How to learn songs on the bass (special sneak peak)

[@tinodigi]

Brilliant video as usual! I started playing bass a few years ago at age 52 after 30 years of guitar.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Awesome. Welcome to the low end! (What took you so long? 😂)

[@tompelham7035]

Same, finding bass quite appealing! But have trouble hearing the low tone’s of the B string, of the 5 string instrument

[@RVGambler11]

I understand all the concepts you covered but for those that don’t it is one of the best and simplest explanations I’ve seen…

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks very much. That’s so nice to hear!

[@ronaldkavanagh7983]

Hi John, wonderful tuition as always. Thank you so much, may I say you have a great understanding of the novice student, trying to get it together 😊 you're explanations and breakdown's make learning so much more enjoyable. Thanks again. Ronnie.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks for your kind words, Ronnie. Let me know if you have questions or need anything else. I’m happy to help. 😀

[@gb-tm9vg]

As usual Jon, a great job. Pretty much how I started. As I've said before I have basically learned to play by ear. The I, IV, V is a great place to start. You also mentioned playing unfamiliar songs and the anticipation you need to feel about the song direction. Most songs are constructed so anticipation usually works well. Occasionally in song it doesn't. I zig when I should have zagged. I simply remember a video by Victor Wooten. There are no wrong notes. I've learned to incorporate the "wrong notes" using different scale or mode structures. Again though, great lesson. Thanks.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks, gb. You’ve got the hang of it. Victor’s right in certain contexts, but there are definitely “wrong “ chords when you’re playing with a band. 😀

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Wonderful John 🇬🇧🎶🎵🎸

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks, Paul!

[@charlesdoca7145]

Your videos are always informative. Btw I'm 63

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks, Charles. I’m glad you’re getting something out of my bass lessons. And by the way, you’re still a young man! 😀

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks John

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

You’re welcome, my friend!

[@unknown88888888]

Picked up the bass again after almost 20 years of not playing. Realized I knew nothing of music theory and have a terrible ear. Been working hard on this, but being able to transcribe, play by ear or just jump into a jam all seem so unattainable. Funny is that when I was young, the only songs I played with my guitarist friend, I now realize we’re all I IV V blues. I really struggle with hearing chord progressions so this gives me a nice homework. Slow progress but thank you for the tips!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Little by little, one day at a time. You’ve got this! Thanks for sharing your story. 👍😁

[@darrellhughes4966]

Chord progression are important to know

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thank you, Darrell. Did you get something out of this video?

[@joannalewis5279]

Takeaway is that the 1-4-5 chords are everywhere like 2-5-1s and by chunking we can learn to spot recurring structures.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

You got it, Joanna! Thanks for weighing in.

[@fredalmgren7211]

I started playing bass during Covid and now play in two groups. I play with very good musicians who have a lot of patience. One interesting point I think I just learned is that I had thought Joe Jackson "Breaking us in Two was in the key of F#). I think it is in the Key of A because I saw three sharps in a video. I thought it was in F# because the Verse Started on F#. Am I wrong and if not does this throw off the 1/4/5 progression in the key

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

There are a lot of songs that use other chords in addition to I, IV, V. FYI, A major and F# minor both have the same key signature: 3 sharps. F# Minor is called the relative minor of A major; A major is called the relative major of F# minor. Let that sink in for a minute. 😁 Both keys share he same notes.

[@Maxmsquared]

Don’t believe Sugar Sugar should be on this list. The song is in D but on a couple occasions there is a flat 7 chord

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks for the correction. Maybe there are two different arrangements? Either way, I’ve made a note of it. Thanks again! 😀

[@nealepitts3321]

Tried signing up but never got email 😮

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks for your interest. Sorry if the system gave you trouble. Response has been very strong. Maybe there was some temporary “internet weirdness.” Please try again. Let me know is if you’re still having trouble. We’ll make it right.