New to guitar to bass – Need advice on technique and gear

[laurawoods]

Hi guys, I used to play guitar for about 8 years, covering classic rock, funk, and jazz fusion. During that time, I played in 2 small bands, participated in some live shows, and recorded demos, so I have experience in rhythm, arrangement, and improv.

I recently decided to switch to bass to expand my musical ability and challenge myself with fingerstyle, slapping, and groove.

I have some questions:

• Technique: Does anyone have tips for practicing fingerstyle, slapping, or walking bass fast for beginners?
• Gear: What amp/pedal setup is suitable for funk/jazz music but still easy for beginners to adjust?
• Band integration: How can a new bass player get into the rhythm of the band quickly without getting out of tune?

I look forward to hearing your real-life experiences and advice. I am also willing to share my guitar-playing experience if anyone is interested.

Thanks everyone for reading, and welcome to the community!

PolyTrack

[SpondonBassed]

Welcome Laura.

[Kiwi]

2 hours ago, laurawoods said:

Hi guys, I used to play guitar for about 8 years, covering classic rock, funk, and jazz fusion. During that time, I played in 2 small bands, participated in some live shows, and recorded demos, so I have experience in rhythm, arrangement, and improv.

I recently decided to switch to bass to expand my musical ability and challenge myself with fingerstyle, slapping, and groove.

I have some questions:

• Technique: Does anyone have tips for practicing fingerstyle, slapping, or walking bass fast for beginners?
• Gear: What amp/pedal setup is suitable for funk/jazz music but still easy for beginners to adjust?
• Band integration: How can a new bass player get into the rhythm of the band quickly without getting out of tune?

I look forward to hearing your real-life experiences and advice. I am also willing to share my guitar-playing experience if anyone is interested.

Thanks everyone for reading, and welcome to the community!

PolyTrack

Technique - there are LOADS of youtube videos.  I personally like Stuart Claytons stuff but there are others out there as well.
Gear - Can't really go wrong with EBS.  It's very clean sounding but their product line up offers great value for money, especially second hand.  If you want something a bit grittier then there's Ampeg or GK but they are entering rock territory.
Band integration - Getting out of tune isn't normally a problem.  Learning how to use space can be a challenge for a guitarist, bass is a foundation that defines the energy in the song and guides it's harmonic direction.  To begin with just learn the parts to the song until you develop a feel and appreciation for how the bass works.  Check Sting in the Police (Walking on the Moon) and Adam Clayton in early U2 (New Years Day) for how to use space and simple lines to support other band members.  If you want to learn about how to use music theory and chordal knowledge to enhance your fingering efficiency and harmonic modulation then the last word has always been and always will be James Jamerson - check out Reflections by the Supremes.  Paul McCartney is also a master at using melody tastefully in basslines without swamping the song - check his Wings stuff especially Coming Up and Silly Love Songs.  If you fancy having your boundaries pushed a bit, check out Stevie Wonder's basslines as played by Nate Watts especially Master Blaster. They might sound simple but your fingers will be all over the place because Stevie wasn't confined by the fretboard.  If you want an example of how not to play bass, check out Ronnie Wood on Rod Stewart's Maggie May.  It's lead guitar on bass...some might say it still works but probably a good way to get fired from your first function band.