This blog entry is anintroductory guide with tips for those interested to learn bass guitar. So here we go:
Tip #1: Seating Position
Before you start playing, seat in a comfortable position. Keep your feet on the floor and your bass guitar close to your body. If you have a strap, put it on and find the most comfortable position before starting your lesson.
Tip #2: Bass Guitar Playing Styles
There are two styles of playing:
- Using a pick
- With the fingers
One style is no better than the other. There are many brilliant players who use both or either style. Our bass teachers are proficient in both styles.
Tip #3: Using the Pick
Hold the pick between the thumb and index finger and keep the rest of your hand relaxed. The fingers not holding the pick can rest on the bass for extra support.
Tip #4: Using the fingers
Only the index (i) and middle (m) fingers are used when playing with the fingers.
When playing notes, alternate the “i” and “m” fingers using the rest stroke technique. This involves the finger playing a string and then resting on the next string. The thumb rests on or near the fourth string. Our teachers will ensure that you have got this technique correct from the beginning of your lessons.
Tip #5: Left Hand Notation
The fingers on the left hand are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. The index finger is finger 1, the middle finger is finger 2, the ring finger is finger 3 and the little finger is finger 4. Keep your left hand relaxed.
Some important points to consider on the left hand that our bass guitar teachers will make sure you are doing correctly are:
- Arch your fingers when playing notes so that you are able to reach all the strings with ease
- Place your thumb behind the neck
- Avoid letting the palm of your hand touch the back of the neck
Tip #6: Practice
This one is a must! If you really want to become a good player, you have to practice daily. It is important that you develop a good practice schedule and habits. If you do so you will progress very quickly on your instrument.
Good luck and have fun!