When I was 12 years old 2 friends of mine and I were going to start a band even though none of us played or had instruments. One of my friends said to me you're going to play bass. I said which 1 is that? And he said the 1 with 4 strings which sounded Easier than guitar so I was in. I wouldn't actually start playing until I was 21 but I simultaneously learned guitar and base. That was 1990 and I love playing both to this day. Early influences were Getty Lee Steve Harris. Later I got into Brian Ritchie Victor Wooten and bach. I take influences from everywhere. Piano players Eastern European folk music the list is pretty vast. It's something I recommend because it gives you more tricks in your magic bag to play an Explorer.
It all started many moons ago when I heard Willie Weeks solo on the bass guitar playing with Donny Hathaway on the song titled “Everything is Everything!” I’ve always appreciated the bass for its rich tones and rhythmic qualities but that day when I heard Willie Weeks I knew one day I would be playing the bass guitar. I’m 63 yrs old and I’ve been playing now for three yrs and although it took this long to get here I’m all in, practicing everyday! I’ve performed with a band and recorded bass lines on my daughter’s (Renee Dion) latest cd titled “Haven.” You’re never too old to pursue your dreams, I’m on my journey now!
You're right Rob, you're never too old to get started and glad to here that your journey has begun - I know the Donny Hathaway record well, Mr Weeks is absolutely masterful!
Glad to hear your story. Wanted to play bass since I was 12 but didn't even get my 1st guitar or instrument until I was 21. Someone told me to learn guitar to make me a better base player so I've been playing both since 910. You refer what I've been telling people since I started and that it is never too late to start. Keep jamming my man.
I'm a newbie to the bass having started in July when I also bought my 11yo daughter a fender Bronco short scale. I've been fascinated with the sound of bass since I was a kid but when my daughter fell in love with John Deacon's playing through queen, it rekindled my own interest. Ritchie, thanks so much for your videos as they have helped both me and my daughter a lot. I average at least 1 hour a day on my bass (Ibenez GSR200 GIO) and truly love it!
I grew up playing the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games. Whenever I would go over to my friend's house, I would play bass to his guitar because he was so much better than me. From there on out I was fascinated by the instrument. Now 24 years of age, I am just starting out on the bass and I'm loving it. Cheers!
when I was 18 I had buddies in a garage band playing around and it looked like fun , I wanted to be part of this , one guy said hey Mark be our bass player , I said what , they pointed at a 1969 Fender P bass pick that up and play it , from then on I was hooked , now here I am at 61 , that time passed real fast , faster than you could ever believe.
3rd grade elementary school, crary elementary school Detroit, MI specifically. We were all brought into the auditorium to hear all the different types of instruments. I can remember the seat I was in when this Big 8th grader started walking his upright Bass... I was hooked like crack cocaine ever since. That was September 1968. If i had only bought that fender P bass then, if only.....
When I was 12 years old 2 friends of mine and I were going to start a band even though none of us played or had instruments. One of my friends said to me you're going to play bass. I said which 1 is that? And he said the 1 with 4 strings which sounded Easier than guitar so I was in.
I wouldn't actually start playing until I was 21 but I simultaneously learned guitar and base. That was 1990 and I love playing both to this day. Early influences were Getty Lee Steve Harris. Later I got into Brian Ritchie Victor Wooten and bach.
I take influences from everywhere. Piano players Eastern European folk music the list is pretty vast. It's something I recommend because it gives you more tricks in your magic bag to play an Explorer.
It all started many moons ago when I heard Willie Weeks solo on the bass guitar playing with Donny Hathaway on the song titled “Everything is Everything!” I’ve always appreciated the bass for its rich tones and rhythmic qualities but that day when I heard Willie Weeks I knew one day I would be playing the bass guitar. I’m 63 yrs old and I’ve been playing now for three yrs and although it took this long to get here I’m all in, practicing everyday! I’ve performed with a band and recorded bass lines on my daughter’s (Renee Dion) latest cd titled “Haven.” You’re never too old to pursue your dreams, I’m on my journey now!
You're right Rob, you're never too old to get started and glad to here that your journey has begun - I know the Donny Hathaway record well, Mr Weeks is absolutely masterful!
Glad to hear your story. Wanted to play bass since I was 12 but didn't even get my 1st guitar or instrument until I was 21. Someone told me to learn guitar to make me a better base player so I've been playing both since 910. You refer what I've been telling people since I started and that it is never too late to start. Keep jamming my man.
I'm a newbie to the bass having started in July when I also bought my 11yo daughter a fender Bronco short scale. I've been fascinated with the sound of bass since I was a kid but when my daughter fell in love with John Deacon's playing through queen, it rekindled my own interest. Ritchie, thanks so much for your videos as they have helped both me and my daughter a lot. I average at least 1 hour a day on my bass (Ibenez GSR200 GIO) and truly love it!
I grew up playing the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games. Whenever I would go over to my friend's house, I would play bass to his guitar because he was so much better than me. From there on out I was fascinated by the instrument. Now 24 years of age, I am just starting out on the bass and I'm loving it. Cheers!
Loving reading your comments guys and seeing your musical heroes!
when I was 18 I had buddies in a garage band playing around and it looked like fun ,
I wanted to be part of this ,
one guy said hey Mark be our bass player , I said what , they pointed at a 1969 Fender P bass pick that up and play it , from then on I was hooked , now here I am at 61 ,
that time passed real fast , faster than you could ever believe.
3rd grade elementary school, crary elementary school Detroit, MI specifically.
We were all brought into the auditorium to hear all the different types of instruments.
I can remember the seat I was in when this Big 8th grader started walking his upright Bass... I was hooked like crack cocaine ever since. That was September 1968.
If i had only bought that fender P bass then, if only.....
You sure it wasn't James Jamerson?
I love the sound of the bass guitar and I sing in the male choir at church .
Where did you go mate?
what happened to Richie?