The bass guitar (often bass for short) is not a hard instrument to start with, but also not an easy instrument to play well. There are various reasons for this, for example: the bass is a big instrument – it is similar to the guitar in many ways, but it is also larger and heavier. The neck is often wider and thicker and a bigger hand is needed to be able to grip it. The strings are also thicker, which means the player needs quite strong hands to press the strings down on the fretboard. The soonest bass students usually start is in their early teens.

Developing a good bass technique is important, because many factors influence the tone and sound. For example, you can choose between playing the bass with your fingers or with a pick. After you play one note, it is necessary to mute the other strings so you hear only the string and/or note you plucked and not other, unwanted open strings or unwelcome harmonics.

All these factors are important, because they help to produce a clear, good tone. As with most instruments, the start can be hard, but developing a relaxed technique can quickly make this endeavor more fun. A bass teacher can lead the student through various exercises to support the development of a sound foundation.

Bass Guitar Lessons

Good bass instructors can help the student to develop a good technique right from the start, which will save (some) mistakes and time and also lead the student towards interesting and exciting music examples. The bass is an instrument, which especially shines in a band environment – in fact, many students tell me their goal is playing bass in a band. Because of its’ role, which is usually more in the background as part of the rhythm section, the bass can be overlooked more easily by the listener, but it is one of the most important pieces of the sound of a song. Just listen to a classic like Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” or a newer song like “Sour Girl” (Stone Temple Pilots) and imagine them without those important grooves, counter melodies and drive.

Choosing the right Bass Equipment is an area where an experienced bass teacher can help. Many bass students want to perform with a band, or back-up a solo artists. In those settings, the relationship with the drummer is important and drums are quite loud! Acoustic bass guitars are not loud enough in most instances to compete with the drums and other instruments, so the student will have to purchase a bass guitar, a cable and a bass amp. The choice can be quite overwhelming – guidance can be helpful.

Bass Lessons in Los Angeles

Private, in-home bass lessons provide a great way to learn the bass, especially because the bass is an instrument, which needs accuracy and control. Studying and practicing in a more quiet environment as opposed to a, sometimes, more noisy music school can help to give the student more confidence in developing a solid foundation before taking the bass and the amplifier to a more loud “band’ environment.