[geeks] Guitar callouses

[Chad A. Chance]

Go for an electric, you can usually get one cheaper i it will prove more
useful in the long run.
I wouldn't go for a 5 string until you get the basics of a 4 string down.
Plus a 5 string is a bit harder to play due to the extra wideness of the
neck and the low B will hardly ever get used.

The best way to get started playing bass is not to play at all, I'm serious
here. Listen to all your favorite music and learn to isolate the bass,
listen to what it is doing, then listen again and pay attention to how the
drums and bass interact, then again with the guitar, keys, horns, whatever
on the top. Once you get a good idea of what really goes on, then start
playing. Also pick up a metronome, a big misconception it that the drummer
keeps the beat, but really it's the bassist that keeps the drummer in line.

Bass is a whole different animal than any other instrument, there are bass
players and there are bassists. I tend to think I fit in the later catagory,
once you get into it, you will start to understand. It's not hard to keep a
beat and hold down the root note, but to be melodic and expressive while
doing that, takes talent.

Ok I'll get off my music soap box now...

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me directly,
Chad

-----Original Message-----
From: geeks-admin at sunhelp.org [mailto:geeks-admin at sunhelp.org]On Behalf
Of Kris Kirby
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2001 3:06 AM
To: geeks at sunhelp.org
Subject: RE: [geeks] Guitar callouses


On Wed, 6 Jun 2001, Chad A. Chance wrote:
> I used to play Electrtic Bass profesionally, between rehearsals, gigs, and
> studio time I played anywhere from 20 to 60 hours per week. My callouses
> were so big the tips of my fingers looked deformed. Even to this day(I
quite
> about 6 years ago), I still have some minor callouses. I still play, but
> only a couple hours a week now, if that.

Anyone from the group want to give some pointers out on a good way to
start with a bass? Which is cheaper, electric or acoustic?

Personally, I like the idea of a five-string, but I don't have the $800
for it... and I'm left handed.... (really considering playing right handed
just so Dad can play with it... he sold his years ago.)

-----
Kris Kirby, KE4AHR          | TGIFreeBSD... 'Nuff said.
<kris at nospam.catonic.net>   |
-------------------------------------------------------
"Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony."

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