Bass Lessons
Bass guitar is often the part of the music that you didn't know you'd miss but when it's not there, you definitely know it...and feel it.
Learning the bass is as much about learning technique and music theory as it is about understanding the role the bass guitar plays in various styles of music. It's difficult to imagine any funk song without the pumping bass-line beneath it all. People often ask if the bass is more difficult to learn than the guitar; the truth is whatever you practice and spend the most time working on will be easiest for you.
Bass lessons can also be very focused on learning specific classic bass-lines and songs. Songs like Day Tripper by The Beatles, Money by Pink Floyd, and The Joker by Steve Miller are all great songs (and bass parts) to start playing and having fun. The debate of the right hand will also surely come into lessons. Many bassists swear by plucking the strings with their fingers while some prefer to use a pick (like the guitar), we'll help you figure out which way works for you- and in all honesty, both methods work in different scenarios. There are many classic bass-lines that wouldn't be the same if they involved no pick at all.
The bass player is the foundation of the band in so many styles of music. We'll show you how to hold down your part with impeccable rhythm so you can play with confidence.
Bass Guitar Basics
There are two main types of bass guitar, the upright bass (a.k.a. double bass) and the electric bass. The upright bass typically is heard in classical or jazz setting and can be bowed or plucked (using your finger), similarly to a violin or cello. The electric bass is heard in most modern music from pop to rock to indie and sometimes jazz as well. It is closely related to the electric guitar. Switching between electric and upright can feel like two completely different instruments. However, both instruments have 4 strings and are tuned to the notes E - A - D - G (from low to high). Electric basses tend to be significantly less expensive - uprights can cost anywhere from $500-$10,000 while electric basses are generally $50-$1,500. A good beginner electric bass should be less than $200.
Just Starting Out?
Since electric basses are so much cheaper, here’s the equipment you’ll need to start learning electric bass.
- a bass guitar
- a 1/4” guitar cable
- a practice amp
- a tuner (there are plenty of smartphone apps that can accomplish this)
- a manuscript book or blank notebook to keep track of lessons and goals.
If you are interested in learning upright bass, you can simply replace the first 3 bullet points on this list with “an upright bass”.
If you aren’t sure about your options, please contact us to help!
