Maybe you've been wondering why some musicians say that you can best find your groove on a vintage bass guitar. Why not an easier to find, less expensive, modern-style bass guitar, you wonder?

Well, there's a reason why so much buzz surrounds instruments like the old Stradivarius violins, vintage Martin acoustic and vintage Fender or Gibson electric guitars, and vintage bass guitars. And, usually, it doesn't really have to do with anything nostalgic. No, it has to do with factors of artistic aesthetics and, yes, the factors most important to musicians, sound and feel.

Why not a modern electric bass? The truth is that while these are decent instruments, and some of them are very well-made, there is too much mass production of instruments today. There are some good points to this: it keeps costs lower so that more beginning musicians can afford decent equipment and, along with that, some people who perhaps would have been told by their parents that they can't afford to get them into music now become inspired to pick up the bass and learn to play.

Yet, all experienced, serious musicians know that unless you get a custom-build instrument (which is never cheap), vintage instruments are the way to go. "Vintage" here means instruments made anytime between ca. 1925 and ca. 1975 (if we are talking about modern music instruments like guitars and electric basses). Instruments made before this time are well-crafted but terribly primitive and not suited for the sonic attack needed by modern musicians. On the other hand, the mass production of modern musical instruments really got into full swing after about 1975, with things happening around that time like Fender selling out to CBS and stuff like that.

As big band jazz, then rock'n'roll, then fusion jazz, then louder and wilder rock music emerged and evolved and had offshoots, musical instrument makers competed heavily to find the most aesthetically pleasing designs, the best materials, and of course the best feel and sonic power for bass guitars and other modern instruments. While this sort of commitment to excellence still survives today, it's not nearly as urgent or widespread because music has, sadly, become so standardized, and cheaper materials are everywhere to be found.

And even when you can find a well-made, beautiful modern jazz or rock bass guitar, there is still one advantage that a vintage will have that is impossible to match: when good woods are used to make musical instruments, over the decades they age and "open up" and take on impossible-to-craft, subtle sonic powers. Want some incredible thumb-popping snap or a sharp-as-a-knife sound to play dual melodic leads with the guitar player in a progressive metal band? Nothing for you like a vintage Rickenbacker bass guitar. Or, if you get yourself a vintage Bubbinga fretless, you can lay down the rhythmic groove law like the Average White Band or Return to Forever.

So, if you have never before checked out a vintage bass guitar and have been wondering what all the fuss is about, find out for yourself.

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If you have watched a band and wished you were the person playing bass guitar, you may think it's time to take lessons. While lessons are a sure way to be the next one playing bass guitar, there are some other things you need to know first.

What type of bass do you want to play?

You will most likely want to play an electric bass, but you still have to decide which style you want to play. Do you want to be playing bass guitar on a typical four-string guitar? Or, would you prefer a bass guitar with a different sound such as a six or eight string bass guitar? This is something you need to know before you start lessons playing bass guitar.

Picking a Bass

As you look for the instrument you want for playing bass guitar, you should make sure the weight feels right. Instruments can very greatly in weight. You want one that is comfortable to hold and carry. You also want to make sure your hand is comfortable cupping the neck of the bass. You will need to be able to use your fingers to control the strings here.

Finding the Best Lessons

There are many ways to begin playing bass guitar. The best is to have a teacher help you learn. Playing bass guitar takes a lot of knowledge that a teacher will be able to pass along.

While there are a number of ways to take lessons (online, through DVD's, in person) the best is the in person approach. When you are playing bass guitar with a live teacher there is more instant feedback. This means you will be sure you are doing things correctly and likely learn more quickly.

Find a Position to Play

When you start playing bass guitar you will have to decide on the position you will hold the guitar when it comes time to play. Essentially, when you are playing the bass guitar you want your guitar to be in the same place whether you are sitting or standing. That way, no matter how you are playing, your hands don't have to adjust to a new position. You should make sure your position for playing bass guitar is comfortable to your wrists and arms or you will not be able to play your best.

Be patient

Playing bass guitar doesn't happen over night. You need to be patient above all. Take your time. Learn a few notes at a time and don't move on until you master them. Practice and in no time you will be playing like a pro.

By: Audrey Tan

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Guitar Lessons Singapore is the Only Guitar Agency In Singapore. Master The Guitar Quickly And Easily. Fun & Inspiring Guitar Lessons. Call Audrey @ 6844 8985. Learn more at www.guitarlessonssingapore.com

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