Beginner's Guide To Bass Guitar

OK. So, you just bought your new bass guitar, and have no idea how to use it or where to start! Well, in the User Education guide made by me, I will show you some of the very simple basics of the bass guitar. Hopefully after reading this guide; you'll know most of the basic aspects of the bass guitar!

How do I pick up my bass guitar?

This is the most efficient way to hold your bass guitar is like so: [I apologize for my terrible pictures, they only way I can do it is with webcam and prt scrn]


As you can see, the wrist is rested on the top and my leg is the groove of the bass (some may not have that!). Using this position, I can access all strings with ease and convience. This way does not involve a pick.


What are the strings of the bass?
There are four strings on the standard bass guitar. They are:E, D, A, G
here is a half-assed chart made by yours truely to make it more understandable. Note the thickness of each string.



Great, great, great. Now when do I start to play?!
Well, you aren't going to start off right away as Flea; you need to know how to Read Tabs. Do not worry, it is actually quite simple! Let us start with something very easy.
E|-----------------------------|
A|-----------------------------|
D|---5-5----5-5----5-5----8-5-|
G|-3------3------3------3------|

You are obviously confused. This is just like algebra, all you need is some explaining, and then you'll get it and be able to do others.

Look at the neck of your bass. See the spaces in between the metal things attached to the neck? Those are called Frets. For the first number that comes first(the '3') is the third fret. If you are a little confused, here's a pic.=|



[note that the bottom line on the tabs, is the top string; notes are read backwards!]


You just did your first note, sweet! But, now it is time for the second note.

Notice there is a dash in between the two notes. You may disregard that, but that is very important. Each '-' represents one beat, which is one foot stomp, so when you are playing that funky line, tap your foot in between each note, so you keep the beat of the tab.

The next note would be one string above and two frets to the left; the fifth. It should be all well.


If you have any questions, critisism or concerns, speak now, or forever hold your peace...

 

Basic, yes.
Too basic, definately!

This is one of the most basic guides I've seen in a long while.
Although it does explore the basics into bass.
Instead, why not teach us basic notes?
Instead of just going straight into tabs.

Suggest what amp I may need,
what bass you recommend,
or such.

Other then that I liked the guide,
maybe add some more details into it.
I enjoyed the pictures,
not so much the layout.

Keep it up.

 

Thank you for the suggestions, madhacker. I know it was very impromptu, however it was my first attempt. I will build off from there. However, the tabs are the way I learned and I'm sure is a totally fine way to start. I will add an equipment section.