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For me it was by ear to my fave album - get the G in tune then match the rest. I found it easier with the G than the lower notes back then.

When I learned how to play I first off went to lessons so as to learn what the notes were, and where. I then bought the songbook of my favourite album and taught myself how play it, and gave up the lessons. I would probably be a lot better if I’d continued with the lessons.

For all the oldies like me who were playing before electronic tuners were widespread, how did you used to tune your bass and ensure all the band were in tune? I used to use an A440 tuning fork; I'd whack it in my knee and hold it over the pickup so it comes through the amp, and play a 12th fret harmonic on the A string, listening for the 'beats' to stop as I turned the A string's machine head. Then once the A string was tuned I'd play the 5th fret harmonic on the E string and the 7th fret harmonic of the A string and similarly listen for the beating to stop as I turned the E string's machine head. Then I tune the D & G strings similarly with 5th and 7th fret harmonics. Then I'd give the guitarist an E or A 12th fret harmonic for him to tune in a similar way. When there was a keyboard player it was even worse. It was a hassle, sometimes took a long time, and often a bit hit & miss — especially when changing strings. My modern tuners (TC Unitune & Boss TU-3W) make it a lot easier and quicker and it is easy to forget that classic 60s & 70s records were probably recorded with the instruments tuned like this. The rolling stones (or their road crew) used to use a Conn tube strobe unit to tune up backstage - which is currently for sale on reverb.

What you want to play will also determine whats most important to learn. If you want to play motown, there's no point learning to use a pick or if you only want to play covers then you won't need much theory or if you want to play funk you won't need to learn to change strings.

I'm not an expert you understand, no really I'm not, but off the top of my head from what I remember: managing weight and balance, reducing fretting-hand tension, optimizing reach, breathing and performance anxiety.

There are so many people enjoying access to instruments now that simply playing along to your fav tunes is probably not good enough anymore. Whatever route you take, learn to read musical notation, it'll pay huge dividends. Othe than that, learn to play 12 bar blues all over the board....its a really good foundation... tons of stuff online.

Like this...

Gemini PS-626USB Pretty much brand new Apparently this is a half decent bit of kit , but I’m no DJ ! got it from the BIL who offered me a small mixer , and I had use for one, but not a DJ type with the cross fader and the like. comes with an external hard drive, USB and phono cables who will bid £0 for this remarkable opportunity to get it out of my possession.

Didn’t realise I was being psychoanalysed 🫣 Dyslexic over compensation. I can’t help it. It’s not the daily canings, but having to read in front of class that still gives me nightmares. Alexander Technique? What’s the connection to learning Bass?

There is also this possibility or on the treble side...

There are lots of inconsistencies with that, starting with a 72 Fender body being that heavy. You’ve bought it from a shop which gives you rights. I’d want to know on what basis they believe it to be a legit body and neck, because these are easy to fake. There aren’t enough images of things that matter in the original for sale ad for experts to assess what it is you have. (I’m not saying it is a fake, I’d personally want so reassurance if bought what I’d paid for.)

I think it’s 9 mtrs , bought it as a control extension lead for a smoke machine foot switch. iec 13 /14 anyone want it ? This photo should do it straight away ! Start queuing here

Restored Ric 4000 that I have reacquired The story behind it

If I were starting out today I would still want to learn by being in a band and learning songs because it was fun. However, an earlier knowledge of chord tones and a greater focus on developing plucking hand speed/dexterity would have been useful.

I’ve got 4 cables here 3mtr , 5 , 7 &10 all to go , preferably all together. All NL2 connectors on them. postage a few £ but not massively worried about that. speak up for the speakon

How it used to look, when I sold it: