[Sharkmind]

I really want to learn to play the bass guitar and am going to buy one. I'm really more concern about the learning part. Has anyone successfully taught themselves the bass guitar whether through learning online or asking people around? Do give me tips and/or sites that can help in learning.

[Doppelbock]

I've learned on my own. This was pre-internet so I can't help much with sites, etc. You could probably google for all kinds of stuff. Bass tablature for just about any song in the world is one google search away.

Some advice:
- Practice finger exercises on the bass. A lot. It will improve your finger strength. Even though it is boring.
- Do not avoid using your pinky to hold notes (just do exercises to make it stronger).
- Do not use a pick -- use your index and second fingers (your ring finger too, but primarily index and second) -- NEVER your thumb - to pluck the strings.

[antistu]

I began learning bass on my own also. It would be best to pick up a basic book and/or DVD. It would be very wise to learn to read music as it will stay with you forever. However, most (including myself) will get anxious and skip to tabs quickly.

Depending on what you want to play, I found learning various blues tabs was the secret to playing almost anything. Especially with music genres like punk, country, and metal it’s almost all blues variations.

Good luck!

[BuShinJu]

I taught myself bass.

I was in a lounge room band at the time. The guitarist had all the parts worked out already, but I learnt a heap of other stuff from this book. I'll have a look for it tonight.

When I started practicing consistantly for 1/2 an hour at least each night my improvement was noticable. Very noticable. Then I went on to learn a bit of electronic synth......ow! Nothing like some bass lines while you are accompanied by your pre-programmed synthesizer.......Sub end dissonance!

Bass is cool. Good move.

[Firebrand]

I learned guitar on my own via
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. That, and a bunch of tab were 90% of the equation.

Though, it would be good after playing for a few months consistently to go see a good instructor and have them go through your technique with a fine-tooth comb. A good instructor can help you sort out all sorts of bad habits you picked up and correct them, for your application later.

I did this, and then went to a guy who came in 1st place in guitar contests at Guitar Center and played metal. Someone who actually plays the style you want is important. A blues guitarist would not have helped me as much. I took 6 lessons with him, corrected my technique, and went back to application on my own.

This strategy worked for me and my friend. I'm able to play what I want like
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(fast). The only thing stopping me from being better is drive, time, and effort. I just have other priorities at the moment.

I recommend spending time doing
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to build up speed and accuracy (the 1 2 3 4 on that page refers to your Index, Middle, Ring, and Pinky respectively). In fact, just play
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and grab some tab for your favorite band and start playing it slowly and perfectly. Gradually speed it up. Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

[Sharkmind]

Cool! Thanks for sharing!