Guitar moving to Bass

SpeedStar

I've been playing electric guitar for about 4 years (fairly intensely)(I can play Paul Gilbert - Scarified), and now I'm looking to add
the electric bass to my arsenal. My circumstances are such that I need to learn to play Bass well enough to teach to Beginners
by Febreuary next year. I've got the holidays and January to reach a level to teach, is it possible? I'm only refering to the physical
aspects, I'm not sure of the techniques a bass player uses, but I am planning to start using fingers instead of a pick.

Forgot to mention: Should I get a 4-string or a 5-string bass? Whats the difference? I play fusion jazz funk and prog-rock.

Thanks

FruitarGeek

I personally would go for a 5 string. Why, well because it becomes useful, and even if you dont use the B string that often, you still have the other 4 strings to contend with ?. Also, I own a 4 String bass, and my friend owns a 5 string, they Both Cort, and very similar, but his feels so much nicer, the distance between the strings feels more comfortable and makes doing scales IMO that much easier. For Prog Rock also, you can never say no to the lower frequencies. My friend plays Jazz, he is actually pretty big in the Jazz scene in Stellenbosch and he is the one with the 5-string, so maybe thats saying something. Hope that helps kinda.

DaFiz

I'd go for a 4string. I'm in the same boat, not a real bassist but just enjoying playing bass. ?

Try a blues riff and simply speed it up and change the key for the next song.
When in doubt refer to http://www.bassmasta.net/ for guidance.

It's huge fun. :woohoo:

Wanna get together with me and make a start I'll be glad to help with the basics,
therafter get a real teacher... 8)