Chip Sengravy

How long would it take me to learn to play to a reasonable standard? I have quite a good ear for music, or is it not that simple?

douglasb

Do you already play guitar? If you already know musical theory as well as having an ear for music you've got a head start. If you can read music, even better.

If you already have a guitar and haven't bought a bass yet, search for bass tab for songs you know and try playing the bass part on the guitar. Obviously the string and fret spacings are totally different but the notes are the same (albeit an octave lower on the bass) and you might get a feel for the bass this way.

Chip Sengravy

never played in my life....

David Lock

I think age is a huge factor. My son's mate who is just 18 plays bass really well and he was good at around 15/16 having started at 14. He gives lessons and his young students can play reasonably after about 18 - 24 months. If you're over 30 I reckon it takes twice as long. But "how long's a piece of string?" is an equally valid question

IanWatson

I'm with David - if you're a kid it's easy enough, but it'll take a lot of motivation and persistance to learn your first instrument as an adult. Not impossible by any means, but dedication will be the deciding factor, not talent.

blubs

Ok, I'll be the disagree guy then!

IMHO, the beauty of learning an instrument is that age is not a factor, (within reason of course).

The most important thing here is the end result. Are you playing for sheer pleasure, possible pub band etc., or do you really want to become expert?

My advice, play for pleasure. see how it goes and don't measue yourself against anyones opinion on where you should be, after a period of time playing.

Anything else is a bonus?

Cheers

blubs

unclebuck

I'll play the f*ckin' thing......

pass it over here....

oik

Thing is, it will be the same old tune over and over and over and over ...........

Billbill

Bass is the beat.
If you haven't a metronome in your head, do it for pleasure.

I have acoustic bass, "F" hole classic 6 and acoustic 12.
All Fenders.

Play for my own pleasure and in jam sessions.

Guitar is my favorite. (Moderately good with other stringed instruments also)

Play for melody first, find out if you really have the dedication to continue.
Preferably on a borrowed instrument!
Less expensive that way.

woodmeister

I've played the guitar (badly) for a just over a year and I reckon progress is down to how much practise you put in, there really is no magic formula. I try and pick up the guitar every day even if it's only for 10 mins and I've found the 'little and often' mantra works for me.

kwaky

I've been playing the bass for 12 years, and before that I played the cello for 9-10 years (so now you can guess how old I am.)

Its irrelevant how long you "think" something will take. What matters is that you really want to play, and that you're willing to practise. This sounds so corny, but its true. There would be 2 possible ways of picking up the bass. Whichever way you choose, you need to learn how to hold the thing and play. (Like none of this plectrum rubbish you see on top of the pops ) Then you can either study through sheet music (if you can't read music this will be harder). Alternatively you can jam along to your favourite CDs or buy play along CDs - which maybe more fun.

I play mainly Jazz/Funk/Soul as this is the most stimulating/challenging. Used to play semi-pro.

Let me know if you need more guidance/help

ScoobyDoo555

It's the same as ANY instrument - practice and dedication. Simple as that.

I used to teach piano/keyboards when I was 16 - my pupils ranged from 8 to 58!!

Remember, the whole thing about music is that it is meant to be enjoyable!! - sounds obvious, but once you get into the theory/notation side, it is like learning a language.

Go for it

Dan