What Guitar Players NEED To Know About Playing Bass: Turn Your Guitar Technique Into Bass Technique

[@benjaminweber1321]

Hey Ryan! Interesting stuff. I’d love to talk more about the philosophy of the instrument and its role in a band too. I’ve noticed that guitar players who pick up the bass seem to overlook the transitional nature of the instrument and how it’s only maybe 50% a tonal instrument with the other 50% being rhythm, providing that linkage between the drummer’s beat and the song’s harmonic structure. As one would do on guitar they focus more on the tonal/harmonic aspects. When a bass player does that it gives a feeling I describe as being along for the ride. It makes the song feel lifeless. They don’t drive the groove and no one dances. That’s a crime. Benny from Memphis

[@davidt9841]

I’m subscribed and always give you a 👍! Funny note (I hope), my P Bass is older than you!! I’ve played with a pick for over 40 years with Roto Sound Round Wounds.. Love the attack and get the most glorious piano-like tones! It’s all in knowing how to use the EQ! Hold down that Bottom, girl!

[@5150show]

Really helpful thank you

[@chrisneuner]

After playing guitar for about 37 yrs I switched to bass last May and purchased Ryan's great course to start out. In the meantime I've played 2 gigs with songs of Queen (the show must go on), Elton John, Whitney Houston, etc. Now I want to gain some speed and practice Hysteria by Muse and Dean Town by Vulfpeck. For some time I've struggled with stretching of the left hand. As a guitarist you are used to stretch a span of 4 or 5 frets. That does not work on bass and took some time to get used to (watch the movement of Ryan's index finger, when she frets with the pinky). I wish by Stevie Wonder is the perfect song to practice this. And I often put the thumb on the A-string when plucking the G-string.

[@chrisneuner]

... and practicing with a correct posture (standing!) helps me lot...

[@graemerobertson5160]

I added bass to my list of instruments over 40 years ago, and initially started with a pick. I waited a long time before adding finger style. I strugle with fast fingers because I am fighting string tension. It limits my speed and your hand position points are helpful on that . I don't like the idea of coming to rest on the next string because I think that limits speed too. When you shred with a guitar pick, it is all about picking economy which is a bit like a filing action. I suspect the same thing must apply to fast alternate fingers and that you maybe don't land on the next string when playing really fast.One thing you guys don't seem to elaborate on is that the alternating fingers are different lengths and therefore must have a slightly different trajectory to each other

[@marc_leblanc]

I'm a guitar player who does a lot of songwriting so it made sense to learn bass so I can do some demos. Still got lots to learn though. :-)

[@jonmurphy776]

Dis help I get dat Rasta groove!🎉

[@michaelzollinger4977]

Ryan, I have purchased this course and love it! Question on the video, why not drop your thumb to the E string when going down the strings instead of pivoting? Hope to see you soon and stay groovy!

[@RyanMadoraMusic]

So glad you dig the course... thank you! Re: your thumb position, you can really do either. Staying put on the pick-up is cool or bouncing down to the E string (ie: floating to the next string) is a-okay. You can still do the pivot motion regardless to bring you hand closer to the higher strings.

[@freddysnip6257]

​@@RyanMadoraMusicwould it be ok to also let your thumb rest on the A en D string as well, instead of pivoting? I've seen some do that as well. I will try it anyway to keep my thumb on the pick-up and pivot to the other strings. I'm into almost 4 weeks of bassplaying now, and I want to approach it as much as possible as a real bass player would. I just want to play bass on the side, next to my guitar playing

[@geburu]

Hi Ryan! Found your content by way of your NoTreble articles. Not surprised to find your KZbin has fantastic lessons. While I would identify as a "failed guitarist", I think it's better to admit that Bass is likely the instrument I should have been playing all along. Would your "Guitarist's Guide To Bass" essentially be your beginner course regardless of background? Cheers from Vancouver!

[@RyanMadoraMusic]

Hey! Thanks so much for finding my channel and digging into things. The "Guitarist's Guide To Bass" is a great all around introduction, and IMO, is really just a good bass course for beginners to intermediate players. Hope you dig it!

[@geburu]

Appreciate the response! Guess I'm going to be a new student :) @@RyanMadoraMusic

[@rod_andrade]

Wooowwwwww full HD video.

[@bradsmith8193]

Once you go bass you never go back 😂

[@cvanhetkaar96]

White fish, like bass, is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It is It is chock full of complete and highly bioavailable protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium.. Plus, it contains 124 calories for a 3-ounce (85 gram) portion. 😁🐠🐠🐠

[@bradsmith8193]

@@cvanhetkaar96 I was thinking more along the lines of the 4 string variation but thanks for the the

[@cvanhetkaar96]

@@bradsmith8193 just having a little joke.., sorry for that, but sometimes i can’t help myself …😄👍

[@MARLONdaman]

Really “plucking” is guitar fingerpicking. You must keep your thumb out, creating a 45 degree angle between your thumb and your index finger. Avoids tension! YOU MST GET TENSION OUT OF OUR BODY WHEN PLAYING ANY INSTRUMENT!

[@KyleS.1987]

I moved to bass from guitar over ten years ago and still feel like an impostor sometimes.

[@RyanMadoraMusic]

I hear ya! There's a lot to learn on this instrument and impostor syndrome is a real thing, even if bass is your primary instrument.