Learn

Beginner path

Top to bottom, in order. Do each one until the status moves from "Learning" to "Comfortable" before starting the next.

  1. 1

    Sitting and holding the bass

    Learning

    Hold the bass in a way you can sustain for an hour without hurting.

  2. 2

    Right-hand fingerstyle — alternating i and m

    Not started

    Pluck the strings with alternating index and middle fingers.

  3. 3

    One-finger-per-fret

    Not started

    Assign one left-hand finger to each of four consecutive frets.

  4. 4

    Muting — the sound of silence

    Not started

    Stop strings you are not playing from ringing out.

  5. 5

    Notes on the E and A strings

    Not started

    Memorize every note on the two lowest strings, frets 0–12.

  6. 6

    Notes on the D and G strings

    Not started

    Extend fretboard memory to the upper two strings.

  7. 7

    The major scale

    Not started

    The seven-note template behind most Western music.

  8. 8

    The minor pentatonic scale

    Not started

    Five notes that sound good over almost anything in a minor or blues key.

  9. 9

    Root-5 patterns

    Not started

    The two-note pattern that gets you through most country, rock, and folk songs.

  10. 10

    Locking in with a metronome

    Not started

    Play dead on the click, then slightly ahead, then slightly behind — on purpose.