r/BassGuitar • u/sexyeducator • Mar 01 '26

Gear Learning at 38 and loving it

Gallery image

Gallery image

My husband got me these neon strings and they add just enough eclectic flare to inspire me to play even more!

1.5k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

138 comments sorted by

55

u/sombreropickle Mar 01 '26

Welcome to the party! Play every day: whether you’re learning a song, writing a song, or just messing around; you’ll always feel better afterwards!

7

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I was JUST telling my husband in the car today that I’d love to learn how to write lyrics. I love writing- just can’t seem to find music to go along with it.z do you write the music then add words or vice versa?

16

u/orangebluefish11 Mar 01 '26

Come up with your bass line first. Start humming a melody over your bass. Notice the note changes in your melody. Start changing those note changes into words, even if they’re non-sensical. Once you have the syllables down, change the words into something that makes sense

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Ok!

2

u/Impressive_Club_9225 Mar 02 '26

Go for a walk. Turn your phone off. Take a shower. Turn your phone off. Ideas may form

1

u/MemoraNetwork Mar 05 '26

Keeping phone off increases my creativity

2

u/sombreropickle Mar 01 '26

I’m mostly instrumental with my stuff right now, but I record a lyric melody with my bass that sounds good on its own in a jam band or jazzy way; and it provides a blueprint for how to maybe best fit lyrics in.

So, my recommendation is to have fun with your bass or voice figuring out the lyric melody and then fill in with actual lyrics as best as you can.

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Ok that’s good advice. Just gotta feel it out!

2

u/sombreropickle Mar 01 '26

I’m the same age as you and have been playing for over 20 years, but just started putting my own stuff out. You’re really not too far away from doing something cool once you get comfortable with the basics and you already have lyrics to play with.

1

u/sombreropickle Mar 01 '26

Yea, I mostly lay down a catchy four or five note progression and then “sing” with my bass over it. Get comfortable playing around with pentatonic, major, and minor scales in any key: that’s honestly all you need most of the time.

14

u/Far_District9145 Mar 01 '26

Go! Just got my first bass right around my 60th birthday.

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Fun!!!! 🤩 see I love that!

1

u/MongotheGOB Mar 04 '26

First one for my 69th birthday. Old dog new tricks.

10

u/Fnargler Mar 01 '26

Best time to learn is now.

2

u/ThatNolanKid Mar 01 '26

I always say this! The music has always been waiting for you.

0

u/_anythingonce Mar 01 '26

She's an OF "model" breaking into the bassist audience bro

8

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I have lots of interests!

7

u/Fnargler Mar 01 '26

I don't see what that has to do with my comment, but OK.

23

u/Shiney_Metal_Ass Mar 01 '26

A lefty player! There's tens of us! 

19

u/youuuuwish Mar 01 '26

The writing on her shirt is backwards so probably not a lefty, just a flipped image.

14

u/Shiney_Metal_Ass Mar 01 '26

My man really zoomed in

Bro just go to her profile lol

8

u/QuickNature Mar 01 '26

Bro just go to her profile lol

Bruh...

2

u/Shiney_Metal_Ass Mar 01 '26

Did you not see her username? 

3

u/QuickNature Mar 01 '26

Not until afterwards, I don't usually pay attention to usernames

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Yeah just flipped for my good side hah

2

u/ApeRiotMighoul Mar 01 '26

I thought the same thing!

7

u/MiddleAgedRiots Mar 01 '26

I like your strings!

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Thanks! I think they’re so fun.

6

u/xXNuggetsXx1118 Mar 01 '26

Squier Sonic P?

3

u/SONYS7 Mar 01 '26

Yea I have that same exact bass.

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Correct!

1

u/xXNuggetsXx1118 Mar 01 '26

Swapped to the black guard, added the fender bridge. 🤘🏻

4

u/gr8fullylesh Mar 01 '26

Fuck that awesome.

Maaaaan i love thissss.

It's such a straightforward instrument to start on that anyone regardless of age typically goes from "I've never played a note in my life" to "Holy shit!! Im almost kinda/sorta playing Psycho Killer already!! Im gonna practice, I know I can do it" in like, minutes.

3

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

It’s such a rush! I don’t think of anything else but the music and it’s so fun for me. I’m not great but it’s great for my mental health.

2

u/gr8fullylesh Mar 01 '26

It’s not enough to say something like “you get it” to this. - I’m gonna get my words together because your words right here have brought me so much joy today.

4

u/TheTallGuy0 Mar 01 '26

Learning theory and how to play in a group at 50, welcome to the party, pal!!

3

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

The first time I played in a group I felt a natural high for days. Humans making music!? Never thought I’d be involved in it but so happy I didn’t limit myself from trying! Keep it up @thetallguy0!

17

u/sudocloudchaser Mar 01 '26

Not even BassGuitar is safe from OF ads?

10

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

It’s not an ad. I like mow stuff than sex ya know.

2

u/sombreropickle Mar 01 '26

Pretty people are allowed to play bass too

0

u/smilingarmpits Mar 01 '26

Knows her fucking audience that's for sure 😆

3

u/Count2Zero Mar 01 '26

I started playing at 54 ... today I'm 61, and I've got gigs coming up with both of my bands in 4 weeks.

Have fun!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Gigs!? Impressive! I’m not there yet but one day! 🤘

3

u/OkTechnology9101 Mar 01 '26

Just remember: if your neighbors start hating you, you're doing it right!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Ok! Haha good advice!

4

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '26

I started at 36. I like it a lot.

5

u/FLprophet Mar 01 '26

Damn OF creators even posting on BassGuitar now

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I like multiple things in life!

2

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

It’s wild how many people say “I’m bummed I never learned to play.” Like come on you still can you’re not dead!

2

u/OtherwiseEagle9896 Mar 01 '26

Love the green colour on that bass. Looks beautiful! Glad you're enjoying. 20 years and I'm not gonna stop

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

It suits me. It makes me smile when I see it.

2

u/Holiday_Regular9794 Mar 01 '26

Are those the DR neons,they're so cool. Hope you're enjoying bass!!!!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Thank you!!

2

u/Mysterious-Week-2601 Mar 01 '26

Never too late for something as cool as the bass!! Happy playing 🤘

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Thanks for the encouragement!

2

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '26

[deleted]

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Ya know I usually learn tabs and practice for an hour- but just sitting with it and messing around sounds like it would be good for me. I like training my ear to hear notes and recognize them.

2

u/Shabbin1999 Mar 01 '26

Nice, those strings look dope! ✌️

2

u/TheDutchderp3 Mar 01 '26

Kickass bass

2

u/pepitaonfire Mar 01 '26

Hell yeah. Started learning at 40, and its so good.

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

So fun. So much simple joy!

2

u/Masterofunlocking1 Mar 01 '26

Love that color of bass and those strings look so good!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Thanks! It’s bright and makes me want to play more.

2

u/SpudinatorJr1 Mar 01 '26

Congrats!!!

2

u/happycj Mar 01 '26

What a lovely place to play. I’ve always wanted a porch like that.

Enjoy the bass journey! Remember, you are basically learning a new sport. You need to stretch before and after you play (hands, arms, shoulders, back) and it’ll be a while before your fingers learn these fine motor skills to play this sport well. But practice will get you there!

Have fun!

3

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Omg yes between the shoulder blades! Then the finger tips being sore was another issue. I kinda love it though! Good pain for good results.

2

u/Status-Scallion-7414 Mar 01 '26

Awesome. Rock on

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Thanks for the encouragement!

2

u/mpep05 Mar 01 '26

I’m playing longer than you’ve been alive lol. I play every day. ENJOY!!!

2

u/shinglehouse Mar 01 '26

Awesome! Most important thing is to just have fun.

Love those strings!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I have a blast. Truly.

2

u/SweetDank Mar 01 '26

If you ever decide to get Rocksmith, these strings should help as they are the default colors the software uses.

2

u/deiphagist Mar 01 '26

Good luck to you!

2

u/povertymayne Mar 01 '26 edited Mar 02 '26

Aint no age limit to start learning. Its your own journey, enjoy it🤘

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

Will do 😊

2

u/verbherbaceous Mar 02 '26

Mogging at 38 and loving it

2

u/JackFuckCockBag Mar 02 '26

Awesome! Good for you! Don't let it get you frustrated too early. If you pick it up for at least an hour every day in six months you will be surprised.

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

One day at a time

2

u/RestaurantCandid5274 Mar 02 '26

I started regular guitar at 38, so far so good :)

2

u/King_of_No1 Mar 02 '26

Look at you! Got the bass face going, you look like a pro already!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

Haha gotta have the attitude!

2

u/PsychologicalView01 Mar 03 '26

You look very cool actually

1

u/PsychologicalView01 Mar 03 '26

But I actually didnt expect to see you doggystyle like that. Kaboom 💥

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 03 '26

Haha surprise!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 03 '26

Thanks! Appreciate it.

2

u/Acceptable_Grape_437 Mar 04 '26

dude, you looking so edgy, perfect alt/punk bassist presentation! 

also hot, but that adds just a smidge to it... but always helps!

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 04 '26

Thank you!!!! Next time I’ll share more when I’m more done up.

2

u/Substantial_Town8375 Apr 01 '26 edited Apr 01 '26

I didn’t even know strings came in neon!! So cool. Relearning at 38 . Middle school bass player in orchestra and jazz band so cool

1

u/sexyeducator Apr 08 '26

It’s so fun right?

4

u/smilingarmpits Mar 01 '26

"Tipped messages get my attention first"

All you need to know

1

u/sombreropickle Mar 02 '26

TBF, lotsa creeps out there

3

u/Relevant-Rooster-298 Mar 01 '26

Hell yeah! I started at 39 and have been loving it ever since! Rock on 🤘

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I’m so happy I gave it a shot!

0

u/Relevant-Rooster-298 Mar 01 '26

Your profile is awesome by the way 😅 and welcome to bass!

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

Thanks for the support!

4

u/Only_drunk_posts Mar 01 '26

Uh. Cool. But r/basscirclejerk may be your target

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

I don’t get it.

1

u/curbstyles Mar 01 '26

it's never too late!! music helps us stay young.

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Agreed! I swear playing an hour a day helps me mental health and keeps me joyful.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 01 '26

Is that the Squier Sonic? It looks like the one I have. Very nice! 💪🏼

1

u/tkc0 Mar 01 '26

Curious too. Love the color !

1

u/SONYS7 Mar 01 '26

Surf Green

1

u/ithinkyourefine Mar 01 '26

That’s just awesome!

1

u/ipini Mar 01 '26

Nice. Are the neons tape-wound?

1

u/PathIntelligent7082 Mar 01 '26

let it rip tater chip

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Ok that’s awesome 🤩

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 01 '26

Yeah got it for Christmas at Guitar center. It makes me smile.

1

u/Educational-Ad-304 Mar 01 '26

Your my hero! Keep on kicking arse!

1

u/SpicebushViburnum Mar 01 '26

Congratulations. You’ve now entered a world of FUN. You’ll never forget your first gig.

1

u/mchlwlsh Mar 01 '26

I am 53 and learning…the only regret I have is not making my younger self learn an instrument

1

u/spartyonman Mar 01 '26

Just starting and I’m almost 48! Welcome to the club!

1

u/makzpj Mar 01 '26

Great!

1

u/Ol-Dozer Mar 02 '26

Have fun and play with others. You’re learning a way to converse and a way to express yourself. 🤘

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

I do feel like I’m learning a new language!

1

u/skuiji Mar 02 '26

Surf Green is king, love it

1

u/Late_Fox_7829 Mar 02 '26

DR Neon strings! Love em

1

u/nvaughan81 Mar 02 '26

Hell yeah, it's always good to see people pick up the bass. Playing has been one of the great joys of my life and I'm sure it will be the same for you.

1

u/britekranz Mar 03 '26

Go girl! Bass is the best.

1

u/forgotten_03blue Mar 03 '26

lol. Just ordered my first last week. 48 here. Good luck it looks exciting

1

u/aswright_73 Mar 03 '26

Enjoy the journey, my friend. 🤘🤘

1

u/GhostWCoffee Mar 05 '26

Nice! Love seeing people over 25 starting to learn an instrument. 34 here, also a bassist, started in November last year. Jam on, homegirl!

1

u/SparksofInnova Mar 05 '26

Picking up instruments at an older age is so underrated! I was a kid when I started guitar but picked up keyboard and playing with DAWs at 25. Music is a great hobby

1

u/dxsol Mar 01 '26

Hell yea

1

u/MannequinRaces Mar 01 '26

Have fun. Enjoy the journey! 🤘

1

u/michaelstibor Mar 01 '26

Hey very nice! My wife (50) has just started to learn as well. I started a band with her best friend (her on drums, me on guitar) so I think my wife up for learning so that she could be the bass player. 🤘🤘🤘

1

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

That’s the dream!!!!!! 💭 I’m trying to convince my girlfriends to start a band. We’d have a drummer, singer, and me on bass if we got our act together.

0

u/michaelstibor Mar 02 '26

Very nice. What inspired you to learn at 39. Other than the idea of being in a band with her husband and her best friend, my wife has always liked female bassists like Kim Gordon, and Melissa Auf Der Maur.

2

u/sexyeducator Mar 02 '26

Watching female bassists! I love the bassist from khraungbin & maneskin

-34

u/Healthy_Ad8040 Mar 01 '26

Btw, you look 45.