How To Get Started With Bass Guitar

Want to play the bass? This is a great idea on your part! Of course, the bass isn't quite as widely played as the 6-string, it is just as much fun to play, if not more. The bass player forms a bridge between the rhythm section and the rest of the band. Without a bass player, bands tend to sound thin, so your job is certainly important.

So, how do you get started playing the bass guitar? First, you'll need a bass. The most popular style of bass are the Fender bass guitars. Fender makes two main types of basses, the J-Bass and the P-Bass. These each sound quite different, but that is beyond the scope of this article. Give them a listen first. There are also fancier types of basses out there, such as fretless bass guitars, but let's not worry about those right now.

You will also need a bass amplifier. These amplifiers make it possible to hear what you are playing. When you're first starting out, you'll want what is known as a practice amp, which is a small amp designed to be used at low volumes. They are, however, too quiet to be heard over a drum kit, so you'll need a larger amp once you start performing.

Once you have your gear, you're going to want to get some lessons. Taking lessons as a beginning player will really help get you on the right track, and help get good habits locked in early on. A good teacher will help you with all parts of your playing, from technique to tone. Lessons may seem pricy, but they are worth it.

So, I hope this gives you a quick idea about what it takes to learn to play the bass guitar.  Getting better takes time, but its all worth it in the end. It's not an easy instrument, but once you become proficient, it is very rewarding to play.