Coilte

I totally agree, but would suggest buying the best ear protection they can afford. If people are wiling to pay a lot of money for gear, they should make good quality ear protection top of the list. You can always replace gear, but once your hearing deteriorates, it can't be replaced.

"Chicago's" timeless classic... "Beginnings"

Prevent the accumulation in the first place by always.. (or at least whenever it is possible).. washing your hands before going near the bass. Granted, some dirt and grit will gather anyway, but nothing like what you describe. I have often seen guitarists and bassists pick up their instrument with hands that looked like they had just been working on a car engine. 😁

I had surgery for this to straighten out the little finger of my left (fretting) hand. It was not a success. After about two months of doing physio exercises, the finger gradually began resorting back to the way it was previously. The surgeon told me in advance that everyone reacts differently (and has a different result) to this type of surgery, even if the circumstances for needing it are the same. Unfortunately my gamble did not pay off. Hopefully you will fare better. The little finger of the right hand is now bent but it can stay that way. I don't intend going through that ordeal again. Perhaps I left it too long before deciding to do something about it. The earlier you take action, the better the chances of a positive result. Best of luck....and sorry for the discouraging post.

I agree with @Dad3353. That book is very good. However, I also think that listening to and learning from bassists you like, is very beneficial. My two recommendations : Good old Macca, especially on the Abbey Road album. Another bassist who I was very impressed with is the late great Glenn Cornick in the early Jethro Tull albums. He is not often mentioned but is very under rated in my opinion.

Don't neglect your technique. If you have good...and just as importantly...safe technique...you will be able to play at your best, while at the same time minimising any potential injury problems. Look up "Floating Thumb" technique on Youtube as well as..."left/right hand technique for bass. As Youtube video lessons go, I think this set of chronological ones is very good. It starts off VERY basic, but as a beginner that's what is needed. Best of luck !! https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=music+college+bass+lessons

Glenn Cornick/Tony Reeves/Jack Bruce/Peter Cetera. I'm giving away my "vintage" here !! 😄

Quite apart from your knowledge and skills on the bass, make sure your teaching skills are up to par. It is one thing to know your stuff...quite another to be able to convey it in an understandable way to a complete beginner. The very first thing I would teach a complete beginner is safe and efficient technique, good posture, how to hold the instrument etc. I would advise gentle warm up stretches before and after a practice. This could be followed by learning the notes on the fretboard. I would encourage him/her to listen carefully to simple songs that they like, and then try to play along without using tab. When it comes to basic theory I would put equal emphasis on both scales ....and chord tones.

Great documentary. 👍 One of my favourite John Mayall albums (with Mick Taylor) is dedicated to his time spent in L.C.

Firstly, I am sure that few, if any people at a pub gig spend their time discussing the attack and decay, harmonic content etc. of the bass. 😉 Secondly, the difference here is that you are not causing yourself any pain or discomfort (except maybe to your wallet 😆 ) by playing the bass of your choice.

I doubt if the guy sitting at the back (or at the front..for that matter) of the venue could tell the difference. 😉 Why suffer unnecessarily...or at all ?

Time to change it to playing with a lighter touch. Higher up the amp and let it do the work.

It has to be "Chicago's" Peter Cetera for me. Obviously the video clip is not him. I posted this clip because the bass lines are higher in the mix, thus giving us better clarity. The cover itself is spot on too.

Sixty posts in, and still no mention of the grand farther of British blues...John Mayall. Let's put that right. 😉 While this track is not your "traditional" blues, it is one of my favourites, as is the whole album ("Turning Point"). At the time, Mayall decided to dispense with lead guitar and drums (hence the album title). Johnny Almond's sax playing throughout the album is superb and more than makes up for the lack of lead guitar IMO.

Michel Hatzigeorgiou from "Aka Moon".

Another vote for the "Dummies" book. It is especially good for someone starting from ground zero. May I offer another piece of advice ? Don't get too hung up on tab. Instead train your ear by playing along to songs and working things out by trial and error. It will pay dividends in the long run. Good luck on your journey. 🙂

Try to keep both wrists as straight as possible. Use the thumb as a pivot instead of stretching. Be patient. It is better in the long run to take your time and concentrate on safe technique before you develop any bas habits. Until your hands, fingers and wrists adjust to this new task being asked of them, I would recommend playing no more than a half an hour at a time. Take regular breaks. Here are some clips that should be helpful.

In 1970 this was one of my favourite albums.

"Chicago's" early albums with Peter Cetera on bass, especially their first album "Chicago Transit Authority".

The G&L SB1 is worth checking out Comes with a 1 5/8" neck. . Not a "Fender" in the traditional sense, but nonetheless Leo is quoted as saying that G&L are among the best basses he ever made. https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/200225356367008--gl-usa-fullerton-deluxe-sb-1-surf-green-maple-fingerboard?defaultCountry=IE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI18D6_qb39AIVyZ7tCh3TzgBTEAQYBCABEgJ-gPD_BwE

At least the cat appreciates you !!😉

Glad to hear you are doing well. 🙂 I agree with Jus Lukin. If you jump back in too soon you could be jumping back a few steps recovery wise, and making matters worse. Proceed with the utmost caution.

Another vote for Talking Bass. IMO there is enough in the free stuff to get you off to a good start. If you are a complete beginner, I would recommend a few face to face lessons with a "real " teacher first.