Hello Czechmate,
OK I have a question for the very talented and knowledgeable musicians on this site.
I'm not sure I am talented or knowledgeable enough, but I am a bass player with some experience in cover bands and church bands. I play electric, U-Bass, and upright. I will do my best.
I know nothing about music theory, my daughter wants to learn to play the bass preferably an upright one, what do you do once you have learned the chords?
The simplest thing is to play roots. Then expand into to playing chord tones. I, III, V of the chord. Walking lines can come next with chord tones on beats 1 and 3 (in 4/4) and passing tones in between. Then once you have a few different approaches to choose from you simplify and play what serves the song best.
How do you know how to incorporate that into the songs we play on the ukulele?
Not sure I can expand on serving the song.
Is it as simple as finding the songs in bass tablature or chords?
It can be. And once you get to the point where you know the song and how others have played it you toss it all out the window and create your own interpretation.
If she decides she is serious about playing I will get her lessons, but have no clue where to start, I know we can rent the bass from her school I would rather she learn on the a regular base or the ukulele bass with the big rubber strings as the uprights are huge and we do not have a large car, though we do have several trucks she is in a guitar course at her local high school. however it appears that she is not learning much theory Every time she sees the upright she expresses the desire to learn. What is the natural progression for learning? Any tips, info a starting point?
I'll echo the advice that lessons if are absolutely necessary for someone starting on the upright. A school rental is a good introduction. Upright basses are not cheap. Getting to know the instrument before you invest is a good thing.
I think the natural progression for learning may be different depending on the individual. For me, it is listening first, developing the sound and note choices I want to produce, then applying this to the instrument and practicing until I can make the sound I hear in my head. Other people may have a different process that works equally well for them.
Talkbass is a great resource. It isn't as friendly as Ukulele Underground, but then what is?
There are plenty of great women bass players. There are plenty of men that avoid the upright bass because of the physical demands. Gender is not the limitation; dedication and drive are required for success.
I hope this helps.