As the title implies, I’m 42 and I’ve been playing bass for an age, specifically about 28 years. I’ve been in multiple bands playing Classic Rock, Indie, Pop Punk, Hardcore and others playing originals and covers. Some bands were rigidly set up and rehearsed, some literally jammed for three nights a week and made some songs out of whatever came out. Currently I’m gigging regularly and rehearsing in two bands.
I did music as a degree and have a very solid knowledge of musical theory but at bass, I’m pretty self taught. I worked the technique out myself (big hands make it hard to hold my thumb on the back so I tend to hold it over and cup with my hand.
I’m also looking to learn technique for scales, and some advanced techniques such as sweep arpeggios as well as shapes and multiple octave scales. I am also quite poor at Slap (having never really needed it, I never really learned it properly!) and so I want to do that. I usually play with a pick (given the styles) but have recently decided that I want to redevelop my finger technique and I’m not sure where to start.
I’ve been watching the videos and I love the approach. I don’t want to sound bigheaded but will the course be a little slow? Does any of the course focus on these elements and if not, is there one that does?
For a complete deep dive into scales and patterns that traverse the entire neck, check out Scale Essentials from Talking Bass: Scale Essentials – TalkingBass
It is the most comprehensive and well-structured presentation of scales studies specifically for bass that I have found, bar none.
Scales Essentials teaches you ascending and descending scale line structures (yep, they are different from each other) in two or three octaves, in every key, plus how and where to shift positions, with specific recommended fingerings per line. Very highly recommended.
For bass-specific chord and arpeggio instruction, the Chord Tones Essentials course by Talking Bass is the ticket: Chord Tone Essentials – TalkingBass.
If you got a degree in music, you’ll likely feel right at home with Mark Smith’s teaching style. He is not only a working pro, but also a college music school prof.
If you want to get your finger style chops together, get an introduction to slap, and make sure your bass technique is on point. Beginning to BadAss is pretty great and Josh makes it fun. I think it would be worth it just for that.
However, it is designed to take you from zero on up, with all that entails.
If you don’t think it works for you, Josh offers a money back guarantee.
I’ll just add that I have decades of experience in trumpet and with music in general, but far less experience in bass than you.
Josh’s course is geared toward complete beginners, not just on bass, but with music overall.
From what you’re saying, I think it would be too basic for you. I think you could learn the technique stuff you’re looking for from Josh’s YouTube videos. And I’m sure you’d get a lot out of the courses Eric mentioned (I haven’t taken them, but a number of people on this forum have and speak highly of them).
I’m taking Josh’s course myself right now, and a lot of it’s pretty basic for me, but I knew that going in and wanted to use it to work on fundamentals. I’m getting a lot out of it in that regard, and I’ve learned so much from Josh’s free videos that I don’t mind that I’m not getting as much from it as a total noob would. I feel the cost of the course is a steal for everything I’ve learned from Josh, personally.
Talkingbass also has a Slap Bass course. I’m currently doing Chord Tones and Sight Reading in parallel along with B2B. Marks courses provide a massive amount of study material and are worth every penny. B2B is great for a broad overview of all things learning Bass and assumes you are a beginner. Marks courses are much more a deep dive into specific areas with hours (and hours and hours) of self study required to maximize your return on the investment.
I’ll echo the general sentiments: it’s aimed at total beginners, but is organized and instructed very well. I came in with more music theory and experience than most, much less than someone like you. Much was review for me, but I found it valuable.
B2B will present basic “high school” level music theory, but in a way that will really sink in and click. As opposed to covering university level theory without worrying if it sinks in.
It is also presented in such a way that I do not feel talked down to or babied.
If you’re not sure, I’d say you could try it, and poke around later and see if you think it would be valuable or not. If it isn’t, get a refund and move to something like Talking Bass.
I am looking at the specific Josh Videos on the Youtube Channel and will have a go at the suggested lesson from Talking Bass.
I’ve really been enjoying playing recently. I have an Ibanez SR1400T and a Warwick Corvette. I’ve just had the Ibanez serviced and it is beautiful. Really makes you want to get the most out of it!
Why not just hang out here instead of looking to donate? This forum has members of every player level, from total newbies to intermediates to seasoned pros. Also, there are many students of Mark Smith here, and Mark is also a member of this forum. He chimes in whenever he has a break from his busy schedule.
Personally, I was a Music Theory and Composition major in college and I also played bass years ago. I signed up for B2B specifically to learn fingerstyle bass (I always played with pick before). Josh delivered on that count, big time. And after B2B, I have studied almost every Talking Bass course. I really enjoy Mark’s approach and valuable content. I have a feeling you’ll dig it, too.
So feel free to hang here and share in the fun and community. It’s the best place on the internet.
I haven’t even looked at his classes yet (I’ve seen lots of his videos). But when I do, I already know that’ll be the first one I take based on what you and others on this forum have said about it.