How to Play Upright Bass Bluegrass Style
Bluegrass isn't the most difficult style of music to play on the upright bass, but one thing is certain--it's fast. If you're not used to playing it, let alone listening to it, you might have a harder time than someone who has grown up listening to it. But don't fret; with the right practice habits and dedication, you'll be playing in no time. Some of the best upright bass players in bluegrass are the ones that write simple and tasteful parts. Get the basics down, join a band and bask in the true joy that is bluegrass music.
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Instructions
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Learn how to hold the bass. For right-handed players, hold the bass upright (hence the name of the instrument), with the neck and strings to the left of your head and the body of the instrument in front of you on the ground. Pluck the strings with your right hand and finger the notes with your left hand.
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Memorize the notes on the bass. Because an upright bass doesn't have frets, it's more difficult to get the hang of which parts of the neck make which sounds. The best way to get better at playing the right notes at the right time is practice. Playing scales is a great way to learn the notes.
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Play along with the classics. According to the Mandolin Cafe website, there's no better way to learn than playing along with recordings, because it improves your timing and hand movement and forces you to listen.
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Play with other bluegrass players. Find a mandolin and guitar player that are at about the same level as you (or better) and practice playing as a band. You may not be any good at first, but you will improve if you continue playing with others. Play with as many people as possible, and do it frequently, too.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy a practice book to get you started. It will tell you valuable things about technique that playing along with recordings won't tell you. There is a time and a place for a learning book, and your beginner days is it.
