Beginner Bassist? 3 Bad Habits to Avoid When Starting Out

September 14, 2017

Whether you’re brand new to playing music or a seasoned musician looking to switch gears, learning the bass guitar can be a daunting task.

Are you going to borrow, rent, or buy your gear? Will you take private lessons or teach yourself via online resources? And what about fitting practice time into your busy schedule?

Lucky for you (not so much for me), I’ve made some mistakes during my 10 years or so as a self-taught bassist. Since time machines don’t exist, the best I can do is keep other bassists from the same fate! So if you’re new to handling the low end, check out the list below for several bad habits to avoid.

3 Bad Habits All Beginner Bassists Should Avoid

Not learning proper technique.
Limiting yourself to playing one style of music.
Not learning the basics and understanding the function of the bass in a band.

**1. Not learning proper technique (*enter Captain Obvious).**

This is basic, I know, but someone needs to say it! Consider taking at least a few private lessons from a local instructor (or an online bass instructor).

Having an experienced player at your side to show you what you’re doing right and wrong can make a huge impact. Posture, proper right/left hand technique, fretboard navigation, string muting, and basic music theory are all crucial aspects of playing the bass. Nailing down these essentials will give you that solid foundation you need to pursue those advanced techniques in the future.

2. Limiting yourself to playing one style of music.

Ah, the mid-2000’s. The heavy music scene was roaring with bands like Underoath and Killswitch Engage. I was in high school during this era, and metal was pretty much all I listened to. My motto was “If they ain’t screamin’, I ain’t listening!”

While there is nothing wrong with having a favorite genre of music, don’t limit yourself to one. There is a plethora of great music out there! My music library now consists of anything from jazz to post-rock. Not only do I enjoy listening to it- it has definitely affected my playing as well.

There are many different techniques that you can take from various genres. Branch out and adapt those musical concepts to your style of playing by listening to the bass lines. If you’re wanting to play for a living, knowing how to play different styles of music will get you more gigs. Also, playing the upright bass will take your versatility even further!

3. Not learning the BASSics (pun very much intended) and understanding the function of the bass in a band.

The first thing I wanted to do when I brought my first bass home was learn how to slap. I mean, who doesn’t?! Slapping, tapping and harmonics are all fun techniques to learn. But, if you start out thinking you’re going to be the next Marcus Miller within a few weeks then you’re in for an unpleasant surprise.

During a podcast, Victor Wooten compared these techniques to “icing on the cake.” But without learning the basics there would be no cake to ice in the first place!

Learn your scales. Learn how to groove. Learn how to read music and play by ear. Play with a metronome and learn how to keep time. And ultimately, understand the role of your instrument in the band. Understand that you and the drummer are the glue that holds everyone together. Sure, you may not get to play any bass solos or be in the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean you’re not important.

There you have it! As a beginner bassist, take some lessons, listen to some Icelandic indie pop, and get cracking on those scales and modes.

Oh, and remember- more cake, less icing.

Happy grooving!