Share This Thread Where to go from here. Alex Lowe (6) Instructional Forum 1/31/2010 12:50:07 AM · 72 Views [Respond to this Message] I'm trying to teach myself to play bass, but I don't really seem to be going anywhere. So far I've just been listening to bass lines I like, finding tabs, and trying to play them. Besides some gradual improvement to my fretting I don't think I'm much better than when I started 6 months ago. So, I was hoping for some advice and direction. Is there anything in particular I should be trying to learn? Should I be trying to get a more technical understanding of music? Or should I be focusing finger exercises?

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• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 1/31/2010 4:28:52 AM Maurice Carr (34756) wrote: IMO the last thing you need is to try and get more technical. This may sound weird but one of the best things you can do to prove to yourself that you've actually made much better progress than you imagine is to get together with some musos. It will be a scary thought given that you feel you haven't made much progress, but do it despite that. You will also find it will get you focused on what you need to really concentrate on. Keep it very simple, don't try and get fancy or complicated. Listen very carefully to the drummer and try and work in with him. Always remember that 'less is more' when it comes to bass playing - more often than not. Practice wise, google for some lessons that show correct hand techniques or but the book 'Bass guitar for Dummies' ( and don't be put off by the title ) Also go here to Libster Bass for some good advice and easy to follow structured learning. All the best. Mo

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/15/2010 2:14:57 PM Paul Redmile (4740) wrote: I agree 100% with MOs advise, only other thing I would add is learn to be patient. Ive been playing for 2 years now and its only just coming to me, hang in there. Plod.

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 1/31/2010 5:57:39 AM Larry Garlick (2830) wrote: Try some ear training. Pick out a couple of songs you want to learn, listen and copy them to play along.

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 1/31/2010 11:07:28 AM WILLIAM HULSEY (23970) wrote: If you're not in a band, get in one. That will teach you more than you'll ever learn sitting in your shredroom. Good luck. Bo

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 1/31/2010 11:24:21 AM Greg Rhodus (5885) wrote: like the others said....find some others and jam with them....you will learn more playing with others than you ever will sitting at home alone....

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/3/2010 8:50:49 PM Adam Furay (962) wrote: in no particular order, these are some common qualities i have noticed in musicians i know that are successful and a joy to perform with: 1. Sight Reading 2. Complete understanding of chords, scales, and arpeggios 3. Versed in funk, latin, rock, blues and related sub-genres 4. Good sense of humor and humility 5. Ability to transcribe tunes (play by ear) not that every great musician has ALL of these, but i have never personally played with someone who had them all who wasn't a great player.

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/4/2010 2:27:05 PM WAYNE ELLIOTT (19552) wrote: I possess all but 4 of those skills. I've found math skills to be more prevalent than humility.

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/4/2010 3:29:34 PM Dave Magaro (17977) wrote: Roughly how many hours a week do you practice? Dave

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/12/2010 10:20:42 PM Alex Lowe (6) wrote: I practice about a half hour a day maybe an hour some days, but it's not really very structured. I usually just try to play songs I hear, or lessons from here.

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/13/2010 9:28:41 AM WAYNE ELLIOTT (19552) wrote: Prior to the Bass, had you played any other musical instrument ? Can you tell me what this is ?

• Respond to this Re: Where to go from here. 2/15/2010 11:30:38 AM Dave Magaro (17977) wrote: If I am in a failing relationship with a woman and I can't figure out how to save it I may ask for advice. If you found out I was only seeing my woman three and a half to seven hours a week do you think that might be a problem? Let me put it another way. If I was going for a Masters degree and told you I was only putting in three and half to seven hours a week how long do you think it would take be to get it? Now some of us simply can't give more time to our craft. It's just the nature of the beast. But, if you can, you should if you want to advance. Next you have to understand that learning comes in inclines and plateaus. It's not linear. It's like hitting a brick wall at times. You just have to play your way to hit the next incline of advancement. Try learning songs by ear. That will help develop not only your playing but your ear as well. If you don't know your modes lean them and get to know them. People tend to make them seem a lot harder than they really are. Try some song writing within those modes. That will help you learn them well. Even if you think you are not much of a song writer it will be good for the brain. It will make you think about a whole song. But, it's not all work so make sure you are doing things with it that you enjoy as well. And the final piece of advice would be to tell us a little more about yourself on your ActiveBass Homepage. That DOES help when certain questions are asked. With a blank Homepage I sit here and wonder if I'm wasting my time giving advice to someone who is going to do one post and leave.... or not even read some of the good advice that he has already been given. Dave

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