Getting Inspired to Learn Bass

[losting]

Whenever I see my favorite bands performing in livehouses, I get this huge urge to pick up an instrument—especially bass. It's such a powerful and cool presence on stage! 

That made me wonder: how does bass sound really come alive? Beyond just technique, a lot of it comes down to what’s under the hood—the electronics. From the pickups and tone circuits in the instrument to the op-amps, capacitors, and A/D converters in pedals, preamps, and audio interfaces, the components really shape the sound.

So while I’ve started watching more bass tutorials and practicing, I’m also diving into how signal paths and electronic components affect tone. Understanding things like filter circuits, gain stages, and even soldering my own DIY pedal kit makes the learning process even more exciting.

Maybe learning bass is not just about playing, but also building the sound. 

Edited June 5 by losting

[SpondonBassed]

Welcome Losting.

 

While looking at videos can help with finger positioning ideas and such, the best way to improve is to practice with others in a band.  It doesn't have to be a gigging band at first.  I think most of us started out just playing around with mates.

 

Enjoy the trip.  The more you put into it the more you'll get back.

[ezbass]

 

Learning bass might give you some quick results with simple tunes, but like any instrument, it’s not easy and requires dedication and practise, so don’t pick the low end for an easy win, but because you are drawn to it. Whilst you can certainly learn to play by watching videos, reading literature and playing along with recordings, as @SpondonBassed says, it is by playing with others and the dynamics that that involves that you will learn best and become a properly rounded musician.

[HeadlessBassist]

Playing with others is definitely a large part of playing. It develops the ear and teaches you to lock into the tempo with the other players, but initially, I'd suggest getting a teacher. Make sure you learn to read proper notation too - it makes everything so much easier in the long run.

 

But most of all, make sure you enjoy your playing

[losting]

OK, thank you for your suggestion. I will look for like-minded friends to start this bass journey together. hope I can really devote myself to it.

[TeresaFR]

I will say, the only time notation would have truly helped me was when I was in a band with a classically trained folk violinist. I think for some genres notation would help more than for others (jazz, for instance). At any rate, it wouldn't hurt to know it, just don't make it your first priority - learning the notes and tuning up must be your first priority once you've decided to actually give bass a go and have (legally) acquired one.

[bass_dinger]

On 23/04/2025 at 07:38, losting said:

If it's bass, will I improve quickly if I watch more videos..

No. 

 

On 23/04/2025 at 07:38, losting said:

and practice?

Yes.

 

I watch educational videos with good intentions, but find myself distracted by those same videos. 

 

Get a teacher, if you can - a good teacher is better than a video, I would say.

[diskwave]

Dont try and play with others immediately tho. Lock urself away in ur room and learn the fingerboard. A sure fire way to get enthused is to play along to ur fav tunes/bands.. in front of the mirror if you need to.. we've all done it, its grt fun and you learn pretty quick.