Beginner Bass Lesson with Josh from Bass Buzz

Introduction

• Seven steps to transform from a newbie to playing your first song.
• Steps include playing position, gear essentials, plucking, fretting, groove, and common beginner mistakes.

Setting Up Your Gear

• Plugging into an Amp:
  • Use a cable to connect your bass to an amp.
  • Practice amplified to hear yourself as others do.
• Using Knobs:
  • Bass Knobs:
    • Control volume and tone.
    • P Bass: Two knobs (volume and tone).
    • J Bass: Two volume knobs (one for each pickup) and one tone knob.
    • Active Bass: Requires batteries, unplug when not in use to save battery.
  • Amp Knobs:
    • Set everything except volume to 12 o'clock as a starting point.

Playing Position and Posture

• Seating:
  • Hips level with or above knees.
  • Use a seat without arms.
• Bass Position:
  • Rest bass over the right leg or left leg.
  • Use a strap for stability whether sitting or standing.
• Neck Angle:
  • Best angled up a bit for most playing.
• Push Headstock Away:
  • For better access to the neck.

Tuning

• Why Tune:
  • Ensures you match with songs and other instruments.
• Ways to Tune:
  • Use a tuner (clip-on, plug-in, pedal, or app).
• String Names:
  • E, A, D, G (mnemonic: Eat And Drink Grapes).

Plucking

• Tips for Plucking:
  • Rest or anchor thumb for consistent string location.
  • Use index and middle fingers alternately.
  • Pull across strings for a solid sound.
  • Practice plucking on one string initially.

Muting for Funk

• Muting Between Plucks:
  • Use other hand fingers to mute or plucking fingers.
  • Muting adds space for a funkier sound.

Fretting

• Fretting Tips:
  • Relaxed hand position, thumb off the side.
  • Press towards the end of the fret for clear notes.
• Practice:
  • Use pinky for the 7th fret, index for the 5th.

Groove

• Feeling the Pulse:
  • Essential to groove with the band.
• Rhythms:
  • Whole notes, half notes, quarter notes.

Playing a Song

• Example: High and Dry by Radiohead.
• Notes:
  • E string: 2nd fret, 5th fret, open string.

Conclusion

• Congratulations on learning your first real song.
• Explore more songs or beginner riffs to continue learning.
• Check out more beginner lessons from Bass Buzz on YouTube.