ok so i bought a bass guitar a cuple of days ago, so far iv learnt a few punk/rock type songs but i was wonderin if anyone new of any free online lesson sites cos i gotta learn scales and stuff any help appreciated cheers oh and can anyone recommend some good ska bands like madness, specials, desmond dekker, catch 22 etc... cheers peace xXx
For online lessons go to http://www.activebass.com They have a lessons section where people post their personal lessons online and you can learn them. It's split between music genres and skill levels in each genre. Plus, the whole community on there is the shite! For some Ska bass that will actually challenge you try out the Pilfers or the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. And you better not use no got damn pick on that bass! lol
ok, this is what u do go to powertab.bet and dowload teh software and download some lessons or songs it is extremely helpfull( i play guitar but it can be used for bass as well )
Use whatever you want to to play bass. Picking is great for that thick, punchy sound. Fingers are good for the mellow, tumpy sound. Round off with some EQ and voila! Fatty Bass. You should learn with fingers, pick, and slap if you can. It just gives you more options that way. I hate when bass players say you should only play with your fingers. Don't gimp yourself.
I play with my fingers. Cyberfretbass.com is where i used to go, but the best thing to do is to get real lessons from a pro. I had my bass for a year and a half, tried method books, websites, teaching myself with no resources, and i got no where in a whole year and a half. Then i got lessons, I've been going for a month, and im starting to sound pretty impressive.
And if you're into the good old 80's ska, check out General Public and The English Beat. Their bassist is AMAZING. I've learned so much from him as a bass player... And as a sax player I worship the guy they call Saxa! But seriously... if you're looking for a good good bassist who could help you learn look into some General Public. (The entire rest of the band in incredible, too... amazingly tight) His basslines are just so... perfect! They don't overpower the music and they're not *too* far into the background... If you can download some songs onto your computer look into "Foward As One" "In Conversation" (General Public) "Mirror In The Bathroom" "Twist And Crawl" (The English Beat) GOOD LUCK!
