Calling all Bass Players

[lordmaji]

I've just started learning bass a month or so ago, learning scales, and the instrument in general. Any suggestions? My biggest problem is picking at the moment, up and down. Especially fast. Any suggestions on working on picking? Or suggestions in general?

Anything can help.

[Propagandhim]

I know the answer isn't revolutionary, but just practice the motions you suck at.  Neuroplasticity - scientists found that more cognitive cortical mapping was devoted to the hands of musicians in correlation to how much they practiced.  Pick up "The Brain Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge.  Same principled applied to recovering stroke patients. 

In my experience with guitar, if I want to learn a song with complicated fingering and chord progressions, I keep doing it over and over *slowly* until my fingers can do it..then i pick up the pace.  I never start quick.

Just do the alternate picking slow, then pick it up when it gets easier - a "duh" answer, I know.  : P

[lordmaji]

I know the answer isn't revolutionary, but just practice the motions you suck at.  Neuroplasticity - scientists found that more cognitive cortical mapping was devoted to the hands of musicians in correlation to how much they practiced.  Pick up "The Brain Changes Itself" by Norman Doidge.  Same principled applied to recovering stroke patients. 

In my experience with guitar, if I want to learn a song with complicated fingering and chord progressions, I keep doing it over and over *slowly* until my fingers can do it..then i pick up the pace.  I never start quick.

Just do the alternate picking slow, then pick it up when it gets easier - a "duh" answer, I know.  : P

Makes complete sense. I do appreciate the suggestions though

[littlemathletics]

I've always used my fingers to play, rather than a pick. I just find it more intuitive.

As for learning - scales are just patterns. It's easier to remember them that way, for my money.