If you were starting today, what’s the best way to learn?

[Useless Eustace]

Wouldn’t say I’m a total beginner, but not far off.   I’ve got a Katana GO, which is incredible, so I can play along to music & videos, but I jump about.   I need some direction & discipline.   I want to learn at least basic theory so I can identify the key of a song & know what to play over it.

 

If you were starting out today, how would you go about it?

 

Is that BassBuzz Beginner to Baddass worth the £157?    Are there better alternatives?

 

 

Thanks!

[SteveXFR]

Id definitely recommend in person lessons. On line lessons are fine but you'll get no feedback at all. You need someone to tell you if you're technique is a bit off.

The online lessons also don't put enough emphasis on timing and because bass is a rhythm instrument, timing is extremely important. Bad timing can make a good band sound terrible.

[Suburban Man]

1 minute ago, SteveXFR said:

Id definitely recommend in person lessons. On line lessons are fine but you'll get no feedback at all. You need someone to tell you if you're technique is a bit off.

The online lessons also don't put enough emphasis on timing and because bass is a rhythm instrument, timing is extremely important. Bad timing can make a good band sound terrible.

Definitely the above, but remember although hitting the right note at the right time is best, hitting the wrong note, but at the right time is often quite acceptable 🎶😁

[Geek99]

Yes, thats called jazz 

 

get some in person lessons to get your basic technique right. Bad habits can cause problems further on down the road 

[SteveXFR]

A bassist who plays a simple part perfectly in time is far better than one who plays a complex part with sloppy timing. 

Understanding when to stay simple and when to go for it is also an important skill and a skill no guitarist has.

[Geek99]

The mere fact that he’s even asking this question shows he isn’t a secret guitarist 

 

the use of grammar and punctuation are also strong indications 👍

Edited 1 hour ago by Geek99

[Useless Eustace]

I will definitely try to find lessons this week.   St Helens, Widnes area ideally.  Would go further to Warrington or Liverpool if there’s a really good teacher?

 

 

So would you not do a mix of online & in person?   Like a monthly in-person to keep in check?    
 

 

[Burns-bass]

11 minutes ago, Useless Eustace said:

I will definitely try to find lessons this week.   St Helens, Widnes area ideally.  Would go further to Warrington or Liverpool if there’s a really good teacher?

 

 

So would you not do a mix of online & in person?   Like a monthly in-person to keep in check?    
 

 

I do monthly lessons to play classical music. A teacher can help you on a pathway, answer specific questions and provide support and reassurance.

 

Most will have books and materials they use that the can share. 
 

A teacher / student relationship (a good one, at least) is more than telling you what notes to play and what not to play.

 

What’s also a good idea is to set out your aspirations. Do you want to master a specific album or focus on one genre? Fo you want to simply play or do the theory stuff too?

 

Having those goals enables you - and your teacher - to make a plan.

 

Best of luck with it!