any bass advice

[ryderawsome]

my brother has been telling me for ages that i should play the bass and after i saw scott pilgrim vs the world i was sold (plus the lead actress being a total babe didnt hurt). what is a good bass for a beginner, what are some good songs. thanks for any help

 

[The Amazing Tea Alligator]

Some RHCP songs are fairly simply yet sound good - I'd go for those.

 

[old account]

People play instruments and collaborate with other musicians to write meaningful songs because they have a message to share with the world, or they wish to express their feelings with others that would listen, that is the purpose of a band. If you are going to play the bass guitar because you saw Scott Pilgrim because it looked cool and the girl was cute, don't even bother. That's like saying you wanted to play guitar after watching FLCL, because you wanted to fight inter-galactic aliens.
I'm sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but 'it looks cool' and 'the girls are hot' are not good reasons to do anything.
I'm a guitarist (one who actually knows music theory), and hearing people say that sort of nonsense makes me sick. And not just me, every other mature musician I know as well.
Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

 

[ryderawsome]

a tad judegmental arent we? oh yah i kinda wanted to get a rickenbacker 4001 cause scott pilgrim AND that chick from flcl use em just for the record.

 

[KaiRai]

Depends. Do you like the idea of bass? Bearing in mind you'll be the most unknown member of the band 9.9 times out of 10. You have to really shine as a bassist, and play a certain genre to really be noticed.

 

[SimuLord]

People play instruments and collaborate with other musicians to write meaningful songs because they have a message to share with the world, or they wish to express their feelings with others that would listen, that is the purpose of a band. If you are going to play the bass guitar because you saw Scott Pilgrim because it looked cool and the girl was cute, don't even bother. That's like saying you wanted to play guitar after watching FLCL, because you wanted to fight inter-galactic aliens.
I'm sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but 'it looks cool' and 'the girls are hot' are not good reasons to do anything.
I'm a guitarist (one who actually knows music theory), and hearing people say that sort of nonsense makes me sick. And not just me, every other mature musician I know as well.
Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

My thoughts exactly. If you're gonna do something, "because I saw it in a movie and it looked cool" is a pretty flimsy reason. Playing the bass well enough to get laid takes WORK.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

People play instruments and collaborate with other musicians to write meaningful songs because they have a message to share with the world, or they wish to express their feelings with others that would listen, that is the purpose of a band. If you are going to play the bass guitar because you saw Scott Pilgrim because it looked cool and the girl was cute, don't even bother. That's like saying you wanted to play guitar after watching FLCL, because you wanted to fight inter-galactic aliens.
I'm sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but 'it looks cool' and 'the girls are hot' are not good reasons to do anything.
I'm a guitarist (one who actually knows music theory), and hearing people say that sort of nonsense makes me sick. And not just me, every other mature musician I know as well.
Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

He had been discussing the possibility of getting a bass for a while...he said so. So I think it's fair to assume he has some real interest in music.

I highly doubt he was being so literal.

@ OP: I've not spent much time studying bass guitars, I wouldn't know what to recommend. I have a Hohner B2A(square, headless bass), I only own it for recording purposes...not a serious player.

I've always found Fender style guitars to be the easiest to fret, so maybe a Squire? There will be dozens around 2nd hand, going dirt cheap.

 

[Zimmy]

If you're into them, try some Rammstein out, most of them are quite easy to learn. I'd defininatly purchase or pirate Guitar Pro too, brilliant tool for helping to learn bass. As for which bass to pick, I personally prefer a B.C Rich.

 

[Geekosaurus]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets influenced like this by films. I haven't got the perseverance or money to play bass. But good on you if you go through with it - just keep practising.

 

[Kwaren]

This reminds me Mio from K-on!

Spoiler

As for advice, I don't have any other than get one and try your best.

 

[Get_A_Grip_]

Erm, a Squire Jazz Bass would be a good bass to start off with. It's ideal for playing most genres of music.

As for good songs, well what would you consider a good song to be?

 

[Stein Inge]

Depends. Do you like the idea of bass? Bearing in mind you'll be the most unknown member of the band 9.9 times out of 10. You have to really shine as a bassist, and play a certain genre to really be noticed.

Unless your name is Les Claypool... Is it ? No? Then get used to being the most important AND underappreciated member of your band!

 

[Sleekgiant]

my brother has been telling me for ages that i should play the bass and after i saw scott pilgrim vs the world i was sold (plus the lead actress being a total babe didnt hurt). what is a good bass for a beginner, what are some good songs. thanks for any help

Any Ibanez Bass and Weezer songs should do you good./thread

 

[Baby Tea]

Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

Heaven forbid that people play an instrument for fun, right?
I bought a bass when I was living alone in the middle of no where because I was bored and wanted something to do, but I guess that reason isn't very good? I play it regularly, enjoy it very much, and I don't play in a band. So what's the problem here?

The kid saw it in a movie, thought it looked cool and wants to try it. So what?
What you're saying sounds like you need to have some deep-rooted angst that first has to come out through song. As if only tortured and/or poetic souls can truly pick up an instrument because only they have the reason to. And that notion is utterly ridiculous.

I picked the bass over every other instrument because I thought it was cool and fun. And it IS cool and fun!
I don't know music theory, I haven't taken lessons, heck I can't even sight read notes!
But I can certainly pick up and play my bass, I make up my own fun riffs all the time, and I jam with a friend of mine who plays guitar and writes his own stuff. And I do it because it's fun, not because some some pretentious notion that expressionism and 'meaningful songs' (Whatever that subjective turn of phrase means) takes front row with musical instruments.

Sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but pretentious poetic expression isn't a good reason to do anything.
I'm a bassist (One who knows zero musical theory and just has a blast playing), and hearing people say that nonsense makes me sick. And not just me! Every other musician I know who plays because it's fun as well. If you said this to any of them (You know, guys who have record contracts, tour with big bands, and have general success), they'd laugh at your like I'm laughing now.
Good luck in your endeavors (Seems pretty insincere to tack that on at the end, doesn't it?)

OT: OP, I'd suggest you grab yourself a cheap yet serviceable bass. Something that won't cost an arm and a leg but that will work well to get your started. I've got a Fender Squire, and it's perfect for me. The pickups aren't that great, but it certainly works. Then get a print-out of the notes on the fret board to learn them, get some tabs for songs you really enjoy, and just have fun with it.

Good luck!

 

[zen5887]

People play instruments and collaborate with other musicians to write meaningful songs because they have a message to share with the world, or they wish to express their feelings with others that would listen, that is the purpose of a band. If you are going to play the bass guitar because you saw Scott Pilgrim because it looked cool and the girl was cute, don't even bother. That's like saying you wanted to play guitar after watching FLCL, because you wanted to fight inter-galactic aliens.
I'm sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but 'it looks cool' and 'the girls are hot' are not good reasons to do anything.
I'm a guitarist (one who actually knows music theory), and hearing people say that sort of nonsense makes me sick. And not just me, every other mature musician I know as well.
Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

Couldn't disagree more.

I first picked up bass because a cute girl in highschool said "You have like.. really cool bass fingers" and the seeds were planted in my mind. A few months later, I saw a band play and the Bassist looked really cool, so I was sold. 5 years later, I am in my 3rd year of studying music. Just because this guy wants to pick up bass because he saw it in a movie doesn't mean they wont take it seriously and give up 6th months later, on the flip side just because someone decides they want to play guitar because they want to make amazing music and change the world doesn't mean they won't give up 6th months later. Besides, music is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, some people just wanna have a good time, a few beers and jam. What's wrong with that?

Its not like, only one form of musician can exist. There is a place for musicians who want to change the world with their songs, there is a place for musicians who want to spend 36k on a uni course and there is a place for musicians who want to play bass in their brothers band to impress girls.

Anyways.

If its your first bass I'd recommend a fender Squire. They are cheap and come with an amp and they don't sound that bad. Once you're ready to gig I would suggest upgrading though, at least your amp. Stay away from Eppiphone, Gibson and BC Rich basses, thy are absolutely horrid.

As for what songs - I'd start with the simple 4 chord tunes like Save Tonight and Wonderwall. These will get you used to playing without freaking you out too much.

A little tip for you left hand - keep your thumb on the back of the neck and your wrist bent, it'll give you a much bigger reach with your fingers, and will save you haveing to move you entire hand to play a new note. Get used to it early because its a ************ trying to break a bad habit.

 

[ma55ter_fett]

Have your tongue operated like Gene Simmons.

 

[AgentNein]

People play instruments and collaborate with other musicians to write meaningful songs because they have a message to share with the world, or they wish to express their feelings with others that would listen, that is the purpose of a band. If you are going to play the bass guitar because you saw Scott Pilgrim because it looked cool and the girl was cute, don't even bother. That's like saying you wanted to play guitar after watching FLCL, because you wanted to fight inter-galactic aliens.
I'm sorry if I sound like an asshole because of this, but 'it looks cool' and 'the girls are hot' are not good reasons to do anything.
I'm a guitarist (one who actually knows music theory), and hearing people say that sort of nonsense makes me sick. And not just me, every other mature musician I know as well.
Listen, if you want to play bass, go ahead and play, but do something with it and show emotional expression and then exceed and never stop practicing. But before that, find an actual reason to pick up the instrument. If you said this to an real musician, he will be laughing at you like I am now, and will never take you seriously.
Good luck on your endeavors .

Speaking as one musician to another musician, you sound like a condescending prick. People get into music for lots of reasons, some good reasons, some not so good reasons. Some of the best musicians out there playing music freely admit to getting into playing for stupid reasons.

No one needs any excuse to attempt music or the arts. If it's just a passing fancy he'll simply be out a couple hundred for a cheap bass and possibly a litter wiser for wear.

 

[Paulie92]

If you're into them, try some Rammstein out, most of them are quite easy to learn. I'd defininatly purchase or pirate Guitar Pro too, brilliant tool for helping to learn bass. As for which bass to pick, I personally prefer a B.C Rich.

I don't know about bass but B.C. Rich guitars are horrible! Zebra by John Butler Trio isn't a bad song to learn on bass. The only real advice I can give is be Lemmy

 

[Outright Villainy]

Its not like, only one form of musician can exist. There is a place for musicians who want to change the world with their songs, there is a place for musicians who want to spend 36k on a uni course and there is a place for musicians who want to play bass in their brothers band to impress girls.

Live and let live and all that. Musicians can be such a judgemental bunch sometimes, eh? Like ripping on guitar hero. I mean, I can't stand guitar hero, it just makes we want to pick up my own guitar, but some people just want some fun!

More people trying out instruments, for whatever reason is a good thing. Maybe they'll find a real passion in it, no harm if they don't.

 

[MiketheBassMan]

I play a Schecter and it's a fantastic bass, one of the best five strings I've ever played and certainly not the most expensive. IMO the best way to start is to get a firm grasp on how to read tabs and then learn a million AC/DC songs until you can play them perfectly. AC/DC's music is very, very easy and repetitive, which is perfect for building up the fundamental skill set that you'll need to play stuff that might interest you more.