How to Learn Bass Music

Learning bass music can be a challenging yet rewarding activity.

Playing the bass guitar--whether your style is modern fusion, rock, classic funk, jazz, R&B, or hip-hop--is a challenging process for a new guitarist. The process of learning an instrument never ends, and even experienced, working players practice their fundamentals in order to stay sharp and ready for any challenges. Regardless of skill level, there are a few basic tips and guidelines that will help you be the best, most versatile player possible, no matter what your particular style is.

Things You'll Need

• Bass guitar
• Bass guitar note chart
• Bass guitar scale book (optional)
• Chord theory book
• Finger technique book

Instructions

1. Learn the notes on your bass guitar. Many players find that purchasing a bass guitar note chart that they can look at while they are learning and practicing is hugely beneficial. Without a good working knowledge of all the note positions, it will be hard to advance as a bassist.

2. Study the most commonly used bass guitar scales. Commonly used scales in jazz, R&B, hip-hop, fusion, and funk music include the major scale, minor scale, pentatonic scale, minor pentatonic scale, and the blues scale. Purchasing a book that will show you the different scales in the various positions on the neck of the bass guitar is a good idea, though there are resources available for free online. Still, even experienced players find that a book of scales is useful for reference.

3. Study basic chord theory. While most bass players do not focus on playing chords, understanding the way chords are used to build songs and what notes can be played on the bass with certain chords is a big part of being a competent bass player. This is particularly true if you want to write original music or play in a band that plays original songs.

4. Learn to play with your fingers and a guitar pick. Most bass players are able to do both, as some styles and sounds will require that you use a pick while others call for finger-style playing. It is highly recommended that you purchase a book on bass finger technique. Good books that illustrate proper technique include "Essential Bass Technique" by Peter Murray and "Funk Fusion Bass: The Best Single Source for Mastering the Two-Finger Technique" by Jon Liebman.

5. Practice for at least one hour every day. It is important that you work on your note memorization, scales and picking techniques regularly, as a large part of learning to play the bass well in any style is simply repetition and rote memorization.

Tips & Warnings

• Play with other musicians that play your style of music as much as possible. You don't have to play seriously in a band in order to benefit from working with other musicians. Practicing scales and finger techniques with another bass player is a wonderful way to challenge yourself and stay motivated to progress.

References

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Bass Guitar"; David Hodge; 2006
• "All About Bass: A Fun and Simple Guide to Playing Bass"; Chad Johnson; 2006

Resources

• CyberfretBass: Bass Guitar Note Chart
• Cyberfret: Bass Guitar Scale Primer