I have not looked at the hundreds of posts in this thread… perhaps my question has already been addressed???
Apologies- long post.
The subject of my my post could be me asking how well traditional guitarists translated to bass… hear me out:
This is my first “real” post on this website other than my intro a few weeks ago (and hanging out in the lounge a bit.) I self- describe myself as the “ultimate noob” with respect and attitude toward the bass guitar despite a familiarity with 6 & 12 string acoustic guitars. I am willing to admit my bass ignorance and inabilities.
Have had the bass for about a month and I am still in what I would call the “getting familiar with this thing” stage. I even went as far as following the tutorial on setting it up! I think I got it right, but am still getting used to it.
Bass: It is a bit frustrating, confusing, tedious… not sure of the right words… I am trying to describe that it is a bit disappointing for me. And I think it might be my physical positioning.
Question below but with respect to my musical ability: I used to play 6 & 12 string for my own enjoyment (or amusement?) I have not picked up those in perhaps close to 10 years. It was around the time that I bought a fixer-upper house, thus my attentions were elsewhere. I still have all my fingers despite all the sawing and nailing…LOL. Even back then, I was only an advanced beginner bordering on “intermediate-ish.”
Ago and with practice and determination, using tabs, I could play While My Guitar Gently Weeps (chords only) similar to THIS VERSION. I could also play close to this version of Dust in the Wind.. My abilities were really only the chord finger patterns and rhythms of the songs- no “lead” or single fingering note sounds. Dust was mostly chord changes only a different picking style gave it its depth and character. There were no single notes in my interpretations. BTW- if to gauge my abilities compared to those I posted above, I would consider myself, at my prime, as a 7 on a scale if those videos posted are a 10.
Fast forward to today. Any translations of any past music aptitude are not transferring well to the bass.
The biggest thing I notice is I am not doing well with playing single finger notes on the bass fretboard.
My mind can still see chords and If I were to restring my old acoustics, I feel that with some dedication I could be at or near my previous abilities in a few weeks time. I am not suggesting that I try playing bass chords today… only providing more context. Even if I wanted to do chords, I do not have the finger strength. With respect to “typical” single note playing, I do not have the dexterity yet to cleanly place the individual digits on the bass.
Concern number two: My plucking hand has that almost 90-degree wrist-angle with respect my forearm as it rests over the guitar body. It is not painful but sure feels very awkward. If I try to raise my arm to a more upright position I feel like a bird with a dislocated shoulder because it sticks up quite uncomfortably. It does not get numb but gets tired quickly. I am having an awkward time doing the index-middle finger alternating method along with arm/ hand positioning.
In order to try and “feel” a more comfortable plucking position, I have lengthening my strap using an old belt. I am trying to experiment by standing up with the longer strap to place my plucking hand almost straight down at the strings. I sorta’ recall an image meme here describing different bass playing positions (can’t find it.)
I feel as if I cannot walk and chew bass gum at the same time especially being somewhat proficient on the guitar.
I am avoiding picking up the bass. I am sorta’ intimidated by it.
- anyone having issues with bass as a beginner that has not taken the course would benefit greatly by doing it. It was the best money I have spent in music in the last 40 years.
