When I started to learn bass back in the early 70s, I would place the head of the bass against a door or window. The bass tone would resonate through the door or window enough for me to hear what I was playing. Did this for 3 or 4 years before my dad bought me my first bass amp. Where there is a will, there is a way.
I started with my mum's old ukulele tuned to bass tuning! For bass I can highly recommend the Korg Pandora. It works on batteries and you can hook it up to headphones or any stereo that has an aux input
Best advice I ever heard from a Pro like you. “Don’ let your limits limit you” amen man! Specially the point about being sort on ca$h. If you have the base, the fingers and the ears then that is really all you need to start.
My first amp was my bed, me and my brother Mike used to put the body or the headstock against the headboard or footboard and the sound resonated through the wood that started in 75' (I'm lefty, he's righty) and didn't get an amp til' 2 yrs later Now when the multi-effects pedals came out it was a Godsend (something I usually recommend to beginners) stick my headphones in pick a drum pattern and go ta town, I even used it for an amp in the clubs when I didn't have an amp, just plugged that sucker straight into the board.
Thank you brother for this video. I’m 62yrs old and just starting to learn how to play the bass. I get easily dejected because I can’t fret the strings right or I’m not at the point where I feel I should be so I start making excuses for myself and the next thing you know days have gone by without me practicing. If nothing else your video has inspired me not to put limits on myself, but to find a way to press through
I hear ya brother! Only now I have an electronic drumset, but I have played drums now for 23 years. Anytime I had access to a drumset... there we go. Otherwise I have a practice pad and drumsticks. I'm not the best drummer in the world, but I'm quite decent. Working with a simple wood and rubber practice pad and a pair of drumsticks... it has its limitations, BUT... lots of advantages. Did the same with the bass. Got my very own bass just 2 years ago, but the first paid gig with my band, I had to sit in for the bassist. He got sick. So I had a couple of days to learn about 40 minutes of music. I'm "THAT BROKE GUY" at the music store. Stay for hours, play with whatever... and buys a pack of guitar strings. I've done it for decades. The nicer you play, the more they just leave you alone, or they even tell you to play for as long as you want and basically you get some practice.
Great information Travis! I've been a Professional Bassist for 35 years. Sometimes I still put the head of my P Bass against something hollow like an oven to amplify the sound if I am just inspired, and not around my studio space...lol
I'm going on tour in a few months. I was definitely looking for something light, but I can still hear myself. The iRig, or the VOX sounds like a good fit for me. Thanks for the info!!!
I still play a lot without any amplification on purpose. It’s key to really get a clean and even sound. Especially with techniques like slapping or tapping.
Totally correct. I also started without an amp and had to get those techniques down. I used to lean the bass against my body so I could feel the vibrations and thus hear what I was playing
I have lots h of high end Gallon-Krueger amps both at home and the church I play. But to be considerate (and quiet) at home, I use a Donner Basement amplug. It cost about $25. It us not a high end product but it accomplishes the objective: practice quietly without annoying anyone practicing the same riff 100 times. It allows be to have a music source (phone or computer) to play along with.
Headphone amps are a game changer I'm about to buy my first bass and I already know it will be some time before i can afford a proper amp so this is my plan
This was a a great Video Travis thank you! I actually use Garage band on my computer and can actually play along with videos on TH-cam which works out great. I’m going to look into some of the options you recommended too.
Its almost a 1 year since i started to play, i still dont have an amp, Because of that i am used to pull stringers harder, so when i play on amp tone is clearer. Conclusion: Praticing without amp is good for you sometimes
Hey Travis, great info! I have one question that may be of interest to all of us, and that is what headphones do you recommend for practicing with the units you described as well as what is usable in a studio environment. Thanks!
Exactly thanks, an old guy like me, 50 years old I just bought a second hand bass for about 79 USD and play on nothing. Its sucks to be poor and want to have fun like average guys
Hi, Travis I just noticed you talking and explaining the iRig, I should have known it was an ios product. Is there any other situation besides ios that also use Android, I have both I just don't want to be restricted to iOS? I want to Listen to a song play along with it and record it and use headphones. I may have missed it but I will be going back to listen again but you didn't mention what headphones to use.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I'd like to play bass along to TH-cam videos through one mixed feed that goes to bluetooth headphones. Is there any way I can accomplish that with a USB audio interface into my computer? Thanks for any tips you can provide and stay safe!
Sid didn't plug it in to an amp and he sounded great. Added bonus it wouldn't get snagged on the cable when you try to smash the body on someone's head. Pro tip.
Sorry, I'm new please you can send it directly but it might help people knew like me to respond so they call can see it as well. I hope I'm not too new to this board, it's kind of embarrassing. I see an iRig Duo something like this for 169.00 is that a good one? IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O Audio/MIDI Interface to be exact.
Hi I’m looking into trying to learn bass, and my question Is is there a reason why you’re doing all of this instead of buying an acoustic bass to be able to play?
Acoustic basses tend to have strings with higher action (more distant from the fretboard), their design also males it harder to acces the end of your fretboard. It feels quite different than playing a “regular” electric bass, I guess you could compare it to the difference between an acoustic guitar and and electric one. Also, when you plug the acoustic bass it will have a different sound than a “regular bass”.
I want to learn my notes I just don't know where to start, I have been playing by ear. I don't know if that hurts my learning or not, I would like to take lessons I just don't know what instructor to choose. Do you have any suggestions?
I do offer some private lessons that are very limited on my Patreon, but I will be releasing a few courses that can help explain some of the concepts that many people struggle with in gospel so look out for that! Hopefully this helps!
tldr: buy a slab body bass and put flatwounds on it I kinda like it more without an amp: can play for days, while with the amp it takes ~2 hours to give me a headache
I just put my chin on my rented bass to learn a song or tag my bass head to a wooden chair or wooden cabinet for few years until I bought my first bass 😜😜😜😂😂😂
1:24 This part is untrue. Untrue at least for the 3rd gen model. I can't just plug this into a wall and jam. literally no sound unless I open a program that uses the 2i2. Willing to be proven wrong I'm still a novice at this.
When I started to learn bass back in the early 70s, I would place the head of the bass against a door or window. The bass tone would resonate through the door or window enough for me to hear what I was playing. Did this for 3 or 4 years before my dad bought me my first bass amp. Where there is a will, there is a way.
I started with my mum's old ukulele tuned to bass tuning!
For bass I can highly recommend the Korg Pandora. It works on batteries and you can hook it up to headphones or any stereo that has an aux input
Best advice I ever heard from a Pro like you. “Don’ let your limits limit you” amen man! Specially the point about being sort on ca$h. If you have the base, the fingers and the ears then that is really all you need to start.
My first amp was my bed, me and my brother Mike used to put the body or the headstock against the headboard or footboard and the sound resonated through the wood that started in 75' (I'm lefty, he's righty) and didn't get an amp til' 2 yrs later
Now when the multi-effects pedals came out it was a Godsend (something I usually recommend to beginners) stick my headphones in pick a drum pattern and go ta town, I even used it for an amp in the clubs when I didn't have an amp, just plugged that sucker straight into the board.
I’ve been a musician for about 20 years now and you taught me so much with this video! Thank you
Thank you brother for this video. I’m 62yrs old and just starting to learn how to play the bass. I get easily dejected because I can’t fret the strings right or I’m not at the point where I feel I should be so I start making excuses for myself and the next thing you know days have gone by without me practicing. If nothing else your video has inspired me not to put limits on myself, but to find a way to press through
I have been a bass player for 11 years without my own bass 😂
Now this is funny 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lmaoo same here
I hear ya brother! Only now I have an electronic drumset, but I have played drums now for 23 years. Anytime I had access to a drumset... there we go. Otherwise I have a practice pad and drumsticks. I'm not the best drummer in the world, but I'm quite decent. Working with a simple wood and rubber practice pad and a pair of drumsticks... it has its limitations, BUT... lots of advantages.
Did the same with the bass. Got my very own bass just 2 years ago, but the first paid gig with my band, I had to sit in for the bassist. He got sick. So I had a couple of days to learn about 40 minutes of music.
I'm "THAT BROKE GUY" at the music store. Stay for hours, play with whatever... and buys a pack of guitar strings. I've done it for decades. The nicer you play, the more they just leave you alone, or they even tell you to play for as long as you want and basically you get some practice.
hahahahahhaha ur good¡
Basslessness hurts us all.
I had an iRig a few years ago, but I didn't spend enough time learning how to use it. I think I'll get another one. Awesome info.
iRig is really underrated. I played guitar and bass gigs at churches for 3 years with just the iRig, an iPad and Positive Grid's Bias.
I have music contents check me out
Great information Travis! I've been a Professional Bassist for 35 years. Sometimes I still put the head of my P Bass against something hollow like an oven to amplify the sound if I am just inspired, and not around my studio space...lol
I'm going on tour in a few months. I was definitely looking for something light, but I can still hear myself. The iRig, or the VOX sounds like a good fit for me. Thanks for the info!!!
This is a great video i was so scared to get a bass but i feel reassured now
You know, Travis, you have a bit of the motivational speaker in you. I really enjoy your channel.
I still play a lot without any amplification on purpose. It’s key to really get a clean and even sound. Especially with techniques like slapping or tapping.
I second that dude!!
Totally correct. I also started without an amp and had to get those techniques down. I used to lean the bass against my body so I could feel the vibrations and thus hear what I was playing
I have lots h of high end Gallon-Krueger amps both at home and the church I play. But to be considerate (and quiet) at home, I use a Donner Basement amplug. It cost about $25. It us not a high end product but it accomplishes the objective: practice quietly without annoying anyone practicing the same riff 100 times. It allows be to have a music source (phone or computer) to play along with.
Good for you man, I admire people with your tude and determination.
Man! Love your guidance!! With the hacks and mostly with the motivation talk! Just awesome! Tks!
Headphone amps are a game changer I'm about to buy my first bass and I already know it will be some time before i can afford a proper amp so this is my plan
How's it going?
@@bedroxzbass4706 I used a VOX headphone amp for about a month before my Fender Rumble finally arrived it worked out great 👍
@@bedroxzbass4706 It's going well thanks for asking
This was a a great Video Travis thank you! I actually use Garage band on my computer and can actually play along with videos on TH-cam which works out great. I’m going to look into some of the options you recommended too.
I play An active pickup bass plugged directly into old school headphones it’s surprisingly loud to
Thank you for this video, which is really helpful. We just repainted our home interior - same colors as you have!
Great info!!! Found myself using some of these very suggestions while my GK 1001 was in the shop. Hope that you're doing well Travis!
More on the irig...
I have the irig 2...
Great video sir 👍
Thank you so much, I almost give up because a bass amp is too expensive for me
Thank you, brother, for all the great tips, much love, and blessings 🙏
Those words on the beginning bro 👌❤
Its almost a 1 year since i started to play, i still dont have an amp, Because of that i am used to pull stringers harder, so when i play on amp tone is clearer. Conclusion: Praticing without amp is good for you sometimes
I have the Korg Pandora......tons of features including a digital slowmo which at times very helpful in breaking stuff down
I have music contents check me out
Love your positivity bro! Keep up the good work!😁👍🏾
I have music contents check me out
Hello brother, what would you use on that vox amplug as headphones?? I wonder which headphones give you that sweet full bass sound. Thank you
Can you go through the process that you use when recording covers tutorials etc please
GREAT INFO! Just ordered me a Bass Mod k524.They sound and look great! Looking forward to following you for some more tip! Thanks Bro!
Can you do a video on how to set up ear monitoring and track
The Scarlett alone is almost the same price to an entry level but awesome for practice amp from Ibanez or Orange...
This is amazing!!!!!!! Wow, didn’t know all this was possible
Hey Travis, great info! I have one question that may be of interest to all of us, and that is what headphones do you recommend for practicing with the units you described as well as what is usable in a studio environment. Thanks!
I have music contents check me out
Exactly thanks, an old guy like me, 50 years old I just bought a second hand bass for about 79 USD and play on nothing. Its sucks to be poor and want to have fun like average guys
My irig hd2 is bus powered
Thanks for the super positivity
A stethoscope works well a cheap alternative. Tape it to the bass body near the pickups.
Maestro Travis how are you doing do you have somewhere you give bass lessons online?
Man looks like an old wise man from Anime, thanks for the video, helped a lot
Hi, Travis I just noticed you talking and explaining the iRig, I should have known it was an ios product. Is there any other situation besides ios that also use Android, I have both I just don't want to be restricted to iOS? I want to Listen to a song play along with it and record it and use headphones. I may have missed it but I will be going back to listen again but you didn't mention what headphones to use.
Great information!! Thanks for a great video!!
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I'd like to play bass along to TH-cam videos through one mixed feed that goes to bluetooth headphones. Is there any way I can accomplish that with a USB audio interface into my computer? Thanks for any tips you can provide and stay safe!
Sid didn't plug it in to an amp and he sounded great. Added bonus it wouldn't get snagged on the cable when you try to smash the body on someone's head. Pro tip.
Thank you so much for this video
Good video....nice encouraging words
Great video Travis.
I did a review of the Vox amPlug2, spanish though.
To me, this gadget is really the best option.
God bless you.
excellent message
Great video... I practice a lot late night at home while my wife is sleep 💤 I’ll look into the Irig
I rig 2 is prolly ur best best if your looking for a nice cheap one that’s the one I have 👍🏻
Awesome tutorial! Thank You!
I personally Use nothing for i can't afford any of these stuff but my eyes are on the target regardless pains I go through
Can you video record with the irig??
Thanks for this useful video.
I use acoustic bass for practice.
Sorry, I'm new please you can send it directly but it might help people knew like me to respond so they call can see it as well. I hope I'm not too new to this board, it's kind of embarrassing.
I see an iRig Duo something like this for 169.00 is that a good one? IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O Audio/MIDI Interface to be exact.
Great information!
Wow thank you sir. You da man
Hi I’m looking into trying to learn bass, and my question Is is there a reason why you’re doing all of this instead of buying an acoustic bass to be able to play?
Acoustic basses tend to have strings with higher action (more distant from the fretboard), their design also males it harder to acces the end of your fretboard. It feels quite different than playing a “regular” electric bass, I guess you could compare it to the difference between an acoustic guitar and and electric one. Also, when you plug the acoustic bass it will have a different sound than a “regular bass”.
Thank you very much !God bless u so much
I have music contents check me out
Is there a way to somehow plug it into a karaoke machine? That is the closest I have to an amp, and it's not even an amp, lol
Yeah, i still place my ear on the upper horn of my bass. :)
So is the iRig only for iphone or could it be any?
Didnt work with my maudio interface to the wall. Maybe its too old. Thing is from 2007
I dont think I hear the base true the iRig2 have it conected to my iPhone 📱 7 with a dongle. Maxed out volume on the iRig2.
I want to learn my notes I just don't know where to start, I have been playing by ear. I don't know if that hurts my learning or not, I would like to take lessons I just don't know what instructor to choose. Do you have any suggestions?
I do offer some private lessons that are very limited on my Patreon, but I will be releasing a few courses that can help explain some of the concepts that many people struggle with in gospel so look out for that!
Hopefully this helps!
I appreciate this
You rule Sir.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Great video
I have music contents check me out
Most of these options cost more than just buying a amp......
tldr: buy a slab body bass and put flatwounds on it
I kinda like it more without an amp: can play for days, while with the amp it takes ~2 hours to give me a headache
Rock on God bless
Twomad?
This is the real life Tolkien
🙏🙏
I have music contents check me out
I just put my chin on my rented bass to learn a song or tag my bass head to a wooden chair or wooden cabinet for few years until I bought my first bass 😜😜😜😂😂😂
1:24 This part is untrue. Untrue at least for the 3rd gen model. I can't just plug this into a wall and jam. literally no sound unless I open a program that uses the 2i2. Willing to be proven wrong I'm still a novice at this.
Bro you sound like Joe Rogan a little bit
Oh man, do you do some diet exercise? Haha looking less of weight
🍋 pardon me, too bad….you talk too much.