When it comes to decide how to learn to play bass guitar don t rely on your friends that just started on their on.As much as I believe in auto-didactic learning - (for many people this is the best way to learn while others need a dedicated teacher) - looking back, I have to admit I could have saved me a lot of time while learning faster had I chosen the right method.
Are you aware that your fingers are your active capital for learning how to play bass guitar? Hopefully you are already. The sooner you realize this fact the sooner you can take good care of them and train them properly. Just like for any guitar player your fingers have to be fast, relaxed, flexible. But also they have to be strong.
Whenever a beginner asks me how to play bass guitar I want to know his very own reason why he wants to learn playing bass.The reason why is essential because it is the initial reason that predicts if someone will will quit soon, stay mediocre or become good.