About Bass Learner
Welcome to Basslearner.com, my corner of the internet dedicated to those interested in learning to play the bass guitar. Here, I hope to be a valuable resource for all things related to the sweet, resonant depths of the bass guitar. My mission is to help you find that perfect low-end sound to make your music reverberate with unmatched depth and resonance.
Bass Learner was born from my deep passion for the unique tone, versatility, and richness that only a bass guitar can provide. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned musician looking to enhance your knowledge or collection, my site has something for everyone.
In crafting Basslearner.com, I sought to provide expertly curated information, resources, reviews, and guides about bass guitars and related gear. The world of bass guitars can be intimidating, with countless options, and I’m here to simplify the process, hopefully.
Beyond the resources, I also strive to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of bass enthusiasts. Whether you want to share your experiences, ask questions, or offer advice, my platform is the perfect place to connect.
My Bass Playing Journey
I picked up my first bass at age 20, in 1974. I had come across a used bass with two strings. It was a Kay brand. I didn’t have an amp, so I used it as an “air guitar” as I jammed to my favorite songs for a couple of months and pondered getting serious about it.
Shortly after that, I was lying in bed late one night, listening to my music on headphones. I turned off the music and tried to get back to sleep. When I couldn’t sleep, I picked up the bass, and as I lay there, the head of the bass touched the wall behind my head.
The room walls had wood paneling right to the studs and no sheetrock. Instantly, I could hear and feel the vibration. I had found a natural amplifier! That was the magic moment when I decided to start learning. I was hooked. I got some strings and a rinky-dink amp and was on my way! (to be a rock star, OF COURSE!)
Like learning any new technical skill, my progress had its ups and downs, mostly downs. It seemed so foreign, and I quickly realized that as cool as the sound was, it’d be MUCH more challenging than I had ever thought.
Trying to tune the darn thing drove me much crazier than I already was. I would mess with it for hours just trying to tune it. Nothing was easy about it. I had been told to get a tuner, but something in me wanted to learn without one.
Getting those fingers strong and stretched enough was a challenge all by itself. And, with a complete lack of knowledge about the instrument, it was clear that perseverance would be the only thing that’d keep my stubborn ass trying.
Noting Your Strengths
I had good natural timing, but that was about all. I also had two much younger brothers learning guitar and drums, and I could see that I was no more advanced than them.
It’s imperative to hang in there until you cross a line where you get a jolt of motivation. Usually, it’s when you manage that first riff or song you only dreamed of playing. I needed to believe I could do it, and it came when I first put together something pleasing to the ear, which is the definition of music.
Learning to play by ear was my chosen path, partly because I found formal learning too much like school, and it seemed like it would take forever that way. Another was because my grandmother learned the piano by ear, and I thought it might not be that hard if I genuinely tried.
Looking back, I’d say taking some lessons at least to understand the basics would have been MUCH quicker. I needed to realize I was no prodigy and not a genius. However, I was very stubborn and kept at it to the best of my ability.
Today, there is tons of easy-to-access information about anything! A great FREE resource for video instructions for learning the bass can be found at “Study Bass.”
Early on, I kept my progress low-key until I thought I was good enough to join a local band needing a bass player. The band was named “Nirvana,” not that one — OF COURSE:), but perhaps one of the first thousand or so throughout America.
So, there we were, just another garage band playing some of our favorite bands’ hits on the road to playing live gigs. I wish I could say it was exhilarating and sounded fantastic right off the bat, but you might only see that in a movie.
With drugs and alcohol impeding my progress and my lack of experience, it was primarily frustrating. I was never happy with the results, especially when listening to the recordings.
There, of course, was only one reason for this: it just wasn’t good! And there was only one antidote for this: practice, practice, and more practice, and do it SOBER!
Turning The Corner
“Partying,” as it were, had to stop while practicing or playing gigs. I would not recommend it to anyone serious about becoming a musician, especially anyone wanting to become a serious musician. Either way, a clear head is will undoubtedly be a HUGE advantage.
Once I got my head situated on my shoulders correctly, some years later, I took a long hiatus from playing. I had to learn how to disassociate playing music from drinking and using drugs to do it.
Drugs and alcohol have derailed many talented musicians’ dreams, me being but one. If you’re an aspiring bass player or want to learn how to play any instrument, learn how without using mind-altering chemicals. I promise you’ll get there much faster. There’ll be plenty of time afterward to celebrate your successes.
Guitar Of Choice
So, whether you’re an aspiring bassist or a crafty veteran, I hope you’ll find something helpful that helps promote your journey. Join me in celebrating the influential art of bass playing!
The Fender Squire Jazz Bass is my number-one recommended guitar for learning. The construction and versatility of this instrument is all you need. I was amazed that it is as good as it is, honestly!
Below is my attempt to play YYZ by my favorite band “Rush” and bassist Geddy Lee in 2015. I recorded this with my cell phone only days after purchasing this Jazz bass (in video) from Zzounds. It was the Mexican-made version, and although not reported to be as good as the Japanese or the American-made versions, I thought it played just fine.
I then took out the bass track from the recording on “Songster” and gave it my best shot 🙂 As you might imagine, I’m no Geddy Lee, but isn’t it all about the fun of playing the instrument, regardless? Well, not entirely!
When I play, all I hear are the mistakes and inconsistencies. It’s the consensus that most artists hear the same thing. The fun is in the quest for perfection; It’s the journey. We all know there is no such thing as perfection, and there is always room for improvement.
So, let the instrument humble you; it certainly did me, and make it fun as long as you live!
– Bob Truesdale
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