How to Play Bass Guitar for Newbie Lesson 1 : Basic Techniques

Lesson 1: Basic Techniques

Now that we've learned the basic parts of the bass guitar, we are ready to start learning some of the basic techniques that you will need to know in order to start playing. Again, if you know how to play guitar, then some of this you will already know. For everyone else, here we go :

Holding Your Bass

People can develop bad positioning habits when learning how to hold a bass guitar that can make it harder for them to learn to play (as well as causing long term back and shoulder problems).

Here are some tips for how to hold your bass guitar:

1. Whether you're standing up or sitting down, always use a guitar strap. This will allow your back and shoulders to carry the weight of the guitar so that your hands are free to move up and down the fretboard.
2. Adjust your strap so that the bass falls at a comfortable level across your chest. In general, your bass should be at about the same level as your belly button.
3. Pay attention to your posture. Keep your back as straight as possible and try not to slouch or bend over when playing.
4. If you are sitting, the seat height should allow for your feet to be flat on the ground. Adding a foot rest is even better.
5. If you are right-handed, then the headstock should be to the left (opposite for left-handers). Take a look at the strings on the guitar. If you are holding it correctly, the thickest string (E) should be closest to your chest, while the thinnest (G) string should be closest to your feet.
6. Take your fretting hand (left for right-handers and right for left-handers) and grip the neck of your bass gently. Your thumb should be resting behind the neck of the guitar, supporting your hand while your other fingers float above the strings, ready for action.

Fretting

The term "Fretting" refers to the action that your fingers make as they hold down different strings on the fretboard in order to play notes. With your thumb behind the neck and your fingers poised above the fretboard, you are ready to start fretting different notes on the neck. While we won't get into the specific notes that you are playing just yet, this is a good time for you to experiment with how it feels to hold down each of the strings. Here are some tips for fretting.

1. Make sure that the fingernails on your fretting hand are trim. Long fingernails can get in the way of you holding down each string completely.
2. When trying to play a note, make sure that you press down on the string in between frets rather than on them directly. This will produce the true sound of the note.
3. Instead of holding down the string with the tip of your finger, try using the larger finger pad right below. This will make it easier for you to hold the string down firmly.
4. Holding down the large bass strings may be difficult (or even painful) at first, and may even start to give you blisters. Don't worry. This is completely natural. After a while, your fingers will become stronger and develop calluses (thicker skin), making the fretting process much easier.
5. Practice fretting strings with each of your fingers. While it may be tempting to do everything with your index finger, the rest of your fingers need strengthening as well.

Plucking

The term "plucking" is often used to describe the action of the fingers on your other hand as they "pluck" each string in order to create a sound. While some bassist may use a pick to play the strings, the most common form of bass playing is done with the fingers directly. While there are certainly much more advanced plucking techniques to be learned in the future, here is a basic description of how to start plucking the bass strings.

1. Hold you plucking hand limply over the strings with your palm towards the instrument.
2. Place your thumb on the side of the Pickup that is closest to the neck. Your thumb will work as an anchor while your other fingers pluck the strings.
3. Take your index finger and let it roll over the top of the E string, pulling it slightly towards you as you let go of the string. Repeat this a few times until your plucking motion is smooth and the note rings out true.
4. Repeat this exercise using your middle finger to pluck the A string. While you can use any of your fingers (except your thumb) to pluck the strings, you will primarily be using your index and middle fingers for this purpose.
5. Try alternating between using your index finger to pluck the E string and your middle finger to pluck the A string. Don't try to go too fast. Just try to make it sound as clean as possible.