How to play bass guitar

Introduction

How to play bass guitar? If the sound that only a bass guitar makes give you a peace of mind, a rhythm in your heart, and a jump in your rump then it may be that playing the bass guitar is just what you need. However, in order to play the bass guitar, you will first have to take a few steps to learn how to play.

Instructions

Difficulty-Moderately challenging

Things you will need

• Bass guitar
• A basic learning book
• Computer (optional)
• Internet (optional)

Step by step

Step one

The first thing to do is to find the right bass guitar for you. Though, if for some reason you have only the opportunity to play on a standard guitar. Then you can also learn the basic idea of playing a bass guitar, by only playing on the bottom four strings of the standard guitar.

Step two

The next step is to purchase some sheet music or find some online music programs for learning the bass guitar.

Step three

If you cannot read sheet music, it is important to get some sheet music that has the hand positions or fingering on them. This will make it easier and more possible for you to know what the motions are you will be making.

Step four

There are many online videos that you can watch for free that can show you how to hold your hands, read the music, and play the bass guitar. Here is a site you can check out to learn more about this. http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/bass-guitar-progressions-one.htm

Step five

As you learn to play the bass guitar, you will find that your hands will become stronger. There will also be calluses that will build in order to let you play for longer periods of time.

Step six

When you choose the sheet music, it is a good idea to choose the sheet music that you are interested in. The easier music is great to learn from, however, if you choose something you are interested in, you will find that you will want to practice more frequently.

Step seven

Practice the same sheets of music over and over, for a long period of time. This is until you have the ability to play that music very proficiently.

Step eight

Watch the way that other bass players play the guitar. That way you can see their hand movement. The finger changes, and the way they get the sounds that you love to hear.

Step nine

Play with other guitarists and musicians. This will give you an opportunity to mesh your music and feelings in with other players. This also makes it easier to see how others are able to create different sounds and ideas with their instruments.

Step ten

With most of the bass guitars being electric not acoustic you will need to find the right amps, and other accessories to create the right sound from the bass you are working with.

Step eleven

There are plenty of places that you can go to ask questions about the different options and music that is available for working with the bass guitars.

Here are a few sites you can check out.

• http://www.harmony-central.com/Bass/
• http://www.guitarsite.com/chat.htm

Overall tips and warnings

• Practice is the key to any work of art, project, or skill. Therefore, getting in all the practice possible will make you the best at playing the bass guitar for your benefit.
• Have others listen to your work after you have practiced. This way you can get some feedback on your progress.
• Choose to do things that are fun and interesting to you.