10 TIPS for beginner & self taught bassists | HOW TO TEACH YOURSELF BASS + mistakes you're making
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
After years of wanting to be a ✨ROCK STAR✨ I taught myself how to play bass as a beginner 5 years ago. Today I’m sharing 10 TIPS to help you learn bass too!
These are little tricks that you might not pick up if you don’t have a teacher, things that I got wrong myself and little hacks to make learning the bass guitar easier.
I’ve also included a bonus list of common mistakes new bass players make, so you can double check your techniques before you get too set in your ways.
I honestly LOVE playing bass because it is so easy to pick up.If you’ve always wanted to play music, I cannot recommend playing bass guitar enough. You can go from complete novice to playing professional gigs so quickly.
As promised, here’s a list of songs I found really easy to learn when I first started playing bass.
🌱 EASY BASS SONGS FOR BEGINNERS: 🌱
Hey - Pixies
Debaser - Pixies
Monkey Gone To Heaven - Pixies
Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
Haha - The Garden
Boys Don’t Cry - The Cure
Fascination Street - The Cure
The Lovecats - The Cure
Morals - Iceage
If you have any questions I’m happy to answer them in the comments below 🌸
SAY HELLO 💖🌱
My instagram: / billy.the.conqueror
My tiktok: / billy.the.conqueror
My band: foreverrenter.bandcamp.com/
My record + zine label: / @commoncult9715
LIKE + SUBSCRIBE for new creative content every week! xxx
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i just bought my first bass 5 months ago and i feel like i haven’t progressed much and i wasn’t sure what to do to progress, but this really helped! thank you!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes just keep going!! ❤️
@matthew2994
3 жыл бұрын
Nice
@theTrend7
3 жыл бұрын
I hope you keep going!!!
@trinityrogers4978
3 жыл бұрын
@@theTrend7 I still am!! Thank you :)
@theTrend7
3 жыл бұрын
@@trinityrogers4978 I'm glad to hear that, I was really discouraged in the beginning too. You'll get better you'll see !!!!!
#11 - learn a little theory every week example: learn what notes are used in major chord and minor chords - they will give a road map for which notes you can play besides the root note. Learn one chord every week.
@bruggmanbrandon5272
3 жыл бұрын
Finally real advice.
@App.ollo_
Жыл бұрын
do you know any good materials or sites to learn those?
THIS IS A SIGN FOR ME TO OFFICIALLY LEARN THE BASS
@theTrend7
3 жыл бұрын
DO IT!!!!!
@bruggmanbrandon5272
3 жыл бұрын
You should... however this video is garbage advice. Go to Scott's bass lessons.com
@theTrend7
3 жыл бұрын
@@bruggmanbrandon5272 No this video is HER advice and what encouraged HER to learn. Please do not come into someone else's video saying their opinion is garbage it makes you look bad. And as a fan of Scotts he would never come here just to trash her video and pull people to his site.
@JasperKloek
2 жыл бұрын
Scott isn't for everyone. And Billy the Conqueror isn't for everyone. It's a good thing we have both.
@Faoladh_
11 ай бұрын
Same lol
Just ordered a bass and everything else earlier today. I know absolutely nothing so I’m starting from 0 but this vídeo motivated me even more lol. I’ve actually been planning on learning bass for a few months now, literally have a playlist of songs I wanna learn to play eventually.
@takeonemusic5537
3 жыл бұрын
this is good for a quick laymans guide but i would not recommend this as a bass players bible and plus some of the info is simplified well! ! but you don't just order a bass and stuff online and try to learn to play...it doesn't work like that! go to a music shop and get proper advice and ALWAYS try before you buy! altho generally not bad video
@sirenthewolf8315
Жыл бұрын
how’s bass going? i’m just starting myself, one week in:)
i came from tiktok after having my bass since last christmas and still not improving, and now i’m in a freaking band!! thank you!!!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes this is sick!!!
@bruggmanbrandon5272
3 жыл бұрын
You won't progress if you listen to this advice dear...
@willardreads
3 жыл бұрын
@@bruggmanbrandon5272 actually since watching this video i have continued to improve quite well. this is for beginners to get started and find their footing. so don’t be a dick my dude. what might not work for you may help others. calm your elitism.
Can you tell I'm obsessed with rolling around in my new chair? 🙊 P.S. when I say "note" at 14:52 I meant "string"... it's been a long day
@chasbodaniels1744
3 жыл бұрын
I’m shopping for a swivel chair with no arm rests. Arm chairs are terrible for playing bass or guitar.
I love your attitude to beginners learning an instrument. So many people are put off by having to learn boring but easy songs (O When the Saints and Beethovens Minuet) and being told to practice "as slow as you need, so you don't make mistakes". Your tips, "play what you love" and "simplify what you play" are perfect for beginners, and it moves those beginners into intermediates way more quickly than having to trudge through the boring stuff at a snails pace. It is so much more effective to learn by playing a dead simple bass line to your favourite song (at real speed).
The last tip ist absolutely wrong to me... In my opionion, don't slide up and down the neck if not really necessary! Keep your movements as small as possible and learn your muting! Muting ist way more important than the actual playing imo. Sliding up and down and up the neck again my look more interesting and rockin' on stage than just playing in maybe the same fret but on another string, but you will soon experience bad fretted notes, an exhausted fretting hand/arm and ringing strings as soon as you play on another if you don't have a good muting technique. And you'll have to be REALLY fast at sliding as soon as the tempo increases.
This is making me want to pick up bass again
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Valeries WeekofWonders DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!
@jacobbullis8179
3 жыл бұрын
that's the point
@southjersey10
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, getting out my duster!
1. Tuners: Some tuners may not tune down to the Lord B of a 5 string. Also its best to use chromatic mode in the tuner 2. Picks: the big pick you showed work were also stubby picks are great bass picks. 3. Amp: you can also get headphone amps like the vox amplug. 4. Nails: while I thi k short ones is best. Nore flamenco guitar players use long fingernails on the strumming hand. And Do,,y parting had long nails on her chord hand she made a career playing guitar. I myself played guitar. I began playing bass when the bass player at church took a few months off when he got married. I borrowed one of his basses and started around 8-10 years ago.
This is the best bass advice for beginners advice video I’ve watched. I’ve watched so many, and yet I learned so much from this video others failed to mention
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Awww yay I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching 💗
To every other Bass Friend out there, there are also tracks on youtube with Bass taken out that are fun to play along to, and are very helpful.
my bass just came in this morning I am so excited
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yay!! That’s so exciting 💗💗💗
"Always use a tuner, repeat after m-" *_hysterical crying_* Update: "Always use an amp-" *hysterical crying intensifies*
@salemmustdie
3 жыл бұрын
damon pfp so true
@amy-jj6cm
2 жыл бұрын
just order a tuner lmfao
@vidovalaurq7082
2 жыл бұрын
@@amy-jj6cm or use an app😭
@amy-jj6cm
2 жыл бұрын
@@vidovalaurq7082 yeah
This was SO informative and helpful, thank you so much. It’s refreshing to get so much great advice in a quick easy to follow video!!!
Love your advice especially learning songs you love. I think this is the single most important thing to do. You are listening and learning your favorite tunes all at once.I used this method with the 6 string acoustic and it was the best. Never got bored and within 3 months i was playing well. Thanks for the advice. This is the path i will take learning to play bass.
love will tear us apart in the beginning :] I absolutely love joy division and this riff is just beautiful.
I really like your videos you give me witchy vibes ✨💕 I’m learning bass and this has helped a lot! Subscribed 😊 thank u!
Excellent ,well done Billy ,very helpful and inspiring ,I think you covered everything for someone starting out really well . Lovely cheerful presentation ,thanks .
after 27 playing bass, sel taught also, I approve everything, only one thing missing, eventually everybody will need to learn theory at some point, but at the start just kick ass all around till it sound propperly.
Just bought my first bass this week and convinced a friend to learn guitar. This video has been clutch!
Great starting point.Thanks Billy.
Thank you so much on the tip on how to get the bass notes on songs we don't have them by taking the guitar chords ! This is my first day of playing bass and thanks to you I've been able to starting learning a bassline of one of my fav songs I couldn't find the bass line of !!
I'm a learner myself and I am grateful that this presentation is going to help me along the way. Look, listen and learn - excellent advise, thank you.
Thanks. I love the simplicity you share. Can you do a follow up please. An example of a very very simple bass line in a song. Then the plucking and fret techniques to practice while crossing this first threshold. Thanks again.
This was so helpful, and I've been playing for many years! So many excellent tips! Hats off to you, ma'am!
Love will tear us apart, ugh!! Love it. Great video!
Thank you so much for your great advices :)
Very good motivation, I just put on new strings ... going for it Thanks
This was great. I loved it. I’ve been playing about 3 years. I absolutely love it. I play as much as possible. Often several hrs a day. When you fall in love with the bass it’s like nothing else.
I've just started to play bass and this is really helpful !
You are the first person I found who remembers what it's like to begin playing and to be clueless about everything. Most try explaining math with more math. Thanks for the video!
This is great thanks 🙏🏽
I love bass players. What a cool person. Great video. Thank you.
It is very encouraging that the first song you learned is the first song I learned, it makes me feel like I might improve a bit at some point! Also I had not heard several of these tips, amazing
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Woolf Pack oh yay! If you can play pixies songs you’re good enough to play in bands or anything else you want to do I reckon. I’m glad you liked the tips. P.S. I hope the username is a Virginia Woolf reference?
I never knew you were supposed to play right before the bar! Thanks!
I came from tiktok and this was such an informative video thankyou !!
I cannot even begin to tell you how much your video has helped me! This has clarified so much for me!!❤👏👏🙏🏾 Thank youuu!! Also, I LOVE your outfit!💯💯👏❤💯🙏🏾🙏🏾
Great vid! Thx
thank you for this vid!! I recently got a bass and am starting lessons soon but I want to learn quickly by self teaching at the same time
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Good luck learning bass! xx
Your first suggestion was really helpful because I can use both my hearing and my eyes for bass
Thank you Billy!!!
I considered myself as a beginner for 3 years because I thought I wasn't doing any approvment. Your video encouraged me thank you ! :')
i'm planning to learn bass and this vid is very helpful and motivating. thank you so much!!! subscribed ❤️
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
Aww yay I’m glad I could help! Good luck learning bass 💚
Actually your tips is to play any instrument. They are golden points tips! Thank you so much!
I still remember the day you decided to play and I tried drums using some tubs in your bedroom hehe
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! I still think the piece of paper on the pillow as a cymbal was genius 😅
@jilliandowell6182
3 жыл бұрын
@@BillyWillows oh yes, prodigy musicians right there haha
I was so amazed by the pixies and joy division played in the video, and then I saw the songs in the bio and OMG!!! Those are all my favorite songs, and THE GARDEN! I'm literally the garden's biggest fan ever.
omgg tysmmm !! this motivated me a lot
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
Yay!! Have you started learning yet? 💗
Wow!You are a huge inspiration to me! Every point you mentioned was so relevant as as someone still learning bass-thank you for this excellent video..and I've subscribed,so I'm looking forward to your future bass tuition!
@BillyWillows
Жыл бұрын
Aww thanks Christen, I really appreciate that! I'm working on some new music and content right now, hopefully I can share it with you soon 🥰
@christenangus6966
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your reply,Billy! I'll be so excited to see your new music and content! P.s-you rock!🎸🤗
A really good video. Thank you.
this is making me so excited to get my bass next month!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes!! I’m excited for you❣️❣️
@azura.802
2 жыл бұрын
@Rowan Kikkert I wanted to learn bass because of Marceline :)) and I just had my first bass lesson today!
im getting my bass on the 9th of october and this'll really help me out. thank you so much
@amy-jj6cm
2 жыл бұрын
have u gotten good
Well my favourite song are from red hot chilli peppers and im sure we all know flea bassline is hard to learn for a beginner
@marcoescobar8578
3 жыл бұрын
Higher ground is pretty beginner level! But you have to learn how to slap
@sofivilla1295
3 жыл бұрын
Depends on what songs
@norbe728
2 жыл бұрын
There are some of them that are fairly easy. "Snow", "Otherside" or even "Californication" are not that hard, although you may have to dedicate some time to learn them anyway.
YOU HAVE SUCH GOOD TASTE OMG
Donnie darko. Intro song. Pretty spot on for an self taught play by ear player.
Omg I learn with Hey too, pixie’s bass lines are great for beginners
Hii! I got my first bass at the end of last summer, but didnt really practice much until recently! Your video is really helpful and has many useful tips that i havent heard yet, thank you ❤☺
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
That’s so nice to hear! Thank you, keep practicing angel 💗💗
I relate to the part about being better at learning by ear. I can pretty easily adapt a song. Keeping rhythm and timing, though, I have a lot of trouble with that. Also, found out that online tabs are often very wrong
Learning scales will actually be more useful to you than learning songs as all the songs are based on scales. Also gives you the ability to make your own basslines.
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Learning scales is absolutely useful, but it can be a draw back if you’re impatient like me. I’ve been writing bass lines for years without ever officially learning my scales, I can just hear what notes fit in the song. Thanks for watching :)
@michalwawrzenczyk
Жыл бұрын
nah, learn songs you love first so you stay motivated. scales can come later when you get deeper
@silencedones4421
9 ай бұрын
@@BillyWillowsif you knew scales writing bass lines would be faster and way better.
my bass tip is get yourself an action figure - i use star wars figures to hold my picks and i have not lost them since 🤘
You, Este Haim, and Blu Detiger are the reason and my biggest inspiration I’m going to start to play bass! Mine arrived yesterday and I’m waiting to open to for my birthday later on today! :D
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
Yay! We love female bassist role models 😍😍 happy birthday Leslie, I can’t wait for you to start playing bass 💚
Subscribed already, as a guitarist who's been playing for four years and has taken a great interest in bass. I will be back once I actually own a bass 😂
aa so good to see another the garden fan!! the bass is always so cool in their songs, wyatt is the reason i finally decided to start playing bass and i love it so much :D
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Wyatt is a great example of how powerful bass can be in a band, it can stand for itself with or without guitar and can provide rhythm, melody and (with effect pedals) harmony too
@krisfartface
3 жыл бұрын
@@BillyWillows totally agree! wyatt and his bass completely changed how i viewed the instrument and i really respect him for that :D
Keeping your bass within easy reach is number one on my list. I play multiple musical instruments and it's always the ones in view, within arms reach, that get the most attention. My advice; put your bass on a guitar stand right next to where you normally spend most of your time. And leave it plugged into your amp, amp's power switch also within easy reach, everything ready to go. Reaching for it will then become a relaxed second nature response, rather then a time consuming deliberate physical task. And this will effortlessly increase the time you spend with your bass, helping you progress as a musician.
@cosmicpanda7043
11 ай бұрын
Completely agree, but if you have an active bass don't ever leave it plugged in unless you wanna be constantly buying new 9v batteries. Active electronics engage when you're plugged in even if the amp is off
All good advice.
3:35 woah, same desk haha! Nice little tips, most of which I've picked up over the last few weeks I've played. To be fair, I came from playing a 6 string so it was probably a bit easier for me.
This is great as a first step. I then took the advantage of getting lessons. The level of skill for me progressed exponentially due to having lessons and learning theory. I'm self taught for a number of instruments but never really progressed without the theory. Bass is awesome!!!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Theory just clicks for some people, and others just never get it. I love music theory and my little logical brain likes knowing a little bit about keys and modes. But many of my very talented friends know nothing of theory, they learn better with their hands than their minds I guess! Keep playing Kimberley xxx
yesss love the garden!!!
i play ukulele piano drums and guitar but ive never rly played bass ive only tried bass at guitar center playing stuff like feel good inc but i wanna get a bass and learn more so thanks
great video. The part about holding the strings down harder depends on the bass set up to an extent. i picked up a bass a couple weeks ago and had issues with my fingers getting torn up from how hard i was having to fret the strings combined with constant sliding because my action was way to high. Upon setting the action to a more reasonable standard my fingers felt much better and i can hit frets faster with out herculean strength.
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
Yes getting it properly setup, especially for your playing style really helps!
You had me with the Pixies lol
Great Video! 🌺
thx!!!
love will tear us apart!! i love that song sm
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Such a classic 👌
haven't actually got a bass yet but ive wanted to play for a few years and might be able to finally get one soon
There are guitar tuner apps also. I use Guitar Tuna
Hello, well explained, great job. 🎼🎶🎹🎵🎸.
I remember when i used to get my hands cramped with maj7 chords. Now sus2 chords are second nature without breaking a sweat
Hey thanks. I have a bass. Ive been encouraged by friends to pick it up, "cuz im a natural". Lol. I do love it, but still somewhat intimidated by it. Just the like guitar over there staring at me. I dont play it so i dont end up hating it. I paint mostly. But none the less. I think ur video was totally helpful. Thanks for being able to relate and re-source. Cheers high 5. :)
I've been playing bass for something like 47 years and I to this day don't know how to read music. At all!!!! But I can play bass!!!!! 100% by ear, I know nothing else. If I were asked to teach someone how to play, I wouldn't know where to start, because I just do it!!!! But you explain it very well!!!!! This is exactly how I learned! Although when I learned, I didn't have the resources that are now available! LOL!!!! Anyway.... this is a really good video and if you want to play bass.... this girl knows exactly how it's done!!!! Again, great video!!!!
This is literally the most informational video I’ve ever watched in such a short time
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad to hear it! 😊
I'm buying a bass soon. this video was super helpful. THANKS
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yay thanks for watching!
I bought my first Bass+ Amp for 75 euros off eBay a couple of weeks ago and can't wait to get properly started over the summer break, so thank you so much for the video :)
@BillyWillows
2 жыл бұрын
Yay! Such a good summer break project, have fun 💗
Please do some more videos like this! I’m trying to find out if bass is for me (I have teeny tiny hands) I’d love more info on writing songs on bass etc!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
I have small hands too, I know the pain! I've got a songwriting video coming soon xx
@katiem4654
3 жыл бұрын
Billy the Conqueror do you play a short scale bass? I’m looking into buying a ibanez gio mikro short scale and was wondering if it is actually better? X
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
@@katiem4654 yeah I play a ¾ scale bass which I’m pretty sure is the same thing as short scale. I think it is SO much better for anyone who struggles with reaching the frets. Some people say the sound quality isn’t as good but honestly I don’t think the listener would be able to tell!
I got my bass two days ago for my bday and today my dad and I went to get the amp !! I'm SO exited, I'm learning Private Idaho by the b52s and I'm almost there : )) Thank you for your tips, they are very helpful uwu Love your energy
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
B52's songs have great bass lines!! Have fun angel xxx
As somebody currently teaching myself, this was rather insightful. From one P-Bass player to another, thank you for said insight.
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
You're most welcome!
@bruggmanbrandon5272
3 жыл бұрын
None of what she said will progress you my friend.... dont be lazy and do tabs... learn music like it was meant to be. So you understand it and how it works... you will plateu with tabs and never progress... LEARN MUSIC
@luisrosario3781
3 жыл бұрын
@@bruggmanbrandon5272 If that's your opinion of how you're "supposed" to learn music, then you do you, pal. I'm just gonna keep doing what feels best for me.
@cosmicpanda7043
11 ай бұрын
@@bruggmanbrandon5272Don't get me wrong, learning theory is vital to becoming a good bassist (Unless you're some kind of perfect pitch prodigy), but when you're first starting out and getting used to the techniques necessary to play, it's much better to keep it simple and learn things you like.
Tip #7 is so accurate lol i keep my bass out and connect to the amp which is literally next to my bed thank you for all the tips!! :D
@veliki_dlek
Жыл бұрын
Don't do that it drains the battery if it's an active bass.
Well done.
Billy Sheehan said it's also good to play your bass with no amp so you can feel the sound of your instrument natural, and Fat Mike from NOFX uses a floppy .65mm jim dunlop pick on his bass, scales, arpeggios and chords are great things to practice too, I greatly enjoy this video, earned my sub, up the irons sister 🤘☠🤘
@olivercraig4729
Жыл бұрын
Fat Mike actually plays a .60 mm pick
Great Video. Unfortunately I know and do all this already. I want to be able the follow along with other bands at open mic nights like my mates do. I have the theory but I want to be able to use it. My goal is to quit my job and play bass full time. I dont discriminate on songs or venues. As long as im playing and making money.
I wanted to learn how to play for few years now but I can't pull the trigger on it 😩 but I saw this video and also really cool pink bass guitar and that must be a sign
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Get the cool pink bass guitar!
thanks for this, it was hard to find a woman with bass tutorial on youtube among all the guys :) i'm still not certain wether i whould pick up playing bass (never played in instrument in my life and I'm 35 now) but, I love music and what's the worst that could happen eh? :) gonna watch more of your videos! :)
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes we need a few more women in music I reckon! Give bass a crack, you've got nothing to lose xxx
Start with Love Will Tear us Apart : I know its gonna be a perfect vid
Not here because of TikTok. You drew me in with Joy Division and I am a huge Pixies fan ;-) Just started learning myself (day 4 atm) and watching loads of video's about learning bass :-P. I like your video. Hearing about how you went about it is inspiring!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome to hear! Joy Division and Pixies are two of my all time favs, and such fun basslines. Keep playing! 💖
Probably the quickest I've ever liked a video.
I love mark hoppus playing 5ths
hey was also my first song! what a coincidence
Just seeing this now: still legit
I can't wait to (hopefully) get a bass for my bday un a few wks!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
Yes I hope you do!
@ishanimazumder3064
3 жыл бұрын
@@BillyWillows I got one today for my bday!
@BillyWillows
3 жыл бұрын
@@ishanimazumder3064 happy Bday!! Have fun xxx
I’m so glad you mentioned the songs you love one, I literally got a bass cause I wanna play attention by Charlie puth and don’t start now by dua lipa, I’m gonna start by jamming those :)
@BillyWillows
Жыл бұрын
Yes! Have fun with it ✨