20 Tips I Wish I Knew as a Beginner Bassist (Avoid My Dumb Mistakes)

[@BassBuzz]

If you could share one bass tip with your former self from when you were starting out, what would it be? 🎸 Timestamps for this lesson: 0:00 - Intro 0:18 - Online Tabs Often Suck 1:11 - Listen to Bass 2:04 - Practice 5 Minutes a Day 2:46 - Slow It Down 3:30 - Practice Bitesize 4:03 - Learn the Alphabet + Fretboard 4:33 - Notice Your Progress 5:02 - Record Yourself 5:39 - Gear Barely Matters 6:26 - Get a Setup 7:01 - Wear a Strap 7:08 - Don’t Do This 7:31 - Unplug From the Amp Side 7:49 - Cable Through Strap 8:24 - No Drinks on Amps 8:34 - Learn Full Songs 9:07 - Sleep is Part of Practice 9:58 - Get Guidance 10:31 - Breathe 11:01 - Stop Believing in Talent

[@kenhough9507]

Stop trying to learn only the dang songs you like and learn your fundamentals! Step out of your rock/metal box and listen to all the greats, not just who influenced you.

[@ajadrew]

Get a good teacher!!

[@steveachelis]

Where is the list of 50 songs that was mentioned in the video?

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

Don't sell that first bass just bcuz you bought the second one.

[@stefaneduard8169]

Thanks!

[@llamamilk]

I came here to learn BASS. Instead i learned how to get my life in order and how to learn new skills.. BASS SAVES LIVES

[@djorges]

I agree - some people think that playing bass is just about hitting the notes. There is a lot to learning to play the bass. I like this approach.

[@noideaforthecanalsname1896]

Start by cleaning up your room.

[@-Mydz-]

(BLM) Bass Lives Matters 🔥🎸🔥🔥

[@cursedcliff7562]

@@-Mydz- true

[@240kenny]

🅱️ASS

[@IsaBilal]

Another top tip: Grow a thick skin for when your playing is being "critiqued" by family/partners. Ignore the haters and get good.

[@prestachuck2867]

I agree. Part of the reason why young children learn more quickly than adults is because they usually aren’t afraid to make mistakes. They just plow right through and keep playing.

[@jasminduncanson2520]

Great tip

[@Toby3610]

I’ve just started playing bass and guitar. I’m getting a few lessons. I still suck but I can see I’m get better. It’s not easy learning a totally new skill when your older. My dad doesn’t like my playing. He listens to music but doesn’t know much about it. I can hear the difference between the instruments, tempo, rhythm and melody. I like the fact I can enjoy music more.

[@jasminduncanson2520]

I want to get a bass so I can learn along with guitar. I've already grown a thick skin now I just have to get a bass

[@JSB1729]

@@Toby3610 parents should encourage their children why would he say that?

[@rockkid1412]

"If you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly." -some sacrilegious man

[@kenadiebutler9384]

flight of the bumblebee 👁👄👁

[@rayresetohere2018]

40 hr

[@ianjustus324]

Ling ling? 😂

[@uhulpires]

All the ling lings in the house say aMaZiNg

[@junebuggie9794]

aMAZInG

[@thomasfioriglio]

Josh, I teach AP Psychology and I love how you incorporate psychology into these!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Thomas! I'll try to keep incorporating psychology and not psychosis. :P

[@DisturbedVette]

BassBuzz haha psychosis nice one

[@joshuabrice3800]

Yes. I love the incorporation of what helps you learn in this video. Like tips on sleep and the myth of talent. Well done.

[@craigdaubbeats-rapinstrume9185]

His advice on practicing 5 minutes a day is priceless. It will definitely lead you to playing more. This is applicable to anything you want to get better at, not just playing bass. Just starting alone gets you in the groove. I smoke cigarettes (trying to quit) and I find myself smoking much less the more I get into my music because the thought of needing a cigarette doesn't even come to mind when I'm playing. And I don't smoke in my house so I can't do it while playing. So playing, or making music is a good way to try to cut out bad habits as well.

[@Skoden.Stoddis]

I used to practice 15 minutes a day

[@darko714]

I keep the bass & amp sitting in my living room ready to go. Also have a small Bluetooth-capable PA and a laptop on a stand next to it.

[@jasminduncanson2520]

Way to go

[@jasminduncanson2520]

I practice 30 minutes a day

[@codychickadee5095]

I've heard we don't really lose our habitual behaviour, we just shift our habits. I think shifting to bass is a pretty solid thing. Hope you're still rocking the bass and not the 'butts.

[@kevinmoor26]

I have been playing electric bass since 1969 and have learned a lot from this channel. My tip: practice. Jimi Hendrix and Jaco Pastorius didn't come from other planets with powers and abilities beyond other musicians. They just played all the time.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Jacques, good tip! Yeah, the Jaco we think was some freak genius was the result of gigging every night for years and years, and practice for countless hours.

[@raynic1173]

not totally true, here's a saying for you: Hard practice beats talent every time, except when talent practices hard.

[@stubmandrel]

I thought of Jimi when he mentioned quoting Star Wars - Jimi was always quoting other songs when he played live (especially bits of the Beatles)

[@outlawvolunteer]

Yes they came from other planets. So did Cliff Burton.

[@remley8877]

Totally, my wife was friends with Jacko Pastorius in the 70s and was aware he was pretty good, but she knever herd him play, except once with Dixie Dreggs. I met her in 94. She was just learning bass back then and the first time she walked into my bedroom, she asked for "Why do you have a picture of James on your wall?!". I played his solo album and a weather report album. She then said "Well, I just thought he was another musician, I had no idea. Maybe I should have taken him up on the lessons he offered me.". They aren't superhuman gods, just normal people who practice a lot and spent years gigging 8 hours a night 7 days a week. Do anything long enough and you'll get good at doing it.

[@IslandDave007]

5+ minutes practice a day is the best tip of all time - it really works!

[@vincentdelacroix5428]

69 hours a day.

[@hajimehinata1108]

@@vincentdelacroix5428 ;)

[@commentfreely5443]

1 minute to tuner

[@DorotaGabal]

It really does. It's not too much commitment to make yourself sit down for 5, and it rarely ends just there. However, if you promise yourself a full hour, you'll have reasons to keep putting it off.

[@donovanrooney4077]

The next best has to be breathing. If you take a step back, calm yourself and breath, your focus is readjusted and I've found learning comes easier.

[@573ronnie]

It’s funny you would mention the sleep tip. I record bass and mix songs for a girl across the US and we’ve never met. She’ll send me the vocal track, guitar/ukulele track and drum track. I’ll mix them together in Garage Band and lay down a bass line. Last weekend I spent over an hour recording the bass line, and never got past the first 8 bars because my fingers WOULD NOT cooperate. I got frustrated and stopped. Went to bed shortly after, got up the next morning, and got the entire bass track down on the first take. So yeah, sleep does help get over that bridge sometimes!

[@untruth8828]

Whats the name of the artist?

[@nathanwahl9224]

Sleeping on something also lets the subconsciousness work on it.

[@newgunguy4176]

This is very true. It's like whatever you practice doesn't really kick in until the next day.

[@meyou1187]

prefer to sleep but WITH the girl doing the vocals & drums before laying down the bass line. More emotion that way ...

[@AS-Stardust]

Another tip for listening to bass is listening to isolated or boosted bass tracks for songs that have those I guess.

[@mikaelryynanen17]

*TORILLE*

[@roger_hauer]

Mainitsiko joku torin

[@sj_-_]

Bass and guitar tabs are often wrong, however realising this and learning to spot the mistakes and correct them by listening to the track and watching what the original player plays on you tubes clips, is great ear training. And cheaper than buying books, although I do I that too.

[@Andrea-de8ix]

Yes thank you for saying this!! When I was learning they were like the holy grail, but then I started to change the tabs because I was more confident to change it up

[@darko714]

I’ve done that - only to later realize that I was wrong too.

[@Zack-bl2gg]

My probables is the books are wrong almost as much as the internet tabs are. Online tutorials are the most trustworthy, then listen back to the original song

[@nathanwahl9224]

1. Self doubt is just as bad as overconfidence. 2. Always know where "The One" is. I learned from an experienced drummer in a band I was joining. It's the Downbeat. The first count of each measure/bar. If you're adding some ghost notes and grace notes and doing some odd timing, it gets all that crap out of the way before hitting The One so you're not lagging behind or screwing everyone else up. Very important whether you're actually playing a note on The One or not. It keeps you in THE GROOVE!!! Yes, you can lay back a little when playing funk, for instance, but you still have to know where it is or you won't know where you're laying back from!!! 3. For visually oriented folks, your song note fingering will be in patterns on the fret board. Except for open strings, the notes will always be in the same relative positions to each other on the fretboard. Knowing those patterns in addition to the note names will make it a whole lot easier to learn songs, using your visual abilities, and later you will be able to transpose keys on the fly MUCH easier than others will!!! 4. Ear training. Learn what notes sound like and work in each chord; what a Major 7th sounds like, a minor, an augmented, a 9th, etc. Find out where those are on our pattern if you're a visual as in 3 above. Makes it easier to play if you know what it's supposed to sound like. (Although personally, as a gigging bass player, things like Minor vs Major chords in particular don't bother you that much because you rarely need to play a 3rd; but at least if you need one, you'll know how to find it fast. When your guitar player says it's an A minor, ask him what a minor is (only IF he has a sense of humor!!!) 5. When sitting while playing, even if you have your strap over your shoulder, put an object in your front right (or left) pocket to keep the bottom of the bass from sliding out. Hard to keep playing when you have to keep pulling it back in, disastrous if you ignored the warning about wearing your strap. I use a pocket knife, lighter, keys, whatever works. Beware that if you use your key fob, you may be setting your car alarm off out in the parking lot, trust me!!!!! 5. Now that I'm also singing, I'd be willing to bet that 90% of the time either the Internet lyrics, tempo, progression and even the key are WRONG. It is "free," and you know how that works out most times!!!

[@guessingguy7865]

7:08 "don't set your bass down like this" Camera swish to my bass, sitting like that

[@vigorouslethargy]

I had mine in a corner so it couldn't fall to either side. Now I just use a travel case. Less dusting required.

[@Znijik]

Swish to my several basses all strewn about my room set like that. Swish again to my guitar stand that could stand them all up very nicely that is currently empty.

[@stonehaven2289]

Mine is too 🤣🤣🤣

[@SamasakiXBL]

It's crazy how much sleep helps beginners. I started learning the Seinfeld theme and couldn't hit any of the right slaps, but over night and some breakfast had it 80% down! Only the first few bars, but progress is progress! 😅

[@Nacaer]

I also experienced this.. tried to learn something from Covet and just couldn't play it without fucking up. Next day I play it and got it right within 5 minutes.. I was like "Wtf is happening"

[@PCAMY]

Lol I play both the guitar and the bass and the first thing I ever played on the bass was the signfeld theme haha. And yeah sleeping is a life saver when you’re stuck on anything musically which is super strange.

[@t.j.meechan682]

@@Nacaer i think you may be the bass player I've ever heard that is attempting to learn a Covet song. Good choice brotha!

[@Nacaer]

@@t.j.meechan682 accidentally stumbled upon a tab for sea dragon.. I am not sure how accurate it is.. might be a bit simpler than the original, but I still have a bad ear so I stick to it

[@semifakefan]

For me, it's the opposite...I can only learn new bass lines in the evening

[@breadpirateoverhere]

I've been trying to listen for bass more in songs and I was surprised by how many songs have an almost invisible bass line and the songs I love have a much louder, active bass.

[@grazimello1708]

Omg the guy is so good....such good comedic timing. He is a great teacher, i've been playing bass for a long time, and always learn new tricks on his videos. I wish you tube and his classes were around when i was a teenager.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Grazi!

[@NightShadeGame]

Just quickly on the "Notice your progress bit" After 6 years of bass I was feeling like I was still as crap as when I started, so I randomly opened my old school books with the old basslines I had to play for music class. once I played those notes and I realized how much better my first attempt in 6 years to play those songs as opposed to my like 50th attempt when I first learnt. Really built my confidence back up

[@j0hnbr0ck]

I remember when I started playing bass at 12 years old. I wanted to play guitar but that wasn't offered at school, but bass was. I didn't think there was much of a difference at that age so I we t ahead with it anyway. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. 15 years later I'm so glad I stuck with it. I can't imagine what my life would even be like without it.

[@darkgladiator27]

I didn’t know Dua Lipa's songs contained juicy bass lines

[@stefaneduard8169]

That's the only reason i listen to Dua Lipa

[@waitomo1996]

Check out Juliaplaysgroove - she vastly improves the bass line for Dua Lipa's songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpWlg2CJp7Vpq7c

[@liligman]

Look up a kid named Aronthebassist playing Dua Lipa on bass 🔥

[@sharinganrose]

Yeah Future Nostalgia is really influenced by disco with that juciy bass and really fun to listen to!

[@commentwriter1897]

Her new album has some kiiiillller bass lines on it, it's pretty damn groovy for a mainstream pop record

[@Jimenez69]

"Focus on Bass" Me who's listening to ...AndJusticeForAll: *Confused screaming*

[@aussenn4915]

Listen to charred remains by autopsy

[@hercholand]

Try and justice for Jason ...

[@somerandomguy8725]

me who listens to metal

[@t.j.meechan682]

I've been playing for about 5 years, and i still feel like a beginner some days. These tips are helpful for us all. Much obliged brotha!

[@ajadrew]

I've palyed for 42 years & feel the same!!!

[@t.j.meechan682]

@@ajadrew i think that's a good thing. Keeps a person from becoming complacent.

[@ajadrew]

@@t.j.meechan682 correct!

[@t.j.meechan682]

@what name depends on what your budget is, and if you are looking for new or second hand gear. The Squier Josh is playing in the video is sub $400 new, and you get a high quality instrument that won't hold you back as you progress.

[@ajadrew]

@what name My first bass was a 70's Fender Jazz. The Squier Jazz Josh plays in the video would do you well!

[@rayresetohere2018]

Listen to bass I have been doing this since before I played the actual thing so here's some suggestions: RHCP - Get Up And Jump RHCP - Out in L.A RHCP - Californication RHCP - Nobody Weird Like me RHCP - Fight Like A Brave RHCP - Can't Stop Gorillaz - Feel good Inc. Gorillaz - Up on melancholy hill Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood Primus - American Life Primus - Tommy the cat Primus - My Name is Mud Primus - Shake Hands With Beef Coolio - Gangster's paradise SEGA Sound Team - Escape from the city Queen - Another one bites the dust Mr. Bungle - Squeeze me macaroni Dream Theatre - Panic Attack Yes - Roundabout Power - Marcus Miller The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army Deep Purple - Smoke on the water Pretty much anything Victor Wooten Oh btw some of these are marked explicit

[@shameonlemon4098]

Also pretty much any Iron maiden's song.. their bass lines are just EPICO

[@ramsundarradhakrishnan258]

Queen - I Want To Break Free Queen - Keep Yourself Alive Queen - Radio Gaga It's a little hard to hear, but these songs have great basslines too.

[@Maria-cl6mn]

@@ramsundarradhakrishnan258 or Liar from Queen. That bass line is amazing too

[@jabbahutt4776]

RHCP - Under The Bridge RHCP - Give It Away RHCP - Otherside RHCP - By The Way Metallica - Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) Megadeth - Peace Sells Megadeth - Wake Up Dead Megadeth - Dawn Patrol Megadeth - Symphony of Destruction (also serves as a great lesson on chordal movement) Grand Funk Railroad - Aimless Lady Grand Funk Railroad - Nothing Is The Same Grand Funk Railroad - I'm Your Captain Primus - Jerry Was A Race Car Driver Primus - Lee Van Cleef Primus - Tragedy's A Coming Primus - Wynona's Big Brown Beaver Rush - YYZ Rush - La Villa Strangiato Rush - Leave That Thing Alone (the bass actually plays the melody here in some spots!) Rush - The Trees And yeah, pretty much any Iron Maiden song

[@bro-rm5xo]

Tip 18 is actually so important. I'm primarily a guitarist and I felt like I just wasn't progressing with an old teacher. I had practically taught myself everything anyway so I took the plunge and switched teacher. I've improved SO much in just one year because I found a teacher who was actually interested in honing techniques properly. I had played guitar for a few years before and on my first lesson with the new guy, I finally learned how to hold my plec properly. It's insane how much an engaged and interested teacher can help you

[@Aloshi19]

Fun fact: Keanu Reeves actually plays bass

[@BassBuzz]

More like an "excellent" fact. :P

[@slapbass8723]

Davie504 fan I'm guessing

[@craig8624]

More like a breathtaking fact

[@sammydamo]

Reddit fact

[@lord_foob]

reddit moment

[@jabbahutt4776]

One thing I've worked out for myself is that there are usually 3 ways to play a song: the right way, the wrong way, and your way. I got into Maiden after I'd been playing for about 18 months & was thrilled that, apart from my right hand cramping on stuff like "The Trooper" and a few other odd bits not working out, I could do a lot of their stuff & it sounded pretty good. I learned how to play "Phantom of the Opera" by ear. That was 1990. Then about 10 years ago I saw Maiden live, and they played "Phantom." The main lick is off the A string, 7th fret, and for the flatted thirds I would always go down to the D string, 5th fret bc that's how I thought it was played. Then I watched the video feed of Steve's left hand, and all of it was on the A string; 7th to 10th. I tried playing it that way after the show, and I know that's "correct", but it was more comfortable to me to do it off the D string like I'd been doing. So even though I know I'm doing it "wrong", it makes sense to me, it's feels right and, most importantly, I'm hitting the right notes at the right time. So does that mean I suck? Hardly. I haven't looked but I'd be willing to bet he plays "Hallowed be Thy Name" in a similar manner as he does "Phantom," off the A string. Because I play it in a similar manner for myself, off the D string (pinky on 7, middle on 5, index on 4). And I can still throw that down. In addition to playing bass, I'm also an Army veteran. Regarding the point of "slowing it down", one of my Drill Sergeants emphasized that with a mnemonic (another Keanu reference bc why not) when learning a new skill set; in this instance, it was Basic Rifle Marksmanship. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast". Doesn't just apply to knocking down targets at the range.

[@Gpalms53]

I’ve wanted to play bass for years and I finally got my first one today. I’ve never been more excited. Thanks!

[@MagaScampini]

Are you still playing?

[@Tankervoy]

Learning the neck is super important if you want to play with others, and play original songs. Knowing what chords the song uses is all you need to know to play along or come up with bass lines. Even when playing cover songs I usually don’t bother looking up the tab, I create my own bass line.

[@theRollingStingRays]

Learning an instrument is a transformational process especially for old stock. I was 60 when i picked up a bass and a year later am working on drums and keyboard, too. Thank you, Josh.

[@chesterburnett3466]

Love your lessons. Not only do you teach important material in a thoughtful manner, but you are the most entertaining Bass/Guitar teacher I have found on YT. (& I've seen a lot!). Cheers

[@user-si7pe8sm5w]

him: sleep is part of practice me: watching this at 5:27 am not having slept at all yet

[@ThisUserNameWasNotTaken]

I'm watching at 1:39 Am insomnia sucks

[@purplechili2512]

I am already on Lesson 7 of module 1 ;D I think this time I will make it. I 'm trying not to watch a lot of other educational videos because I think it 'll overwhelm me a lot. I also have ADHD, and I can't stress this enough, Josh: Your course is the most ADHD friendly I came along, since 2010 that I first picked up the bass. I also had 1 to 1 lessons but my condition really makes it hard for me, the theory, the practice, all of it. Thank you so much for B2B.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks, glad the course is working for you!

[@WarDimensionOfficial]

3:15 "if you can play it slowly, you can play it quickly"

[@trishaagz]

*Ling Ling wants to know your location*

[@ianjustus324]

🐝

[@ajdayton101]

My five minutes often turns into an hour. I try to get in some practice 5 days a week. I will take a short riff and master it, then go to the next part. Been working on some Steve Harris from your other video. I find if I'm practicing a hard piece, slow it down a bit until it's correct, then I have better success. The next day, I am even better. Odd how that memory thing works.

[@barknock7164]

Thanks for this man. Been feeling discouraged while practicing lately. This definitely helped

[@BassBuzz]

Glad I could help!

[@Smiminal]

Well, I certainly did start slow with songs like Have you seen the Rain and Stand by Me. Now I know For Whom the Bell Tolls full and I know the main riff of Orion, it's nice to know how play my favorite songs.

[@Nacaer]

Orion is a killer song. If you haven't tried yet, the melodic part isn't actually that difficult to play (for most parts.. gets harder as it progresses). I am learning it right now and it's so much fun to play

[@hephaestusofficial]

Recording myself was actually the best thing I ever did. I learnt to listen if the bass is even slightly out of tune, got better at my picking technique, improved timing, fretting found much more about getting the tone I want and much much more. My advice? If you have about 50€ to spare, buy a behringer sound card, download Reaper and get playing!

[@mikebehrend3152]

#14 lol always do that except the one time when the singer stepped on the cable. At the beginning of the song when I had my volume turned down during a guitar intro where I came in with a volume swell. Needless to say I didn’t notice and had no idea why my bass wasn’t working. I was looking around with the drummer and guitar players giving me the eyes of death. When I noticed the missing cable and after a quick search found the cable end under the singers foot. The look he gave me and the attitude he had as I gave him a little push after trying to pull the cord out from under his foot almost broke up the band. So yea don’t forget to run that cable thru your strap.

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

I've been playing guitar/bass forever, but a thing I didn't do early enough was learning full songs...and I mean FULL songs. Learn every little nuance part of it, if the bassist does a little 4-5-6 fret swing on one verse and the next verse they do a 4-4-6 part, even if it sounds like a mistake, listen for it and replicate it. It helps train your ears and maybe you'll pick up a little trick for getting parts to feel a certain way by learning all of these little things.

[@tanweermahdihasan4119]

I love how you are incorporating things you read in books (which are not entirely specific toward bass playing) in your playing and lessons.

[@CosmicLeche]

I've yet to get a bass (I've been trying, but I might need to put it off even more), but there are a few universal lessons here, for example when it comes to talent and practicing. I've always been the best drawer in class growing up (in non-art-focused environments), and people kept asking me how I got so good at it. They always looked at it like a magical power. My secret? I drew all the time. To me, drawing was like playing. Most kids draw, but a lot of them stop at a certain age. I never did, and part of that is due to positive reinforcement by people around me. So it's not that I somehow had a special gift, I was just motivated and I practiced a lot, because I enjoyed doing it. Maybe that's also an important thing to add to this: make sure you're having fun when you're practicing.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks for sharing! Fun definitely helps. :)

[@djorges]

I found a channel "Dave's world of fun stuff" Dave knows his stuff. His earlier videos really taught me a lot about setting up my bass. Check him out. Not a sponsor, just a fan.

[@austinwilkerson8485]

Enjoy your content Josh. Been playing about 7 months now and you've been there every step of the way. Keep safe and thank you

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Austin!

[@rodshop5897]

I absolutely respect the fact that you incorporate books on diverse subjects into your training. :-D

[@tonymccake3057]

Your tips to learn slow and in small chunks is the biggest takeaway any player should take away from this. Learning too much too quickly and not enough repetition are the biggest mistakes I ever made. These are usually never emphasized enough in tutorials or books. We often get too enthusiastic for our own good, bulldozing through mistakes which achieves the skill of playing something fast but badly.

[@mishterpreshident]

My kid's karate teacher likes to say, "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." That advice works for just about everything :) The tip about keeping the cable thru the strap to avoid the guitarist tripping over it and pulling it out brings back an old memory. One of the bands I played in had a bassist who loved to use a Nady wireless system so he could run around in the crowd while playing. During a gig, the 9v battery in the Nady died. As did the bottom 80% of the entire song, all at once. You just don't appreciate how much the bass IS the song until it's no longer there. In one fell swoop, you go from great tone to "...And Justice For All" tone. No drinks on amps? Also good is no actual alcoholic drinks on stage. Stage lights, alcohol and adrenaline are a bad mix. I'm speaking from embarrassing experience :)

[@jabbahutt4776]

The "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast" made me smile. The "'... And Justice For All' tone" made me comment. Righteous.

[@bigbronx]

Great tips and amazing editing skills Josh! 9:26 I laughed so hard at that hahaha If any of you guys reading is looking for a bass course I can't recommend Josh enough. I am almost finishing the beginner to badass course and it is top quality. He is a great teacher, he is a nice guy, and will make your learning process enjoyable which in my opinion is probably the most important part.

[@dynamicdissonance4016]

@Bassbuzz: Agree on everything but 4. You think different when playling slow vs. playing fast. Therefore pushing up the metronom until "you get there" can also act as a wall for not reaching certain speeds whatsover cause you think wrong. Theres a difference in thinking (let me try it in text) C - D - E - F - G = vs thinking C-G or CDEFG. Most good players did this automatically and never thought about that - however if you dont do it you cant get faster at some point cause you cant think faster anymore. Its relaitvly simple idear. Problem is basicly that it takes time to send infromation from brain to muscle - so (and thats part of your point 5) we need to chunck bigger information in one go instead of sending every single movement. These are 2 different skills and you wont learn the one by playing fast and the other one buy playing slow due to - if I remember right - the brain uses even different parts for slow and fast (kinda). However its still important to also learn fast stuff slow first, thats due to you need to make sure your brain knows these exact movements so you are able to chunck these up later and get them clean on faster speeds. However, cause of this I woud instead advice on learning a new riff in detail and very slow, then do bursts of speed for certain parts of the riffs (think about what parts make the most sense in the rythm) and if you do misstakes go back to go through it slowly. Then put burst parts together to the full picture. So basicly alternating between fast and slow. Just putting up the metronom 1bpm each go is a brute forcing method which uses alot of energy and time and only works if the target speed is below what your brain can handle (which is in the end genetics). If its higher than that, you need to get more creative to deal with the situation. Agree or disagree. Hope that puts up an alternative that everyone can try out and test for themselfs.

[@kimboberley]

This is such a great video! Getting lessons has definitely helped me as well. I record videos and monitor my progress. Regular practice has made the biggest difference. I have a second hand amp and SX bass for learning. I've gone leaps and bounds in 12 months! KZbin videos like yours have also really helped and kept me motivated!

[@geraldanderson7576]

Just started your "Badass" bass lessons! Absolutely love it! I've been trying to play for about 2 months and have learned more in one week of your class than I ever imagined! Thanks for putting the lessons together as you've found your calling! Rock on! 🎸🤟🥳

[@BassBuzz]

Glad you're enjoying the course Gerald!

[@calvinbean245]

I just got my bass back from getting a setup. Practiced, and OMG! You were right! Huge difference! Thanks!!

[@djorges]

Integrate a little fun time into the practice sessions. I tried too hard to perfect a song and got frustrated. Now I practice a new song for a while then go into "Have some fun" mode. Play those few songs i learned early on and feel good about the fact that I actually do know some complete songs. Even if I have played them a hundred times.

[@BassBuzz]

Good tip Duane!

[@middledog466]

you are consistently incredibly entertaining, humble, comprehensible, and low maintainence .... everything i wanna be as a player

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michele!

[@dishwasherdetergent3366]

As helpful as tabs can be to get you playing as a beginner, it's good to be able to become less dependent on them further down the track, especially one you start playing with other musicians (who don't play fretted string instruments). Sheet music, although maybe daunting at first, is an incredibly useful resource which gives you every piece of information you need to play the music right these on the page, in addition to making what you say intelligible to other musicians.

[@user-tq6er8ez1o]

This is fantastic! I'm a seasoned drummer for years and I'm picking up bass guitar because I'm ready for something new. This is such good information that I wish someone had told me when I picked up sticks years ago!!!

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

I bought "Atomic Habits" book 2 months ago. You reminded me that I have to start reading it. Thanks!

[@madness8556]

You're an absolutely brilliant teacher, demonstrator and player. Keep up the great work buddy.

[@joeykurkul4597]

Your videos are so awesome. You inspired me to get into bass and I have been loving it. Just starting bass a few days ago your work has been so much help.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Joey, congrats on starting bass!

[@tjsmith3741]

Very good and practical tips. Unless I missed it, locking with the drummer is fundamental. Find the tempo and groove with them. Everyone talks about it, but not all can do it. I think a good tip in this regard is to play ever so slightly behind the beat.

[@ricecake9740]

I'm glad you posted again man

[@eney0522]

I got an electric bass a month or so ago. ive made some good progress, but I did have my background as a cellist to help, as well as just already knowing how to read tabs. I thought it would be a lot harder, but i really didnt have too much trouble. there are still some things i need to learn bc playing cello is very different from bass, so videos like this are a huge help. thanks friend!

[@FrederickTSchurgerDC]

Right on so many points, but I just have to point out that the Jaco book you showed has crappy tabs in it too. I had learned Teen Town years ago from another transcription (notation, not tabs), and when I was looking at the notation & tabs in that book, I saw many things that I knew were off. Same with the Chicken, though I've been using the Birthday Album as my frame of reference on that one. Bottom line, don't trust the tabs when something sounds off. BTW, the BEST tab/transcription books I ever came across were the ones for Led Zepplin, albums 1-4 (Houses of the Holy might have been released, but I never owned a copy). For my ear, they were spot on to the recording, spot on for the tab as well (I started out playing trombone, I can read music), and it really helped me learn the neck of the bass. My brother has them somewhere now, but they were prized possessions of mine as I worked them back in the day!

[@BassBuzz]

I have found a few inaccuracies in that book too, but I'd give it at least an A-. Better than tab websites! :P

[@mapachelife04]

I'm a guitar player but recently I started learning bass cause I think it's a cool instrument and it's pretty awesome to learn, and let me say that everything you are saying here it's gold. Thanks!!!🤘

[@joaoamorim7058]

Hi, Josh. I'm a professor for the last 30 years, and I can say your teaching didactics and your lessons are wonderful. Any chance of a future class on 6-string bass? Congrats once more, and greeetings from Brazil.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you Joao! No 6-string lessons from me, I'd just get lost. :P

[@joaoamorim7058]

@@BassBuzz Hahahahahaha, Ok, Josh. But I´ll keep following your 4-string lessons. Best wishes.

[@mattwhelan13]

this made me feel a lot better about my approach. I've had my bass for about a week and often I will play the same bar of a song over and over and over again for about 5 minutes to get it perfect before trying the next bar. It's really helping me get used to moving me left hand more efficiently

[@cookiezaddy]

thank you for helping me learning bass Josh, finally an instrument I like xD

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Xander!

[@NewfieMan98]

I've been playing guitar for nigh on 11 years now, only started playing bass regularly within the past 3 years, and got my own for christmas '23. Even though I think I'm passable, these tips are still helpful. Heck, I think some of these could even be helpful for seasoned veterans on bass, even if only as a refresher.

[@joelabraham6929]

This dude rules. I wish he was my friend.

[@ianthomson9363]

All good advice, but Number 2 is the most important. You should also listen to other types of musician too- listening is far more important than technique, gear or anything else. I learned to play bass & guitar by playing along to records (a long time ago!), which led to a 35 year semi-pro career of playing in bands, depping for other bass players and being the resident bass for hire at numerous jam nights. I didn't become a star, but I was out playing, learning & earning up to five nights a week, which was most satisfying. My top bass tip is to learn what different intervals sound like by trying to work out what notes are being played without an instrument in your hands and trying to play the song later. If you can do this, you can play hundreds of songs in any key and this will bring you a lot of work- possibly more than you want!

[@travisreed5965]

Bad A$$ Matrix Clip - The Whole Fit Resinates With My Current Abilities - Excellent Quotes As Well - Thanx For Putting In The Effort On This Episode - Quality Editing For Sure - Be Well Brother Man Cheers

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Travis!

[@snubsterwalts5659]

I just started bass, and found this channel! I would just like to thank you for making all the vids! They really helped me, and I hope to continue improving!

[@Nacaer]

Bassbuzz: most free tabs you find online are wrong Me: checking top5 dua lipa tabs on yt and finding out 4 of them are correct

[@monke8699]

are you roasting my boi

[@pit19931]

He said about website tabs like Ultimate guitar etc not tabs you find on youtube videos . These are usually correct

[@adamdavies1910]

I now know that almost every song I learnt on guitar through tabs was wrong!

[@BassBuzz]

Maybe, but you only know they're correct or not if your ear is good enough, still creates a similar problem for newbies! And in my experience, most people playing covers on YT are not playing stuff 100% "correctly", FWIW.

[@Nacaer]

@@BassBuzz Nice that you answered. I wasn't being 100% serious. Compared some of the tabs before making the comment and the tabs have minor differences in some parts and one I looked at was completely horrible. So they can't all be 100% correct. But I think the top viewed tabs on KZbin are usually accurate enough, that noone who hasn't studied the song extensively will notice it. I wouldn't say they sound like they are made by drunk teenagers, but that was probably just an exaggeration anyway ;) Keep up the good work.

[@daniyairalina3920]

I play electric, but I fell in love with these vids! Most of the tips work for any instruments I think, especially the “5 minute rule”. It really helps, because once I take my guitar it eventually leads to an hour or two of practice. Amazing work, thank you!

[@kirarogers702]

When he said "don't stop breathing when you play" I died, because I'm in marching band and play tenor sax so it's kind of automatic to stop breathing for me 😂😂

[@deadbeats4572]

honestly. I play trombone and every time I play an instrument I CAN breathe while playing, I immediately go back to either trying to stagger breathe or just. Not breathe.

[@Activation1111]

LOL Great stuff. I think one thing you could’ve added to the list was,, practicing without your face. Wake up in the morning ‘visualizing’ specific exercises or songs before getting out of bed in the morning. Practicing without your bass in your mind while sitting in traffic or on the subway or doing other tasks when you’re sitting and practicing for a bass or any instrument. As well as humming bass lines while in other situations without your bass.

[@ElliYeetYT]

“Unplug Cables From The Amp Side, Not From The Instrument side.” Goddam You caught me red-handed on that one. 😶👍

[@kidgalahad14]

Couple of weeks into Josh's "Beginner to Badass course. He's a really great teacher who really has me motivated. Knows how to keep things fun!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Dee, glad you're digging the course!

[@lobodiablo570]

"Listen to music with recognizable bass lines" *ROUNDABOUT INTENSIFIES*

[@Kid.Coffin]

As a beginner bassist this has helped so much the past couple of days. i cannot learn from online tabs, just generally so i usually end up watching how other people do it and it get better at it. But these tips are so great, thank you so much !

[@inlpwetrust]

Tip #2: Listen to bass Me: Okay no problem *puts on And Justice for All*

[@bessc3358]

Mitski also has a lot of songs with recognizable and easy-to-find bass lines, mostly on her 3rd album Bury Me at Make Out Creek

[@QuinnFarley]

Hey Josh I'm taking the Begineer to Badass course and loving it! any songs you'd recommend to play all the way through for someone whos about halfway through the course. Cheers!

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Quinn! Check out the "Level 1" songs in your 50 Songs Pack (in the Course Extras), those should be pretty doable for you.

[@tadrimmey8746]

Hey Josh, I've been checking out your videos for a few weeks since I bought my first bass. I really appreciate your information, knowledge and sense of humor! I used to play guitar and I have decided to go to the bass since it is waaaayyy cooler.

[@AzuriteCoast]

Hey Josh, a while ago I commented about the "magical number 7±2" with regards to working memory... Perhaps its inclusion in this video is at least somewhat my fault? 😁 Happy if it was. If not, glad to see the psychological/cognitive science aspects in this. You're a champ.

[@icedink87]

I love this. This is all stuff i definitely learned the hard way. It's funny that you brought up the "listen to bass" it's amazing how many people don't actually listen to the music. I recommend getting a cheap acoustic bass to leave on a stand next to the couch so whenever you sit to watch tv or something you can practice scales while you're chillin

[@lasse3412]

Agree. Have the instrument visible.

[@Zilla131]

I was just watching one of his videos practicing and clicked fast

[@AminorOnline]

I’ve learnt more from your channel in 5 days than a whole 3 months put together! Cheers, mate!

[@Wolfdragon92584]

Another tip for all us bassists: let the notes flow into each other, instead of plunking every note and leaving noticeable space (unless the song commands so). Make love to it a little bit, even if you hit a wrong note or fret buzz. When you get into the "feel" of it and just relax, your playing improves immensely. That's a very easy thing for most of us musicians in general to miss.

[@l.j.turner185]

Just recently started the Beginner to Badass course, loving it so far ❤️

[@BassBuzz]

Good to hear, welcome to the course Liam!

[@tuomasaalto6024]

"Break it down, slow it down, so you can throw it down." -John Wooton, percussionist and educator

[@LindyLaFontaine]

This is sooo relevant!!! This applies to all musicians, not just bassists. Thank you, kind sir. Needed to be said.

[@damndamien8173]

The thing with the outro that made me laugh is the fact that keanu reaves plays bass

[@viking_playndisplay1979]

you know whats crazy,, ive mastered a couple songs on bass for rocksmith, cant play them from memory tho.. thats why im here indulging in music theory! thank you for being here for us,

[@pokerpoking3207]

Oh man,i hate it when I'm practicing and forget to breathe and then i suddenly fall and then wake up 5 hours later at the hospital!

[@violet.candies]

happens to me literally all the time😂

[@williamurg5870]

Thank you master basd buzz for learning and giving actoully giving good tips and tricks for free too

[@vetryder]

Just a general tip- understand and accept that no matter how good you think you can play your instrument or a particular song etc, there’s always a sweet young humble Japanese girl that is many levels better.

[@jobartbenedito]

I'm 37 and just picked up my first bass. This is really helpful. Cheers! :)

[@stefaneduard8169]

Nobody: My gf: i'm leaving you bc you are overprotective and caring too much Me: guess i'll go watch BassBuzz all the night instead of crying

[@dudunurg]

You're doing the best

[@gimmeahorse]

How is caring too much a bad thing?! I hope you'll find someone who cares as much for you as you do for others!

[@subscriberephemere2328]

@@gimmeahorse too much can be a "bad" thing, Some people needs more independance or time for themselves and that's okay

[@captbuscemi]

All brilliant tips! Have just taken up bass after 30 years playing guitar (often badly) and 40 years of playing piano (mostly much better!). Bass is the instrument I’ve taken up in adulthood, and these tips make so much more sense to me than when I was younger. My progress has been great, I’m just loving it! I would add: play with others, no matter how you or they might suck. You will both develop much quicker, it doesn’t have to be with the view to forming a band, just have fun.

[@hayes4762]

I've been playing for almost 2 years now, I still call myself a beginner, but in reality, I'm not, I'm a very fast learner, ive improved so much. I just have no confidence. Videos like this realize I'm not a beginner.

[@halfcirclehranch6877]

I watched this video thinking of if I've been doing what you were saying. For the most part, I have. I'm currently getting into Lesson 3 of Beginner to Badass. Most of what I know comes from your videos on KZbin and your course. Thank you.

[@kajasobczak4431]

tip number 4 "if you can play it slowly you can play it quickly"

[@suktadas9737]

Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang Bass Gang.