Learning Bass: 10 Things NOT To Do

In this video, I share some things I wish I had learned earlier when learning bass guitar.

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[silverphoenix_]

i) Focus on drums
ii) Have fun
iii) Get a proper setup
iv) Play slow, avoid sloppiness
v) Focus on how you sound in a band
vi) Triads are more useful than scales
vii) Learn multiple techniques
viii) go outside and jam with others
ix) you are a Jedi

[LordEradicus]

I've been playing bass for over 30 years now, and every single one of these points are so on the money.

[shanegurno]

"The drummers are not the time keeper, the whole band is the time keeper". Thank you from a drummer! Sure the bass and drums need to and are known for good timing, but if any other band mate speeds up or slows down it will mess with everyone no matter how tight the bass and drums are. Great video!

[buzz]

One of the best bass videos out there...without ever playing a bass.

[Grumdot]

I learned. Talent is the end result of hard work, not the beginning. Persistence pays.

[jrpipik]

I guess these are DOs, not don'ts.
1 - Learn the fretboard. Know all the notes.
2 - Learn to follow chord changes and read chord charts. Reading musical notes is not as important, but can be useful. Just don't try using the bass clef of a piano chart as the bass part -- it's always different.
3 - There are a number of standard patterns that are very useful to know when you're starting out. For example, the walking bass for blues changes or the old fashioned country 1-5 bounce with walk-ups on the chord changes or even the tonic note thumper. Shave and a haircut! Most are pretty easy. Learn ten of these basic patterns and you can play with a band pretty quick! (It's a great place to start, but don't stop there. It's a stepping stone to better things.)
4 - Unless you're planning on being a session player, you don't have to play in every style. Play the kind of music you enjoy. That said, don't be afraid to try something new.
5 - Check out good video teachers to learn great bass songs. Learn how to play "Ramble On" and "Silly Love Songs" and "Money" and "Taxman" and "Green Onions." (Great audition pieces.) Learn the stuff you like to listen to.
6 - Don't be intimidated! Get out there and do it!

[sync]

Tip: if you are at the very beginning now, know this - keep watching beginner videos like this one, no matter how far you get!
I only stand at the beginning of my 3rd year on bass, but videos like this keep me from getting lost as I get further. Different aspects gain importance, as I hear them presented differently.

That being said, great video! 👍

[concerninghobbits]

As I grew up I realised and came to appreciate bass so much more. I probably could've guessed it was important as a kid and later learned how important, but in the last few years I bought one after playing guitar for a few years and really enjoy it, although I still play guitar more. But I realised just now that the bass is like the healer class in a game, I've been playing Final Fantasy XIV as a white mage, the pure healer class, and it's so satisfying to prevent people from dying and not just doing big damage. Bass is the same way and I think if you view it as a very necessary support role you can appreciate it and feel cooler playing it

[kijekuyo]

Very cool hat logo!

Point 7 (the last of the "10 Don'ts"?) is very important. I have my own story. In my small musical community, there were two bassist, and one was me. The other guy was a far more skillful bassist. He could play complex, melodic lines from Yes and Rush, but the bands all preferred to play with me because I would just play simple, solid lines that fit the music and gave a foundation the other band members could rely on.

I would ad that every bass player also spend a lot of time playing some kind of drums or percussion (drum kit, congas, cowbell, whatever). I took a break from bass and switched to drums and percussion for many years, and when I returned to bass, I was much better. Rhythm was always my strong suit, but the drumming really helped me deeply understand how rhythm works in music.

[ricardodubatti]

Loved the trampoline metaphor! It's that kind of playfullness that should guide our "playing".

[OnTheOne.]

My tip: Record yourself. Just use your phone to begin with. So you can listen back and use it as a learning tool. Best thing for me was learning songs, recording myself and being critical of my playing.

[MatthewSwasta]

If I could add to #3 please...learn how to do these things, and over time you will be able set up YOUR instrument to your playing style and feel. 😊

[MotoGreciaMarios]

#5 is gold. A bass on its own is a completely different thing than a bass in the mix. Small differences go a long way. Get a good EQ and the right bass and you're game.

[marcpressley]

The first bass lesson I ever had, the guy told me when in doubt to follow the kick and the high hat. Thanks for reinforcing that tip!

[NoizExMachina]

Fantastic advice and I completely agree with all that you're saying. My Dad is a professional jazz bass player who has played with many of the greats and he taught me. I started on bass in 1983 and I eventually picked up guitar as well. My Dad said most these things, if not directly certainly in spirit. I hope you inspire the next generation with your channel!

[redactedxx]

As a beginner, this is a fantastic list and I'm going to check out your triads video next.

[lownotes]

Man, I couldn't agree more with each and every point. Love it!

I would add something to #7 you somehow implied: don't overdo, and learn to really love playing less and enjoying simple lines, enjoying just the sound of each note, because bass sounds awesome!

Great video Philip!

[JR]

Everything you said is spot on.
I learned these points through experience/trial and error.

[The_paradox_of_Youth]

Your trampoline metaphor was pure genius. Such an incredible way to articulate and bring clarity to a concept that you can't really teach even though anyone can learn it.

The hear with your ears like you see with your eyes exercise was equally as impressive considering how subtlety you pulled everyone into the video.

It reminded me of the way that when there's a nice groove going people are starting tapping their foot or moving her head without even realizing it.

Phenomenal teaching. There are many time periods that people may wish that they were born and lived in. Yeah being able to afford a house and put the kids through school while working at the loval grocery store as a cashier might be everything to some people . I don't think I could ever give up living in a our present time. To my knowledge there has never been a time before now where a regular guy like myself could have access to so many high caliber teachers that generously inpart lifetimes of their hard learned and earned lessons ...while asking for virtually nothing in return.

Respect 👊🏼✨

[pgrvloik]

Great tips. About playing with a pick, it's sometimes required by the style of music you're playing. You can't get that specific attack and tone with the fingers.