most self taught musicians are victims of their own technique. they are so used to playing within a comfort zone, that their preference becomes the comfort zone. This is a narrow approach to music that keeps people from venturing in to other styles because they believe they are simply "sticking to what they like", when their horizons never broadened to include other musical ventures due to faulty technique. and for the record, there is no "text book" technique for the bass guitar. Only logic mixed with an individual's unique body mechanics can determine what is good technique for the player.

Very astute, Adam. I like your comments. I am self taught, and was for years in my comfort zone without realizing it. The last 6 years or so, it has really become clear. So I really have to push to get out of it, and make myself do unorthodox things, or practice what I think is a fuller and more inclusive, possibly correct, use of my hands and postures. Never could afford a teacher though. I think if I had it to do all over again, I would have found a way to afford one.

It used to be when I was much younger, that I took pride in being self taught, and even scoffed at people who took lessons. It was very easy to believe the crap about theory and correct playing as rubbish. It certainly is not, and what bits I have picked up, have been immensely helpful in developing a deeper appreciation for those very well trained.

The fields of tone, postures, knowledge and mechanics lend themselves to greater experience of the mystery of Music. As the saying goes, "Discipline is is not an end in itself, only a means to an end."

Hey Mike..

I have most likely the worst fret hand and twanging technique I have seen... I use my thumb for most tunes and my fingers as a last resort.
But I've played like that since the late 70's and have done ok with it...
(Oh no!) Maybe thats why most of my bands broke up due to musical differences....... Hmmm! I'm gonna have to revise my little black book hit list now that I've thought of that....Grrr!

Leroy