Beginners Guide to Bass Notes (Demystifying the Fingerboard) - Rockabilly Double Bass Tutorial

[@jasonconley956]

You just explained something that 30 different people have tried to explain to me. And now I understand why I never understood it until now. You explained it in the most simplest way. Everyone else complicated it including me. Thank you so much so grateful.

[@BamboozleHQ]

This is so lovely to hear! ♥️ Really glad it helped! Keep rockin that bass 🤟🎶

[@angel29476]

Yes! I understand now what my teacher was trying to teach me for ages!! Thank you

[@Lesliestevens92.1fm]

Extremely easy to follow and totally understandable. I put some tape on my base as to where the notes are just to help my memory, but that works for me and I’m not everybody else and the way she explained it was just the same exact thing as Tape, but she is amazing Teacher. I like her a lot.

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@Lesliestevens92.1fm thanks so much. I’m really glad you enjoyed the video ☺️

[@Khredlan]

The video everyone needed, but until now - nobody every uploaded! Thank you so much!

[@sundowner62james69]

I like the way you describe things. I never knew the 3 rd finger was never used! Thank you .

[@BamboozleHQ]

It’s an unusual one isn’t it! Thank you, so glad you’re enjoying the videos ☺️

[@aarontomes4180]

I'm using literally all your videos to teach my dad rockabilly bass, I'm a guitarist myself and I know basic knowledge of the bass, but my dad is a complete raw novice and these videos are helping so much, so thank you for your help :D :D

[@BamboozleHQ]

Aaron Tomes that’s so cool to hear! (Sorry for the late reply, I don’t always see the comments). I hope your Dad is still rockin that bass!!!

[@emraphael571]

this really is an incredible video. i think a lot of people who get good at any craft forget what beginners need explained, and accidentally use a lot of jargon without thinking about it. thank you very much!

[@BamboozleHQ]

That really means a lot! Thank you!

[@danram69]

wow what a great no bs lesson , i thank you ma lady your a ledgend

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@danram69 haha, thank you. Love this reply, just made me smile 🤘

[@carltonbost236]

I am OFFICIALLY in love. Music is that love, that will never break your heart, and I’m getting back into it now.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Awesome to hear man! Keep rockin’

[@DiogoSantos-ln1nz]

This is so useful! Just picked up the double bass and was a bit confused, but this clears up some of the questions!

[@BamboozleHQ]

Really glad it helped ☺️ thanks for commenting! Hope you enjoy the bass journey!

[@Alpenpunk]

I'm so lucky that I discovered your channel. Your tipps are good and your style rocks. Now all I have to do is practice, practice, practice...

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks man, good luck with it! You’ll be awesome with practice!

[@djfastfreddy8949]

First time watching your videos. Learned a lot thanks.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks for commenting Freddy! Glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@nickroberts6845]

Fantastic explanations of the strings and left hand. Cheers for sharing this.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks Nick

[@PootaurStuff]

Very nice, pretty, and talented. Love your vids. I'm a violin maker and about to make my very first electric contra double bass! The parts will start coming in over the next few weeks. It will be 4 strings, about 6'6", made of oak. The top will have a huge scroll just like on violins and just this part alone about 15". The scroll will only take one day to carve, bigger is easier to hand carve. I figure the entire project will be a 5 day one. The same amount of time for me to make a violin, 30 days for a harp, 3 days for a steel lap guitar, and 1 year for a concert harp! Keep your videos a coming... very nice of you to take the time to do them!

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks Fladden. This sounds like an amazing project, I’d love to see pics of the bass when you’ve made it. What a brilliant talent to have.

[@motepthepoet]

Thank you for explaining the basics succinctly and simply. Definitely following.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Matt aka motep Woods thanks! Really glad it helped

[@danielolsson7687]

You are the best double bass teacher 👍👍👍👍

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thank you ❤️

[@johnmousourakis5543]

Thank you very much. I am a 11 year old and needed thisvery much

[@BamboozleHQ]

John Mousourakis I’m glad it helped. Best of luck with the bass playing!

[@ajs808]

I always assumed there were fret markers on the edge of the neck like on a fretless bass guitar. Very helpful, love your videos, thanks

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks Ajs! It would be easier that way, but no, they like to make life hard for us db players 😉

[@gregnuttall3637]

Very informative, thank you. I am studying about getting a stand up Bass. And needing to know how to play it.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Really glad you find them useful! Enjoy the upright!

[@esitoris]

Just thanks Serena!

[@pluppen75]

Great stuff!

[@toddrhodes614]

Thank you so much for these wonderful, insightful lessons. Much appreciated! Definitely like and subscribe!

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks Todd, really appreciate your comments. Hope you enjoy the rest!

[@josephrohland5604]

Wonderful beginner’s Double Bass lesson. Do you have a recipe for lemon cake?

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thank you 👍🏻 and umm… not the worlds best chef 🤣 I tend to make these things up as I go along 🍰

[@ZOMBIEdefencex]

Amazing!

[@williamhughes4725]

V helpful !

[@AyhanErkin]

thank you.

[@Khredlan]

I apologize for asking for something specific, but would you mind a tutorial on playing "ring of fire" by johnny cash please? It would mean the world to me. Thank you so much!

[@BamboozleHQ]

Khredlan that’s ok, I’ll add it to the list for sure. Great tune!

[@marksamberg6752]

❤

[@PolskiPilot]

Hi Bass Pixie. Im 28 (nearly 29) looking to start learning double bass. Looking to get an electric DB due to space limitations at home. Just wanted to see whether with bit of grit and daily playing i can learn on my own maybe with bit of help of youtube and world of internet? Im not looking into classical side. More of jazz/folk style of playing.

[@BamboozleHQ]

The best answer is probably that I didn’t start learning until 8 years ago 😉 go for it!!! You won’t regret it ♥️

[@petermusto3704]

I play a Fender P-bass, but I've always been interested in playing a double bass. I'm intimidated by the double bass because of being unsure as to where on the Fretboard the notes are? I wish there were some sort of markers.

[@BamboozleHQ]

It is scary at first, but if you play bass guitar, your ear will guide you if you just follow the little helpful rules! As I always say, you mostly regret the things you don’t do! 😉

[@petermusto3704]

@@BamboozleHQ -Thanks, I might go out and try one. You sound fantastic playing one.

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@petermusto3704 let me know if you do! And thank you ☺️ it’s a great instrument, so I can’t take the credit 😉

[@Sunshine-Light]

❤I’m demystified watching you 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@stormbringer67]

Hello i have a question: I am an absolute beginner so i don't really know anything about playing double bass, but i watched some videos on end-pin height (because i just started on db) and players say that the nut should be somewhere between your eyebrows and the top of the head....while the nut on your bass is about 6 or more inches higher than the top of your head. So, can you say something about that? I also read about a way to set the correct end-pin is to turn the bass towards you and then touch the bridge with your right hand knuckels. If you can touch the top of the bridge, the end-pin is set correctly. So what are your thoughts on that?

[@BamboozleHQ]

Hey, that all sounds good but maybe a little overkill. To me, it’s more about your left hand (or right hand if you’re a leftie) position. You want your arm to be almost parallel to the floor when your hand is in the top position on your bass. If anything, you need to have your elbow very slightly angled to the floor, making sure your shoulder is 100% relaxed. I don’t have my end pin extended at all, mostly as my bass is probably a little too big for me, but I always wear heels when playing. The main thing is comfort and being able to be comfortable reaching all the available notes, including the very bottom of the fingerboard (to check this, you’d need to check thumb position). As a beginner, just go for a 90 degree angle between your arm and the floor in the basic hand position. That will be enough for you to work from for the rest of your playing! Good luck and welcome to the double bass family!

[@23hogrider]

Howdy….I’ve just caught your awesome set at Hemsby 2022….great stuff. I chatted to you briefly at the end of Howlin’ Rick’s set (looking forward to hearing Red Right Hand…if you remember ha ha)….I didn’t wanna peck your head at Hemsby, but a few questions…. 1) I am thinking of learning double bass and have been watching your tutorials (excellent)…..Is bass a good beginner instrument….? I have tried guitar, but I have huge hands and struggle with the tiny neck…..even bass guitar… 2) Double Basses are expensive….is a cheaper electric one a good thing to learn on? 3) Most basses I can find at 3/4 size….not sure if you remember me, but I am 6’ 4”….would i I need a full size one, do you think….? Top set today, you need to be on later next time ;-) Keep rockin’ Mick

[@BamboozleHQ]

Hey Mick, great to see you this weekend! Hope you enjoy RRH!!! Bass is a great beginner instrument, it’s relatively easy to be able to play the basics, so makes it fun as you can jam and play along to tunes pretty quickly. It takes years and years to master though, so lots of fun to be had! You could learn on electric, but there are a lot of differences so it can be really hard to change over. You can get some cheap basses on eBay, if you’re not worried about the sound to start with, they’re usually worth grabbing to learn technique on. Just get decent strings and check the action height when you get it. I know lots of people your size that play a 3/4, but also some that play a 4/4. They have a long spike so 3/4 will be absolutely fine for you! So glad you enjoyed the set too ♥️ now go get a bass!!! 🤣

[@23hogrider]

@@BamboozleHQ Fantastic….really helpful….thanks very much….hope to see ya soon….come oop north asap ;-)

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@23hogrider we’re up in York in March! Hope you can make it!!

[@23hogrider]

@@BamboozleHQ what date? 14th is my birthday….York is kinda the wrong side of the North, but happy to travel and we’ll make a long stay of it 👍

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@23hogrider on the 4th, but looking to try get gigs either side, know any good venues your way for the 3rd?

[@jimhornaday8722]

Hi Serena! First of all, your playing is phenomenal! I just discovered Bamboozle and you’ve shot to the top of my playlist! I have a couple of questions: 1) what pickup(s) are you using and what amp? 2) your bass is beautiful! What kind is it? Thanks for the videos and keep thumping!!

[@BamboozleHQ]

Hey Jim, missed this comment! I know you probably already know now ;) But thought I'd answer for anyone reading back! Pick up is the Shadow Rockabilly Pro (LOVE IT) and I use a Mark Bass Combo. The Bass is a custom Strunal. Absolutely love my gear

[@aggienodari453]

Your videos inspired me to dust off my upright. I'm more of an electrical bass player. I'm trying to incorporate single and double slaps in my playing. I find myself plucking like I do with the electrical Bass. Is that okay or is it a bad habit to pick up?

[@BamboozleHQ]

Hey @aggienodari453, loving hearing this! I can’t say for sure, as I’m upright to electric, but I have a feeling it might hinder your speed in the long run and also the volume you can achieve with the bass, which will also impact the tone you can get. It’s definitely worth putting a little time into it, but as an Electric bass player I imagine you’ll be able to adjust in no time, as your finger are used to learning! If you want, I’d be happy to take a look at a video of you playing, then I would be able to see better how it might help or hinder!

[@aggienodari453]

@@BamboozleHQ thank you for your response. I'm not the most patient person by nature, but I know the right way is to slow down and incrementally speed up to gain your technique. The upright bass was not built for comfort. I'll try to get a video uploaded so you can see all the things I'm doing wrong. 🤪

[@BamboozleHQ]

@aggienodari453 haha, I feel you. I’m the same, it was a frustrating journey here too, and still is. Got a lot to work on myself still. Looking forward to seeing the vid!

[@aggienodari453]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKHKgnWbnLCtd5Ysi=S8Ax0pvcCC9m7QXI

[@aggienodari453]

@@BamboozleHQ hi there, I sent you the video, let me know if you got it. Take care

[@gerryk9]

Your vids are amazing. But you might want to think about proper mic for voice and bass. Would add so much quality. I live your vids and you are a great player and rocker

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks Gerry ☺️ it’s great to hear feedback, and thanks for the lovely comments. I’m always upgrading the equipment. New website on the way and the studio is coming along now. Definitely going to look into the sound more!

[@mikaelsaaf6719]

👍👍👍

[@frankiebollinger3144]

How do I find a stand up bass player to do private lessons? (Rockabilly)

[@BamboozleHQ]

That’s a real tough one, they’re definitely a rare breed. Where do you live Frankie? I can see if I know anyone.

[@arthomer6535]

What strings do you use? I like the sound, and the slap.

[@BamboozleHQ]

These are the Rotosound RS4000, absolutely love them.

[@BraddersMusic]

Played electric bass for years and always wanted a double bass but couldn't fit it in the mini. Must be hard to learn without the frets you need a good ear.

[@BamboozleHQ]

You should definitely come over to the dark side 😉 the frets get easier with practice!

[@Charrencio]

it would be great if it had subtitles in Spanish, regards

[@BamboozleHQ]

I’ll have a look and see what I can do!

[@Charrencio]

@@BamboozleHQ Thanks!

[@geckobaldy]

I suggest either the bass is too big for you or the spike is out too far. Each to their own ofcourse but generally the nut should be at forehead level.

[@BamboozleHQ]

I started on a 1/2 but I don’t like the sound. It loses the bottom end due to the size reduction. So 3/4 it is. It might not be the classical size that’s right but it works for me

[@natestrayhorn1578]

isnt it called a fingerboard

[@BamboozleHQ]

Yep, mistakes happen. Thus is life.

[@KeithGlover-n4t]

Who cares, it is a great tutorial

[@MargaretWalkerCellist]

The bass doesn't have a FRET board because unlike the guitar the upright bass has no "frets": it is called the "fingerboard". The first half-step above open strings is called HALF POSITION when using first finger. FIRST POSITION is beginning the first finger on the first WHOLE STEP above open string. A half step is from one note to the next with NO NOTES IN BETWEEN; a whole step is two half steps. Of course that is another more advanced lesson because the"ascending chromatic fingering" on any string is played thus: open, 1, 1, 2, 4 (because it is easier to shift the hand using 1, 1 rather than 4, 4. "Open, 1, 2, 4, 4 is more difficult.)

[@BamboozleHQ]

I’ve mentioned in many of my videos, I’m not classically trained. I’m self taught. My videos are sharing what I’ve learnt with others and keeping my own learning going. Music is feel, sound, passion, organic. The names are good, but not essential for making good music. I learn and share what I know. If you know a lot, cool. It’s nice to know the things you’ve written. The condescension was less fun to read though.

[@oipedmp2od23]

There is absoluelty no need for flats, just use sharps, it is so much more simple and easier to visualize.

[@BamboozleHQ]

🤣🤣🤣 totally innovative. You need to tell the powers that be this.

[@rothloaf1980]

That's the blondest blonde bass I've ever seen. I like it, and suddenly have a craving for lemon cake. 😃

[@BamboozleHQ]

🤣 I love lemon cake! Now I want some too 🍰

[@BamboozleHQ]

🤣 I love lemon cake! Now I want some too 🍰

[@rothloaf1980]

@@BamboozleHQ Heh... No joke, I was scrolling along, this vid appeared and my first thought was of lemon bundt cake with pudding filling. (I used to have a blonde Kay swingbass. Lost it to a fire.)

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@rothloaf1980 omg that’s so sad! What do you have now?

[@rothloaf1980]

@@BamboozleHQ After I lost a second carved top German bass to an interstate breakup (read: life stuff) I gave up double bass. I only do electric now, and only cheap Squiers. No tears if I lose one 😑.

[@Lampropeltis]

I have DEFINITELY panicked about no frets! 😂

[@BamboozleHQ]

I still do occasionally 😂

[@timobara64]

Fingerboard.

[@michaelnelson3469]

"headstock"? "fretboard"? Huh?

[@BamboozleHQ]

What’s wrong with headstock? I also play bass guitar, mistakes happen dude. Doesn’t change the information being shared.

[@Beelzybud]

Good lesson but it's not a fretboard, it's a fingerboard. A fretboard has frets.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Thanks, and yeah, shit happens lol. Does the same job, just makes it harder 😉

[@pietfonteyn1397]

A big bass and in my opinion much too high set up. Whether you play a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 the base height is a lot lower than your position.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Works for me

[@pietfonteyn1397]

@@BamboozleHQ For now…

[@BamboozleHQ]

@@pietfonteyn1397 been the same for 8 years, can’t see it changing tbh. Different things work for different people. What’s right for one, isn’t necessarily right for the next

[@pietfonteyn1397]

@@BamboozleHQ …. See You after 40 years. (BTW… in some other of your video’s I see your instrument already in lower position.)

[@bustabass9025]

​@@BamboozleHQ Everyone's a critic. 😂

[@sumdawgtwigg]

I did not pay attention. It was your hair.

[@BamboozleHQ]

Maybe watch again and concentrate harder!