Learning the Bass guitar, one string at a time

[JTRocks]

So i was thinking about trying learn how to play bass. Ive played before, I can keep a decent beat, but nothing to actually play in a band just jamming with friends. Ive been paying the drums for about 8 years and if I could become as good on bass as I am the drums I would be more than satisfied.

So i was thinking of the best and most efficient way to teach myself and i thought, "What if I learned one string at a time" Like if the first month or so, I only have 1 of the strings on. It would help me learn and memorize the notes a lot better, and then I just add the next string once i feel like ive perfected the string im currently on.

Im kinda drunk right now, so if this sounds like a ridiculous idea, just let me know

[thebridge15]

hahaha ive actually NEVER heard of doing that

i play guitar and can manage bass pretty well imo. i kinda just do it naturally

[bradshaw06]

wouldnt that kinda mess up the neck?

[jammasterjustin]

thats a bad idea... just learn it all at the same time

[unccrombie]

yeah, don't do that. keep the strings on and play 1 string at a time if you really want to do it that way. you'll ruin your bass otherwise

[JTRocks]

yeah i'll probly go with all your advice.

I'm just curious tho, how does having one string ruin the bass?

[bradshaw06]

it messes up the neck. if you only have one string you have less tension on it, then adding more strings increases it and the bass wont be used to it and could bend.

[Voittaa]

Probably a bad idea. I think you'd learn much faster and better with all strings at once imo.

[Arby]

wouldnt that kinda mess up the neck?


Yes, I believe it would. Thats probably not good for the neck at all. Definitely keep all the strings on it.

[whiteysax]

Don't do just one string at a time... you won't learn proper technique, although you'd probably be able to invent your own technique that might work for you... but pick up an instructional book on bass and just spend time on each exercise until you can do it well and from memory.

[unccrombie]

it messes up the neck. if you only have one string you have less tension on it, then adding more strings increases it and the bass wont be used to it and could bend.
yup. if it's just for restringing that's ok but not for prolonged periods

[Kyvek]

Just make sure you combine this theory approach (learning all the notes) with a lot of practice in actually playing the instrument. You need good technique in switching strings, etc. I like your style tho haha

[wisky84]

When I first played a guitar, I would "play along" to D&T Storytellers just playing the 6th String up and down up and down etc. till I found out about "tabs" from there it was on. SO i learned get the feel for the guitar and the ever so important 6th string by just messing with the low-E string. I would check out tabs too, its how I learned to play guitar and Dave Matthews music.

I don't know much about music theory and arrangements etc. but playing for 8 years you learn a thing or two.

[VanHorneDog]

keep the strings on but use some masking tape to cover the strings you dont want to play.

i actually think this wouldnt be the worst idea. if more players actually learned how to play with one string they would be better off.

[DerekDenman]

Learn your scales both horizontally and vertically over the fret board.

Here is the C major

G|-----------------------------5--7--9--------------------
D|--------------------5--7--9-----------------------------
A|-----------5--7--8--------------------------------------
E|--5--7--8-----------------------------------------------


C Minor Blues

G|----------------------8--10--11--
D|---------------8--10-------------
A|---------8--9--------------------
E|--8--11--------------------------