounding gig-ready bass for not a whole lot of money. The old El Degas copy Jazz is funky and microphonic, but I've played big venues with it and recorded with it too. And the same could be done with the Affinity. A little money can go a long way.
Played guitar since '72. '74, bought a bass for cash and albums. Year later sold it for cash and albums. Just a Victoria or something Got no further than GFR's "We're An American Band". Played with five six guitar players and a drummer before i played in a 'full' band setting Bass Is The Place ;)
Hey, Chris Squire, Michael Anthony, Phil Lynott and Geddy Lee all use a pic, and I do too. How else can I palm mute? Me being a guitar player I've always liked short scale basses like Mustangs and E.B.O's. And I know they're so small they look like toys, but I only really use them for recording. Since the lockdown I've become a one man band recording. A jazz bass is great, thin necks and with 2 pickups and 2 volume controls it's way more versatile than a P bass.
I was given an Artist copy of a P-bass when I bought a used Artist LP copy. Having played nice LPs, I know they're never gonna be my go-to, so I'm good that the guitar I bought is a dud. Serious neck issues and now a broken truss rod (my bad but it didn't take much to bust it). So i just jacked the bridge sky high, tuned it to open G and its a fantastic slide guitar. Soon a taller metal nut too. Watching Rhett influenced my new interest in learning slide. So fun with lots of effects or just clean. The bass is good enough. It plays okay but a fret polish/dressing is on the list. It's my lightest guitar too. Weird as my long ago teen-years Hondo II was a tank. It's plugged into my e-drum amp and that's also good enough. Are they making me a better guitarist? Dunno. Don't care. I'm just having fun. Oh, BTW, I paid $140 for the LP and the owner gave me the bass after talking about our sons' learning to play. He said he'd be right back and returned with the bass saying 'I cant teach him guitar without a bass.' Said he's got too many basses. Now my 10 year-old and I both play acoustic, electric, bass and drums most days. He'll leave me for dust by 15 if he keeps it up. Perhaps he'll let me keep jamming with him anyway. Perhaps I'll just supply him with my collection.
Some good tips here, but playing bass is to a great extent an instinctive thing which is either there or not. If you feel bored or frustrated, move on. Here's another tip anyway: Just get a P or a J bass depending on which neck you prefer, set tone at 0 & volume at 10, then (try to) find an amp you like the sound of that won't break your back. Oh, and pick &/or fingers: YOUR preference; YOUR style. If anyone wants to give you "advice" on this matter, shut 'em down immediately.
You forgot to mention the most important thing about playing bass; unlike a guitar, you will have to play in time with a bass
hah!
If a bass player makes a mistake always glare at the drummer as though the drummer is at fault. From the book of excuses for musicians.
No u always have to play in time😂
@BilboTheDev Lol says you with how many different bands, tours, record albums and fans?
@BilboTheDev True but you can't slander others passion or talent so rudely just because your insecure.
As a lifelong guitar player who just bought his first bass yesterday, the timing of this video is a little too perfect.
Same here I bought my bass literally a week ago so perfect timing
Rhett watches you in the dark corners of your life.
Well, that was really useful in a nutshell.
Bought mine today lol
Lol Same!
I’m a bassist who just came by to see the explanation. Absolutely well done.
Now if someone can make it so my guitar playing doesn’t sound like a bassist I’d be much obliged.
Simple: play more :D
try playing more than one string at a time 🤣
@@BH-fi1sb bassists play chords too
Sweep picking ?
@@sansocie you just gave me an idea 'picks up bass'.
My bass playing strategy: go from one note to the next note in the sexiest way possible.
So like Steve Buscemi near the end of Airheads?
lmao exactly
@@danmorrison8746 😆
That’s really great advice 👍🏼
That trampoline metaphor is on point!
dope metaphor, was thinking the same thing
I’ve never though of it that way, but makes perfect sense
Learning the bass means really digging into what makes a chord ... a chord! You can really gloss over the fundamentals as a guitarist and learn where to put your fingers but not think about why you're doing it.
I remember telling a guitar player you can’t play a G7 chord where a Gmaj7 is called for … oops! 😆
From playing bass for 17 years, I've learned a few critical things in order to be successful with bass.
1) Stay on the same wavelength with the drummer.
2) You are the most important member and don't let the guitarist tell you anything different.
3) Root notes, root notes, and root notes. If you know the root notes to any chord in a song, then you can write anything.
4) Keep it simple
5) Know the difference between when it is okay to stay with the guitarist and when it is okay to go rogue.
6) If you use effects, you don't need to go crazy. A good preamp, compressor and an overdrive will take you very far.
7) Darkglass is your best friend 😂
Nailed it...
No body is going to the show to watch the bass player. Having an the idea that you’re “the most important member” is a piss poor attitude. Everyone needs each other to be successful, no one wants to watch a bass player on stage by him/herself. If anyone is the most important it’s whoever is carrying the melody.
@@JPuckett89 I'll have to disagree with you there. I'm a guitarist not a bassist, but the bass is definitely the backbone of the music. Sure, nobody goes to see the bass player, but that doesn't change the fact that nobody will come at all if the bass isn't on point. Guitarists, keyboard players and even vocalists can be a little off and the music can get away with it. Not so for bass.
If a song is like a house, then the bass is the foundation. Everybody takes the foundation for granted, but the whole house cannot stand without it. Houses can be made of all kinds of things, good bad or ugly, but the foundation is essential no matter what is layered on top of it. Same with bass; everything must be layered on top of it. This makes bass the most important part.
@@simon_patterson Totally. Even non-musicians get that.
That's why people think bass is boring.
Shortly after I started learning how to play guitar, I picked up a bass. I would learn (or write) guitar parts, then learn (or write) the bass part. It has helped in my amateur career...
When looking to join/ form bands in my 20s, I noticed bass players were in high demand. Easy transition, and I got a lot of bass gigs along the way. Know more, play more 😉
There's an old saying:
If you're a guitar player, you'll always have friends, but if you're a bass player, you'll always have work.
One thing I remember seeing in Adam Neely’s video on this was that it’s a good idea to cut off the bass notes in time with the drummer’s snare. It’ll sound much tighter that way.
You got it! Was messing around jamming with our drummer before the rest of the band showed up and tried playing through the snare and cutting off like you said. Sounded amazing!
Totally agree... i’m a guitarist first , but also play bass on my demo recordings. Everything sounds better when tied into the snare.
Adam Neely is off his rocker about 90% of the time.
@@emzee1148 the guy’s a pro bass player, and has a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music. I’m pretty sure he’s not “off his rocker”.
@@StarQueenEstrella His interpretation of theory is ultra conservative and inconsistent at best.
Your channel changed me from a EMG metal head to literally taking theory for jazz and getting 2 p90'd guitars 😂
I have always thought that if you know guitar, you should also learn bass and vice versa! Both really have their perks.
Agreed, just got lent a 90's honest to God Washburn bass, having a lot of fun with it trying to learn those Duran Duran John Taylor bass lines!
@@brisleeadams Awesome for you!
I started off as a bassplayer and learning guitar was easily one of the best things I could've done to improve my playing. Really helps for knowing what to play when now that I know guitar and vice versa
@@destroyer28100 It absolutely opens up a lot of opportunities!
I’ve been a guitar player for 20 years now, just now getting into the bass and really trying to learn it instead of playing it like a guitar, just tuned lower. Lol
I definitely agree for starting out, less is more, but when you get a solid foundation, look at the bassists in some of the best rock bands in history: John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Chris Squire, and Geddy Lee, and see how they made their bands so much better by playing less at times, and just balls to the wall at others. Bassists don't get the love they deserve, but neither do offensive linemen in (american) football.
Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott BEST EVER.
Chris Squire could really do th opposite of that at times though
If less is more, then the bassist on Nothing else matters was a prodigy :O
Tell me, tell me, tell me.... Where is the foot, man? I only see a sport with hand mostly.
Perfect analogy!!
I think the most important thing in bass playing is to find the pocket, which is more than just timing your notes to coincide with the drummer's beat. It's a feel thing that's hard to define, but you'll know it when you hear it. When people talk about a band having a great groove, they're responding to musicians who are playing in the pocket. Playing in the pocket is critical when playing jazz, blues, and funk but it applies to all genres of music. Would make an interesting video to demonstrate how this works, Rhett.
As a bassist can I say this is the best explanation of this to guitarists I have ever seen. Great job!
Loads of great info here. As a guitarist I swapped my P-bass for a short scale bass recently and it made a WORLD of difference. Especially if you have smaller hands.
“Guitar player that plays bass” here. lol, I have to tape three fingers together to “not sound like a guitar player”... you may laugh but it works for me.😅 Good ‘boots on the ground’ vid, thanks Rhett! 👍🏼
Learn some chris squire and geddy lee lines an you will need to remove that tape
So you’re saying my Django Reinhardt school of bass isn’t going to work?😅
Weird, I just told my wife yesterday that when the stimulus comes in, I'm getting a bass. Good timing.
I switched from lead guitar to bass in the 1970s when my blues band needed a new bass player and all I could find were Clapton wannabes. I found out many of these things listening to the great blues bands of the times. But the bit about being in sync with the drummer was really really key. My drummer turned into my best friend and we loved rehearsing just bass and drums in the off days between band rehearsals. Pretty quickly we were able to just follow each other in whatever direction the music called for without thinking or talking about it.
I've been playing bass just about as long as I've played guitar. I do use a pick. The funny thing is, at church, I play more bass than guitar (I also play drums) however, I tend to use felt picks and they work really well.
Huh. Crazy that I literally bought my first bass today when this was released. The RUclips guitar gods must have known something.
This is crazy. Literally 3 hours ago I had a discussion with my brother (a bassist) about wanting to try to learn a little bass, mainly to improve on my groove feel and rhythm skills. I come back home and this notification is waiting for me. Talk about signs! Awesome intro to the subject, you covered all the big questions.
Thank you all!
I got a bass about a year ago, mostly to record tracks at home, and have really enjoyed the challenge of approaching it as an entirely new and different instrument. Also, now I hear bass lines in all music much more clearly, which helps me appreciate songs a lot more.
This is how they should teach music in school. Starting at like 6 years old.
The biggest problem with how music is taught in school is that it’s not taught by musicians it’s taught by music teachers. There’s a very significant difference between being theoretically perfect and understanding how a musician plays in practical circumstances.
When I got a bass, the perfect song (for me) to get me started was was learning Jesus Just Left Chicago by ZZ Top. It taught me about keep time with the drums, keeping the melody and it was a straight forward playing pattern. It totally showed me the difference between bass and playing guitar.
Jesus Just Left Chicago and Blue Jean Blues are my two favourite songs to play on bass.
Jack Bruce said that a bass player's job was to make everyone else in the band to sound better than they actually are.
*Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker have entered the chat...*
😂😂😂
As a drummer... I feel we make better bass players than guitarist do. I know that this is a broad brush comment, but I feel that a drummers foot and the bass player are soul mates. If a good drummer picks up a bass... they typically know exactly where to insert the notes. Guitar players are the melody makers. I think it's kind of engrained or hardwired over time.
Sigh.
I am a life-long bassist who has watched guitar player insist that they can double on bass, no problem. Over and over.
And then a sound guy hears someone like me at sound check and says "wow, nice to have a real bassist in the house".
Sure, there may be some difference tonally between a P-bass and a Jazz bass but the bigger difference is in the narrowness of the Jazz bass neck, especially at the lower positions. Some guitar players, like those of us with smaller hands, might find the Jazz bass neck to be more comfortable.
I've taught 10 year olds on P basses. I think the hand size thing is overblown. Yes, it will feel strange and "too big" at first, but you'll get used to whichever you choose. Just make sure you get a good set up done because that will be important for playability and comfort.
Wow! Never knew Al Franken was such a great bass player.
LMAO I see what you mean. But I actually LIKE the bass guitarist; he has charisma. The same can not be said about Franken.
with respect, I disagree with many things here: 1) my favourite bass players (McCartney, Entwistle, Jamerson) certainly didn't play 'as little as possible'. 2) nothing wrong with a pick. 3) the biggest thing guitar players don't get when transitioning to bass guitar is thinking about the durations of notes. 4) good left hand technique means making contact more on the fleshy part of your fingers rather than the very tips like on guitar. 5) because short scale basses inherently have to have lower string tension for the same pitches, they tend to sound 'thicker' than full scale basses.
Agreed, I listen to mostly power trio Bands because who needs a rythim guitarist if you have a bassist?
Excellent lesson
It’s not enough to be an expert player of / an instrument
You need to have to have the teaching skills to impart that expertise to beginners, intermediate etc learner-players
This bassist had those ‘born teacher’ skills
Rhett’s questions did not assume viewers had any prior knowledge so he wasn’t afraid to ask really basic questions on behalf of the learner-student eg “what are round (wound) strings? to which of course he knows the answer.
Pretty much all the questions a student learner was likely to - and some they wouldn’t have yet known needed asking - were asked and / or answered.
Eg what are suitable basses, their scale length, etc
Especially important was how the bass and drums are a rhythm (or ‘back beat’) unit and coordinate as the foundation for the rest of the group’s players eg vocals guitars (rhythm & lead keyboards & horn section
A model * tutorial - congrats guys
Now to pick up my recently acquired G&L PB2 bass …
… and rewatch this tutorial - on replay loop
Definitely need to pick up a bass, I'm looking at a Schecter Stiletto.
Highly recommended
Stilettos are fantastic, you won't be disappointed
My ears are too sensitive for a Precision bass with it's boomy, muddy sound. I prefer a Jazz bass with it's cleaner, clearer sound.
Steve Harris' tone is anything but boomy or muddy.
Philip is a great teacher, like you. There is a great trend now happening in modern rock: The bass has been mixed lauder with a lot of productions recently. I also came from guitar and I love playing bass and I love the sound of the bass.
@@fuzzfuzz4234 how is that?
The Flat strings you want are Thomastik Infeld Less Tension been around a very long time
They make strings for Orchestra instrument
LA Bella Deep Talkin Bass flat nylon wrapped not as harsh on the money
Loved this. Would be great if you could keep going with it. I'd be interested to hear more about how he chooses notes, how he thinks about progressions and transitions between chords, other key techniques to develop, etc. I'm a guitarist first, but need to spend more time with my bass too!
And overall, just wanted to say that I dig the channel. Appreciate what you do. Cheers, man!
TalkingBass is a fantastic RUclips channel that will give you more instruction like what you're asking for.
The first commandment: “thou shalt follow the kick.” And the second is like it: “thou shalt not play on the snare/backbeat.”
Great video. I think Yamaha basses are under appreciated for the quality, cost and I agree with what your friend says about bass. I’ve noticed in successful bass players and even the amazing ones is to play what’s needed first. I focused on the basics when I bought my bass three months ago and people have been pleased at church on how I play to the song, keeping it tight and supporting everyone else because it adds depth to the music and allows others to have a foundation to work off of. Plus it helped I’m trained in percussion and love all music.
I've played the guitar for over 40 years. About 20 years ago my wife(who is a very good vocalist) brought home a beautiful small body Warwick Bass and then did a very good job of learning how to play and accompany herself. She refuses to use a pick. :) Now I don't have to leave the house to get in on some decent jamming. She started by binge learning a bunch of Al Green songs. I often pick it up and play it because it sits on a stand beside my guitars and because it's fun. Bass is a special instrument. It's the glue that holds everything together.
Cool video, however I don’t agree that you have to play with your fingers! Rhett if you feel comfortable with a pick why not play with a pick? This sadly is something I see way to often a guitarist picks up a bass and starts playing with there thumb or fingers because they think they should. Some amazing bassists play with a pick I do think I deserved more of a look than a very short mention
I concur, Carol Kaye did pretty fair using a pick.
@@timgant7141 ......and Carol started out as a guitar player, too.
This makes me want to play bass again....after I got rid of all my bass gear and bought more guitar stuff. Thanks a lot Rhett! 🤣🤣🤣
It’s perfectly fine to use a pick on the bass, just ask Carol Kaye or Paul McCartney.
Nice video as always!
I just wish there was some actual theory, about how to play bass, if you are a guitar player.
Like, if you have this type of riff progression, you want wanna do "this" on bass.
Or if you have this Chord, you might want to play root, 3rd, 5th or something.
Or something like that.
Im no bass player, and definately not strong with theory.
But i wish i could lay down some better bass tracks, for my guitar music.
Maybe a part 2?
But a high quality video, as always.
I’m still trying to sound like a guitar player, but ok...
This was a cool video idea. I enjoyed hearing the advice for a "guitar player." I play mostly acoustic guitar.. I've got a small collection. But I also have a Fender P-Bass for my at home recordings, sometime I'll add bass to a loop, etc. I've never had the passion/desire to truly dive deep into the bass guitar and devote enough time to become an impressive bass player, though I like to believe other musicians don't feel let down when I occasionally fill-in for a bass gig. There seems to be a lot of available work if a musician can fill that bass spot and do a good job.. at least I've noticed personally/locally significantly more opportunities for a bass player, than a guitarist or drummer. And of course, bonus points when you can sing some harmony lines!
Sending peace & love from Missouri -Todd
I was making my own backing tracks. Programming drums with something like Superior Drummer 2.0 is actually pretty easy and straight forward. Programming bass lines is near impossible for me. No matter what I try it sounds like a computer. My local GC had just gotten in Squire Bronco shortscale basses in for $150 each. Very basic, one p/u, one volume, one tone. Plus, a shortscale is very familiar to a guitar neck. Once I got the basics down, something strange happened. I actually began to improve as a guitarist. Having some bottom end experience will really take your musicianship to a new level. The combination of the two is just natural.
Been playing guitar and bass for decades. Very nice to see *how* this was explained. Good tips and good teacher(s).
Started playing bass 40 years ago also been playing guitar 38, I can't decide which I enjoy more...
Your bass player’s journey mirrored mine. Started with a Tele P-Bass, then a jazz bass, and finally ended on a mustang with flatwounds. It’s THE sound.
..had a Mustang with flat wounds in the 70s. Now my go to is my Gibson 2012 Gibson SG bass, with a 79 P bass in reserve. Life is good.
Perfect timing Rhett I'm switching over to bass , because bassist are needed in my area more than guitarist, my first gig was as a bassist even though I was a guitarist about 30 years ago , yep I'm a boomer lol . thanks Rhett your video's are great .
I have to approach it as a completely different instrument.
Listen to great r and b songs.
Also, don't overlook the other Fender-style basses...I just bought a G&L LB-100 Tribute for $600 new, and it's a phenomenal bass for the money.
This channel is great. I've really learned a lot since I subscribed.
Give a guitarist a bass, and he'll think that he can keep the groove. Teach a guitarist how to play bass, and he'll know that he can keep the groove.
I cant be the only guitar player who turns his guitars tone controls to 0 and then plays bass lines
I had an Ibanez Soundgear SR400 bass back in the 90s. I decided I needed a bass again so just last week (3-8-21) I got a cheap Ibanez Gio GRS200TR. Man the SR400 was so much better sounding and easier to play. But I just have to get used to bass again. Now I'm thinking of getting one of the short scale Mikro basses.
As a Guitarist, who picked up bass and have been doing it for the past 12 years.
1. Know where "The 1" is.
2. I view the bass as a drum kit made of strings.
3. I listen to the drums for the feel.
4. I listen to the vocals for the melody.
Squier by Fender are great basses for the money.
I didnt know anything about bass, now i know the standard tuning of those 4 strings are same as guitar, EADG...which would also mean the note positions on the neck are same. Meaning simple triad chords would be same. What about scales tho...hmmm, interesting. Im no longer looking at a bass like its some strange alien thing. This 1 video really opened my way to the world of bass, thank you man. (Also please correct me if im wrong)
Scales are the same. Chords on bass are tricky, you can play them in the same position as a guitar but they don’t really sound great because the notes are so low and crowd out. Chords on bass work best when you spread the notes out and not too close together. Hope this helps.
Bass and drums are the engine room of any and every band
Super helpful. Just bought a bass after a year of not being able to play with my buds so I could add some to recordings. This helps a lot. Cheers!
I've had a MIM Fender P in standing my guitar room, completely unplayed for about five years now (a friend left it here years ago but is now sadly no longer with us and his family told me I could keep it) I've often thought about trying to learn it properly but I never got beyond a couple of minutes of noodling here and there (unplugged too - as I never had a bass amp for it, so not really much fun). I recently got myself a GT1000 (and an FRFR speaker), though, and a few weeks back I thought about firing up one of the bass amp models on there, just to see if I like it. Again, though, it didn't get past the thinking stage at the time. This video has definitely awoken the desire to try it out properly, so many thanks Rhett for doing this video!
I use a pick so when I switch back to guitar it feels so much easier. Skip The ring finger on your freting hand, that is a good way to start playing less like a guitar player.
What bass is good? Price doesn't matter
I love short scale basses. I have a Hofner violin bass and an Ibanez Mikro bass. The short scale creates a very punchy sound.
I recently started learning guitar. I've been finding the fret board complicated. But for my right hand, I've been experimenting with all sorts of ways to strum and pick. One of the ways is walking my fingers up the strings towards the low E string with my thumb on the low E. I'm rather amazed at the different sounds one can produce on a guitar (acoustic only so far for me) with the strings open and how I pluck or strum. I'm not so wild about using a pick. I can get very similar tone by using my finger nails.
Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is a great example . I invite you to listen to the intro of " Silver Springs " . He is finger picking and using the volume pedal . It is so beautiful it just might bring tears to your eyes . ; )
Riding the rhythm with the drummer has a special enjoyment, and you’ll get way more jammin in cuz, frankly, guitar players are a dime a dozen.
A thoughtful laid back competent bass player makes the jam work.
You’ll get invited back.
Oh, years ago I was asked to pick up the bass and warm it up as the bass player in my buddies hot band was gonna be late.
I thought I sucked, and thanked the drummer for his patience and carrying thru.
He said, “well at least you play on the beat”
Thought it was a mild slag, but no, he later told me some players are tough to play with cuz they can’t really “ lock in”, and seem oblivious to what he’s doing.
So work on your rhythm, and listen listen listen to what’s happening on the kit.
Hours of enjoyment, and it will improve your guitar playing and ability to fit in to live ensemble playing.
Phil is the man-- he can groove, arrange and is a good hang. Bass makes us strong, it's The Force: it's around us, binds us. You can rock out without it, but when it drops in, shit gets real.
Rhett - I cannot thank you and Philip enough for this video . About a year ago , I bought a new Fender American Performer P bass , and a used Fender Squier 5 string P bass . I am a beginner on bass and have total hearing loss in one ear . ( which I am very self-conscious about ) Trying to learn on both at the same time was not a good idea , so I put the 5 string aside for the time being . I think I'm now ready to experiment with the Squier a bit . ( better pickups and new strings ) Because of the hearing loss , trying to pick out the tonal differences between , say , round wound and flat wound strings , I felt I wasn't really hearing much of a difference . But in your vid I could easily discern the subtle flavors . I don't know what you recorded the audio with , but stay with that . Philip's explanation of a bass players role helped me TREMENDOUSLY . Thanks again to both of you . ( Did I mention I'm 64 years old ? )
So Cool! Nobody ever talks about this stuff. Learned a bunch. Awesome Channel. Peace and Best Wishes from one (of your many) Canadian 🇨🇦fans.
I like bass as played by Peter Hook, Carlos Dengler, Simon Gallop and more conventional John Taylor and Andy Rourke.
Wow, what a smart guy.
Love the trampoline analogy.
I see lots of guitar players on RUclips with impressive guitar collections but lack one essential piece of gear: a bass. The bass is a massively cool instrument and unfortunately a lot of guitar players underestimate the actual joy of playing bass.
Ultimately, whatever instrument you play, the goal is freedom of musical expression (in the appropriate context) and as for using a pick.....check out Bobby Vega. Some of his licks sound pretty cool on guitar as well.
I've had a bass for recording demos since I got my first 4-track but generally just plodded on the root until I joined cover bands as a bassist. When it became obvious that roots and fills didn't work, I became more aware of walking lines and what I call the country line, which is basically just alternating between root and fifth.
Great vid. Like the channel. Good info. However depends what you are trying to accomplish as to picking the strings. Some of the best base lines where picked like guitar player does and not as bass player does.. Seen this times by Jack Bruce and Paul McCartney. In my opinion had some of the best heard. Played like a led guitar.
As a guitar and now bass player...this was an incredible amount of useful information in a short amount of time. Well done!
When I started bass, I found songs with a repetitive bass line to help build up a solid, consistent right hand technique. I think a perfect example is the sampled bass line from Massive Attack's "Safe From Harm". It's a repeating B A B F# A B B A ( 2 0 2 on A, 2 on E) fill that goes for about 5 and a half minutes. It pulls double duty in building right hand endurance and developing a consistent finger technique on one string, and jumping between two strings. If you really want to extend it out - practice with the Perfecto Mix version
Nice video Rhett!! I'm a guitar player who's looking forward to buy a bass, now that I know the basics, I'm more confident to buy it! Thank you!
Rhett, you save my musical life weekly!
Mike Watt (of The Minutemen, and Firehose, solo work, and side man for Iggy Pop) released a solo album in the 90s named "Ball Hog or Tugboat". The title refers to the tension between being ego-driven out-in-front bass that might be expected of a solo project (eg, the ball hog), vs the traditional role of the bass as the helper (eg, the tugboat that helps keep the harbor safe for the big ships).
As a bassist, this video is straight up on point. Also, the precision bass is one of my favorite basses of all time. I have six of them
Just purchased my first bass + amp setup. I went with the Fender Duff McKagan Deluxe Precision Bass Black, Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-115 1x15 200W Bass Combo Amp Black and Silver, and a Fender Precision hardshell case.
Great video! I learned quite a bit here. Thanks
Excellent video,, Thanks. I got more from this video than 2 hours starting to learn Bass with a Guitar Player 😎
Glad I came across this vid. Been playing bass for a little under 3 years and 13 months using almost exclusively finger style. Make conscious effort to mute all unplayed notes/ strings.
I have small hands so my favoured bass is the longer scale-length (compared to a Mustang), but more manageable string gauge, Bass VI. Plus I don't run out of strings with it having six and can play guitar parts on it without having to adapt too much 😁
As a guitarist of 50 years , I've really got a thing for bass lately. Enjoying watching Marcus Miller, and Julia's channel.
"you can pick on a bass but"[cut to next scene]. I want to know how that ended. There's plenty of great bass players that played with a pick. If this video is about guitar players transitioning to bass it makes sense to talk about bass players who use a pick.
Got my first Bass one week ago! This was a fantastic lesson to forever keep in mind what is important and don't stray off target. Thanks so much for making this!
Firebird to Mustang? Might be the easiest way to deal with the transition from 6 string to 4. Great video as always. Regards Kev
Yes, P bass or J-bass, Mexican or 2nd hand/used, make for great
learner or new bass players instruments. I just wanted to mention, having been in around & playing music for 4 decades, another brand / maker of basses needs mentioning. Because of their quality, playability, affordability & all-round suitability; Ibanez basses should not be ignored - with models suited for beginner or garden-variety or pro bassists.
I am not, myself, a bass player - but before my wife met me 20 years ago I was indisputably a base player of the lowest lounge-lizard order indeed, she will confirm
this sordid fact with avid disgust ensuring my total embarrassment nowadays!
SO... be a bass player, not a base player! Respect all women always.
If Glenn Fricker reads this, f$*% you Glenn! This is one human nobody can or should or could respect, there is always an exception, even with common respect & Fricker's it :-P
Cheers, peace & be nice to ya missus & dumb animals like drummers, for example..?
Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central Queensland, Australia.
Where it is so flamin' hot today that the trees are chasing the dogs around!
Strewth, if the mulga snakes don't get ya then the Blackfellas bloody well will.
One more...don't assume anything about what your bass sounds like “out there “
Excellent video! I would add one comment... have it set up by a pro bass tech. I'm a guitar player, and I have a 20+ year old MIM P-bass, that I use in the studio for working out songs. After many years of use, I had it refreshed and set up by a pro (Mike Lull...RIP, my friend), and it was a different instrument. Played so much more smoothly, sounded so much better. Its' worth investing in!
40 years ago I spent $75 on an El Degas Jazz Bass copy from Japan and though I have a few basses (Fender, Carvin, Hofner, Pedulla, all really good) now, it is still my go-to instrument. But I recently got a Squire Affinity Jazz Bass for $50 and it actually sounds a lot cleaner than my old fave. So, you can get a good sounding gig-ready bass for not a whole lot of money. The old El Degas copy Jazz is funky and microphonic, but I've played big venues with it and recorded with it too. And the same could be done with the Affinity. A little money can go a long way.
Played guitar since '72.
'74, bought a bass for cash and albums.
Year later sold it for cash and albums. Just a Victoria or something
Got no further than GFR's "We're An American Band".
Played with five six guitar players and a drummer before i played in a 'full' band setting
Bass Is The Place ;)
Can you guys please change it to HEADPHONES OR GOOD SPEAKERS RECOMMENDED? I feel like the world has forgotten good speakers exist.
Hey, Chris Squire, Michael Anthony, Phil Lynott and Geddy Lee all use a pic, and I do too. How else can I palm mute? Me being a guitar player I've always liked short scale basses like Mustangs and E.B.O's. And I know they're so small they look like toys, but I only really use them for recording. Since the lockdown I've become a one man band recording. A jazz bass is great, thin necks and with 2 pickups and 2 volume controls it's way more versatile than a P bass.
It’s a “POCKET” being created for the vocalists.Makes a DRASTIC DIFFERENCE!
The singer can lay back in it and really embellish.
I was given an Artist copy of a P-bass when I bought a used Artist LP copy. Having played nice LPs, I know they're never gonna be my go-to, so I'm good that the guitar I bought is a dud. Serious neck issues and now a broken truss rod (my bad but it didn't take much to bust it). So i just jacked the bridge sky high, tuned it to open G and its a fantastic slide guitar. Soon a taller metal nut too. Watching Rhett influenced my new interest in learning slide. So fun with lots of effects or just clean. The bass is good enough. It plays okay but a fret polish/dressing is on the list. It's my lightest guitar too. Weird as my long ago teen-years Hondo II was a tank. It's plugged into my e-drum amp and that's also good enough. Are they making me a better guitarist? Dunno. Don't care. I'm just having fun. Oh, BTW, I paid $140 for the LP and the owner gave me the bass after talking about our sons' learning to play. He said he'd be right back and returned with the bass saying 'I cant teach him guitar without a bass.' Said he's got too many basses. Now my 10 year-old and I both play acoustic, electric, bass and drums most days. He'll leave me for dust by 15 if he keeps it up. Perhaps he'll let me keep jamming with him anyway. Perhaps I'll just supply him with my collection.
Some good tips here, but playing bass is to a great extent an instinctive thing which is either there or not. If you feel bored or frustrated, move on.
Here's another tip anyway: Just get a P or a J bass depending on which neck you prefer, set tone at 0 & volume at 10, then (try to) find an amp you like the sound of that won't break your back. Oh, and pick &/or fingers: YOUR preference; YOUR style. If anyone wants to give you "advice" on this matter, shut 'em down immediately.
Geddy Lee, Lemmy, Peter Hook, and Mike Kerr are my inspirations to move to bass and haven't looked back since