Noobie - from classical to jazz bass - never looking back :)

[lowdowner]

Just saying hello,

for some years I've been playing a classical guitar before starting what I
really wanted to do - play bass...

Don't let anyone tell you that bass playing is 'easy' compared to classical
guitar. My classical guitar teacher described bass as 'fischer price
guitar' (i.e. the toy brand), but it simply isn't true. The things I'm having to
learn about: patterns, unusual scales, harmonies, getting a really clean
tone at speed, locking to the drums, understanding the pulse like i've
never had to do before...

Mostly playing jazz, but also rock/blues etc. Lots of rolling stones and
santana at the moment

... and I'm bl**dy LOVING it... I wish I'd started earlier

Any tips on starting out on how much to practice and how to progress whilst
still having fun would be appreciated.

david

Warwick thumb 4 string B.O.

Ashdown Superly II
Ampeg PB112H
Ashdown MiBass (220W)

[originalfunkbrother]

Welcome! You gonna find loads of chatters here willing to help so enjoy the ride!

[Bilbo]

Name and shame the guitar teacher!!!!

Classical guitar is just for poor people who can't afford a piano (not really, just wanted revenge!!)

In my experience, all instruments carry their own challenges and the thing about classical music over Jazz is that the demands of the improvising musician are very different from a practiced performance of the 'repertoire'. You can't 'fake' Jazz and regurgitating tried and tested lines and patterns is not going to cut it. You have to have a mastery of the instrument and the associated concepts to deliver a rounded performance. Unlike classical music where, if you learn one piece, you have learned it (can't you see I am bitter!).

Learn all the scales and chords you can and TRANSCRIBE, TRANSCRIBE, TRANSCRIBE!!

Fischer Price guitar, my hairy a***

[lowdowner]

Bilbo - very wise words.

I think, in his defense (and he is an *outstanding* guitar player) he used the term 'fischer price'
with his tongue in his cheek. But I really enjoyed the term and use it as a kind of inverted
snobbery wherever I can (as in 'Oh, I only play a fischer price instrument)!

One great advantage of the bass is that - for someone new to it for me - you can play along
with some very simple knowledge. But I can see into the future and it's full of complexity and
challenge.

Bring it on - I can't get enough of that low E string - wow!

[alanbass1]

Welcome aboard

[lowdowner]

thanks alan
I see you have a thumb too (though an extra-posh NT!) - they're 'tight' aren't
they?
I'm obsessed with mine at the moment: I'm boring everyone to death about how
great it is to play..