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Old Jun 02, 2016, 01:45 AM
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Aposiopesis Aposiopesis is offline
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Hey everyone,

Not sure this is the right place to post this, so if it's not, feel free to shift it or delete it.

Anyway, I just got given a bass guitar. My idea is to learn how to play it, as it's something I've always wanted to do and music always seems to calm me down. Thing is, I have no idea how to play the guitar.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew a good starting place. Maybe some online resources or books to check out. Any help would be appreciated.
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Thanks for this!
IchbinkeinTeufel

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  #2  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 01:50 AM
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LadyShadow LadyShadow is online now
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I don't have any advice to offer but congratulations! Its really nice that you now have a musical instrument. I play the flute and learned how to play well by just playing from the heart, kind of just self-taught.

Online resources or a teacher may be good, but just picking up and playing might be more theraputic for you, I don't know.

For me playing straight from the heart with no guides is what brings me the most joy.

Good luck and happy guitaring!!
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  #3  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 04:17 AM
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ptangptang ptangptang is offline
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I'm not sure it matters how you learn, there are enough free resources online, as long as you have the motivation to practise every day
  #4  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 11:31 AM
barbella barbella is offline
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There must be something on youtube. Maybe your local library would have some resources as well. Hope you find something! I have no musical talent but I really admire people who do. Good luck with this! Please let us know how you do.
  #5  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 11:55 AM
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PsychNitrous PsychNitrous is offline
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There are guides and videos online for learning pretty much anything, so I'm sure you could find something there. You could also buy a book that will teach you how to play, I've seen many for various instruments. There's also "____ for Dummies" books on pretty much any subject now, and I've been told by others who have read them that they are useful!
  #6  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 04:23 PM
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BlueEyedMama BlueEyedMama is offline
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I too am learning the guitar my teacher is my hubby and at times it gets frustrating but it has also been very soothing. It's been a good activity for us to do together. I hope that you have as much fun learning as I have. Good luck!
  #7  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 06:11 PM
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Bi-PolarII2U Bi-PolarII2U is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lis-Ace View Post
Hey everyone,

Not sure this is the right place to post this, so if it's not, feel free to shift it or delete it.

Anyway, I just got given a bass guitar. My idea is to learn how to play it, as it's something I've always wanted to do and music always seems to calm me down. Thing is, I have no idea how to play the guitar.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew a good starting place. Maybe some online resources or books to check out. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Lis-.......taught myself guitar and piano. Best thing a person can do is learn something musical, even if it is singing in the shower.
Plenty of free apps at google play store, there are also companies that supply musicians and usually have a few good starter books.
Slow or smooth jazz has a lot of great bass solos. Also, look up Esperanza Spalding. She is a young bass player that is very popular these days. Probably find here on you tube along with some lessons.

Hope you have a lot of fun and peaceful times with your music
  #8  
Old Jun 02, 2016, 11:26 PM
Row Jimmy Row Jimmy is offline
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Hal Leonard puts out some good guitar books - easy to follow, starts at the beginning, builds up as you go.
  #9  
Old Jun 03, 2016, 06:49 PM
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IchbinkeinTeufel IchbinkeinTeufel is offline
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I'm a guitarist of 13 years myself, but not a bass guitarist. I came here thinking I could totally be of use! Unfortunately not. xD If you decide to take up 6-string, give us a shout, should you have any questions with regards to that; I'll do my best. Good luck whichever path you take!
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  #10  
Old Jun 04, 2016, 03:41 PM
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LucyD LucyD is offline
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Amazon.com has guides to playing the guitar and youtube.com has videos. I recently got a guitar but an acoustic one. Trying to get the motivation to start practicing.
Thanks for this!
IchbinkeinTeufel
  #11  
Old Jun 04, 2016, 08:03 PM
tydygy tydygy is offline
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What are your goals?
Do you want to get some quick confidence and learn some artists' songs to get on that path.
How do you see yourself succeeding with your bass...are you imagining you are at a party or bar playing original music? Do you wanna be like Stu Hamm or Billy Sheehan?
Do you just wanna play songs at home to blow off steam?

Once you got the goal then you build toward getting the skills techniques you need to get there.

For instance if your goal was to play "Pride" by U2 without flaws, your first move might be to Google or YouTube "pride u2 bass tab"...You;ll find a format you like and you can pull the tab.

I've been playing bass and guitar since I was 11yo. I learned in school in jazz band. The music teachers taught me "Mary Had A Little Lamb" but I wanted to play "Rock You Like A Hurricane". My friends took lessons at a local store and got good at rock songs then tab came out in the 80s.

If you want I'll give you tons of advice. I have taught mentally challenged people guitar before as well as regular blokes.

Another piece of advice...don't spend too much money on books, DVDs, and such....there is a bunch of free stuff online and lots of people who like to teach.
  #12  
Old Jun 04, 2016, 10:55 PM
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seesaw seesaw is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lis-Ace View Post
Hey everyone,

Not sure this is the right place to post this, so if it's not, feel free to shift it or delete it.

Anyway, I just got given a bass guitar. My idea is to learn how to play it, as it's something I've always wanted to do and music always seems to calm me down. Thing is, I have no idea how to play the guitar.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew a good starting place. Maybe some online resources or books to check out. Any help would be appreciated.
I think it's really cool that you're learning to play the bass guitar. I've been learning to play the acoustic guitar myself. I need to start practicing again and you've reminded me.

Thanks!

Seesaw
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Primary Dx: C-PTSD and Severe Chronic Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Secondary Dx: Generalized Anxiety Disorder with mild Agoraphobia.

Meds I've tried: Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Remeron, Elavil, Wellbutrin, Risperidone, Abilify, Prazosin, Paxil, Trazadone, Tramadol, Topomax, Xanax, Propranolol, Valium, Visteril, Vraylar, Selinor, Clonopin, Ambien

Treatments I've done: CBT, DBT, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Talk therapy, psychotherapy, exercise, diet, sleeping more, sleeping less...
Thanks for this!
LucyD
  #13  
Old Jun 13, 2016, 11:43 AM
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ptangptang ptangptang is offline
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There is a course starting on coursera on June 20 called 'introduction to the guitar'. I have just signed up to it. Google 'coursera' and scroll down the courses and you will find it. Don't get put off when they mention money. You only pay if you want a certificate at the end. Gets good reviews.
  #14  
Old Jun 14, 2016, 03:09 AM
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Burnt_Out Burnt_Out is offline
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Location: Trying to move out of AZ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lis-Ace View Post
Hey everyone,

Not sure this is the right place to post this, so if it's not, feel free to shift it or delete it.

Anyway, I just got given a bass guitar. My idea is to learn how to play it, as it's something I've always wanted to do and music always seems to calm me down. Thing is, I have no idea how to play the guitar.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew a good starting place. Maybe some online resources or books to check out. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Lis! As a longtime musician who started on the guitar (I also play bass, sing, program synths & beats, and produce/mix/engineer), here's my two cents:

1. Buy a decent modeler that you can plug straight into, and plug out to an amp, some speakers, or headphones. An old Line 6 bass POD XT should have a good bit of flexibility and can be had cheap off Ebay or whatever, which will also have a tuner in it which will be a must. What engaged me in playing the guitar initially was having the sound I wanted to hear from the guitar go into my ears.

2. Put some fresh strings on that thing (or have your local shop do it, and have them check the setup). Bass strings last a good while, but if it's a hand-me-down, they're probably dead. Wipe them down when you're done playing to keep 'em fresh as long as possible.

3. Think about what players and style(s) you like and do some research on their respective playing styles & gear so you can experiment with sounds that might fit your vibe. If you like the sound of a pick, go with that. If your favorite sound is fingerstyle, look up and learn the technique for that. With YouTube and the internet in general, you don't need much. Same goes with dialing in sounds. Funky clean slappy sound? Big grindy sound? Dark jazzy sound? What resonates with you? Bass is a bit more flexible and easier to switch up than guitar.

4. Get a book or print off with a map of the notes on the fingerboard. Study it a bit. Play around with learning some theory when you're feeling it. Learn some of your favorite songs when you're feeling that. Honestly: Technique, calluses, and finger strength are going to be your first hurdles. Just pick something that you can do at first, and work your way up. It'll be an exercise in dexterity for a while, then you can really work in the intellectual and creative sides of music making.

If you have any questions, let me know. I'll be glad to help.
  #15  
Old Jun 14, 2016, 05:09 PM
guilloche guilloche is offline
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I don't play guitar, but I do take piano lessons... if you can swing lessons, it's a great way to get some social time during the week. My piano teacher has done more for my mental health than any therapist I've ever seen (but I may have gotten lucky with finding him)!

Otherwise, yup, check youtube and look online for free resources. The course that ptangptang posted looks good, and the advice to figure out your goals and work from there is excellent. Do you have a favorite song that you want to start with? Do you have any background with music?

Good luck, and have fun!
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