Q&A for How to Play Bass

I'd recommend practicing and learning the regular guitar first. Anything you can do a guitar you can do on a bass, but it's going to be much easier on your hands if you start with a classical guitar first.

I would say it's learning all the different strings and string sets, like a low B string. It's hard to focus on that without losing your place. Also, the patterns can be kind of tricky. It's not just a few bass drops you'll need to learn; you have to learn different walks, different runs, and different structural patterns on the baselines.

Compared to regular guitar strings, basses use a kind of heavy gauge steel string. These strings are a lot stronger and heavier, so you're going to develop calluses if you don't already have them.

If you are a beginner, start with the roots. Then move to fifths and scales. After you have mastered them, you can move on to more complicated music.

No age is too old to begin, presuming there are no health issues like arthritis that would prevent you from doing so.

Some people don't like the sound and the quality when you play bass with a pick. Traditionally, you're supposed to play with your fingers.