Graham, The easiest way to get use to manual bass, is to use the root and fifth of a chord alternately[ as an example in a C chord, play C on the first beat of a 4/4 measure and G on the third beat, then try double beats , C on the first and second beat[try octaves too] and G on the third and forth.. After you are comfortable , try to walk the bass, in simple form, use the 4th and 7th within the chord..It will start to come natural, especially if you know chords well...Fran