Q&A for How to Play Bass

I'd recommend practicing and learning the regular guitar first. Anything you can do a guitar you can do on a bass, but it's going to be much easier on your hands if you start with a classical guitar first.

I would say it's learning all the different strings and string sets, like a low B string. It's hard to focus on that without losing your place. Also, the patterns can be kind of tricky. It's not just a few bass drops you'll need to learn; you have to learn different walks, different runs, and different structural patterns on the baselines.

Compared to regular guitar strings, basses use a kind of heavy gauge steel string. These strings are a lot stronger and heavier, so you're going to develop calluses if you don't already have them.

For beginners, start by learning the roots of chords. Once you've mastered these, progress to playing fifths and scales, which will prepare you for more complex music.

You are never too old to start playing bass. The only potential limitation would be health issues, such as arthritis, that could physically prevent you from playing.

Some bass players object to picks because they prefer the warmer, more articulate tone often achieved with fingerstyle playing. Traditionally, bass is most commonly played using your fingers.