I'm attempting to learn bass guitar but I can't seem to get the right rhythm, and the strings keep vibrating as I strum.

 

The Bass I'm using.

 

 

This is the tune(?) I'm trying to do at the moment:

• E, 5th fret 8 times.
  
• A, 3rd fret doing the same.
  
• A, 8th fret doing the above.
  
• A, 5th fret doing the above.
  
• A, 10th fret doing the above.
  

 

 

I'm doing it by fingerwalking as in whilst holding the fret, when I strum I hold the side of the bridge and strum alternately with my index and middle finger.

 

This video kinda shows what I'm doing.

 

 

Any tips? I'll try and update my progress.

 

 

 

UPDATE 1: I've ALMOST mastered the above rhythm. The only thing in my way is the irritating buzzing from the string whenever I pluck. :angry:

Where on the fret are you holding the string down? It helps to hold it closer to the actual fret to begin with, instead of in the middle. Keep doing what you're doing, it might help to just do it acoustically without your amp first over and over to get the right rhythm, then see how it sounds :thumbsup: Depending on how long you've been playing, it may hurt to hold the strings down hard at first but your fingertips get stronger, so keep persevering. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I'm trying to put my middle finger as near to the fret as possible. And yeah, my left middle is kinda blistered, but then again I burnt it a couple of days ago. Thanks for the support, man. :)

I actually give bass lessons for fun to my friends who are in bands :)

But if you're having trouble with the rhythm, try using JUST your plucking hand, and don't fret anything with the other hand. That way you can focus just on plucking the strings correctly. Once your fingers can pluck the correct rhythm easily, then you can add the fretting hands.

Another excersice that may be very helpful for you, is just simply doing the chromatic scale up and down the fretboard. You can't overlook the fundamentals :)

As far as that goes though, try to pay alot more attention, and give special care to the first 4 or 5 frets on the neck, as opposed to anything higher, because obviously the lower frets on a bass are spaced alot further apart. But if you can master the chromatic scale between the first and fourth fret, everything else should be a relative breeze :)

Okie doke, cheers. Another thing might be that I'm using my fathers' bass, so it might be a bit big/small. My armspan is 140cm around about, and I think my dad has slightly shorter arms.

Update: I've mastered that riff (finally remembered the correct word) and it doesn't vibrate...well the amp does, but yeah. :thumbsup:

 

What do next?

Update 3: Attempting to do riff for '

' by the Beatles.

Just a piece of advice I'm giving you right as you're starting: use your fretting hand pinky. Get used to it. If you don't start using it early, it'll hamper your playing because you'll find workarounds using your other fingers. Whenever you have a 3 fret interval, as such:

|-------------------------------1-2-3-4|
|------------------------1-2-3-4-------|
|------------1-4-1-1-1-4---------------|
|2-2-5-5-5-5---------------------------|

Try to use your index for the first fret, your middle finger for the second fret, your ring finger for the third, and your pinky for fourth.

 

Also, once your right hand starts playing "on its own", start learning theory.

http://www.musictheory.net/

Now I've learned Come Together I might try another song. Any suggestions?

Now I've learned Come Together I might try another song. Any suggestions?

 

A sweet bass guitar song is Pink Floyd's Money. Easy enough to learn and most people will recognise the riff straight away.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olL_vvMkuyA

 

Counting in 7/4 can be a bit confusing, but you'll get used to it.

I was thinking about that, haven't played in a couple of days. :D

 

 

 

$$$$

Yeah do Money, that'll help you practice what I posted.

I have a metronome Aeon_/Jake can borrow anyway. Money would be a great track to learn :D

I've now learned Money and Smoke on the Water, after a couple of weeks not playing.

Try this. It'll make your right hand cry. You might want to learn to play with your right hand ring finger.