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Just learning the bass guitar? These bass lessons will get you started.

The very first of the bass lessons for beginners shows you how to position your hands.

A question I am always asked by beginner bass guitar players? Where do I put my thumb?

There are two different positions to consider.

First, while playing the E string, or (4th string) obviously your thumb can not be resting on it or that string will not vibrate and you won't get any sound.

So? Rest your thumb anywhere else that feels comfortable, like on the pick-up, or on the pick guard.

Bass guitar right hand technique If you are a beginner the best right hand playing technique is to pluck the strings with your index, and middle finger.

There are of course other ways to play the bass, like using other fingers, or using a guitar pick, however, using your first two fingers is the most "pure" method and one that you should stick to when learning.

Bass guitar right hand techniqueYou may notice when I am playing the E string I rest my thumb on the pick-up, this is not a "required technique" it is just something I do when I am playing that particular bass (Fender Jazz) it is neither right nor wrong.

Bass guitar right hand technique When playing the other strings it is proper to rest your thumb directly on the E string. This helps in dampening so when playing the G, D, or A, the E string will not ring from the vibration of the bass.
Bass guitar right hand technique

Now for the left hand, (or right hand if you are left handed).

As in the photo below your thumb and middle finger should be exactly opposite each other.

Bass guitar left hand technique

One of the best things my first bass teacher taught me and really helped me progress was that you should use one finger per fret, but I'll speak more about that in the next bass lesson.

More lessons

Playing a simple 12 bar blues...

Back to bass lessons for beginngers...

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small finger on my left hand  starstarstarstarstar
How can I teach my little finger to stay in place? It's hard to reach.

Changing from major to minor during a song   starstarstarstarstar
How do you change from major to minor during a song?

how do position my left hand i didnt see it well  starstarstarstarstar
Is a nice work you people to help learn on net.

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i just want to thank you for taking your time to teach us how to play the bass.thank you .


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