The bass guitar is the secret dream of almost all teenagers who listen to rock music, and many adults who want to learn to play this instrument, like their idols, and sometimes their friends. If you also want to learn how to play the bass guitar, first of all you will need the guitar itself and the amplifier for it. Some musicians argue that playing bass is much easier than playing a regular guitar, some do not share this opinion.
Instructions
Step 1
First, learn how to hold the instrument correctly.
There are three positions for the instrument. The first is when the guitar is at chest level. It is used, as a rule, by jazz performers, slap performers and those with six strings on the guitar. This position provides a good range of motion for the hand.
Step 2
The second position is when the guitar is at waist level. In this position, it is much more convenient to play with a pick.
Step 3
The third position is when the guitar is at knee level. The main advantage of this option is its stylish appearance, but in this position you can only play with a slap.
Step 4
Choose the way you want to extract the sound. There are also several of them:
- With the pads of your fingers - the sound will be soft with this kind of play. Basically, this way of playing is used by blues and jazz performers. If you decide to play this way, then cut your nails short, otherwise your nails will catch on the strings and create unnecessary noise effects.
Step 5
- A pick is a very common way of playing. The sound when playing with a pick will be clear and bright. Basically bass players use this method.
Step 6
- Slap - this type of playing assumes a clear rhythm and is characteristic mainly of funky performers, but more and more often it has recently been used in other genres as well.
Step 7
- Tapping is a new style of play. You can learn it by watching some tutorial videos, but keep in mind that to play this style you will need a good guitar with a very high quality amp.
Step 8
Now start mastering your chosen technique.
If you decide to play with your fingers, then know that this method, in turn, also has three ways of playing. In the first method, you do not rest your hand on the deck. The method is quite complicated, but it provides ease and freedom when playing.
Step 9
In the second method, the edge of the palms rests either on the deck, or on the bridge, or on the strings. This method is more convenient, however, with it you will not be able to use the pizzicato string jamming technique.
Step 10
In the third method, you lean on the bridge or on the pickup with your thumb.
Step 11
If you are playing with all your fingers, use your thumb only if you are playing a slow song. The easiest way to start is by training your index and middle fingers. You can add others if you want. When playing with a pick, rest your wrist on the soundboard - it will be much more comfortable.
Step 12
When playing with the slap style, you should hit the string hard with your thumb, and the string should hit the neck. Watch the pros do it.
Step 13
If you have chosen the tapping style for the game, then you will need the fingers of both hands. When you play this way, you will need to strike the string with your finger in order to extract the sound.
