What pearls of wisdom have you acquired over your years of bass playing that you'd like to share with one who is just starting along the path (preferably bass related)? Any gems that you wish you'd known when you first started out? Anything that you definitely should avoid?

I just figure its less painful to learn from the mistakes and experience of others than to make all the mistakes myself. The wisdom of your experience, if you're prepared to share, would be much appreciated by a newb.

Spinner

Rock doesn't need to be LOUD...or wear earplugs....either way, save your ears

1. Work on your physical endurance (aimed to your playing, of course).

2. Train yourself on not looking at the fingerboard all the time when playing. A very important asset when sight reading.

BREATHE!! When stressed in pratice or playing a tough part I would stop breathing. all it does is tense you up and make it harder.

A little simple meditation helps or just being observant of your breathing.

Almost every one of my students has done it.

Learn songs by ear. It only helps with familiarity with your fretboard, plus many tabs are not even close to what's actually been recorded.

Hang out at shows more

I started playing bass only two years ago but came from 20 years as a guitard (I saw the light, and switched!) but my top tip relates to both instruments. Funny enough I was just talking about it to someone today!

I desperately wish that my teacher way back then had got me to pay more attention to the way my hands and fingers work and had spent time correcting bad habits. This was probably the main reason I gave up music altogether, as I hit a wall created by my bad style habits - these are the hardest aspects to get right and the hardest to correct once they are ingrained, and I had to unlearn everything before I could start learning the right way. When I started playing again, on bass, the first thing I did was found a great teacher and got some style/technique lessons - best money I ever spent.

So my tip would be to constantly watch and correct:
- how little you need to push down on the strings
- where you fret the note
- relaxing while playing, especially as you speed up
- minimal finger movement
- fingers staying close to the strings, and not standing to attention, especially first and fourth. This is the absolute top of my list, and you should slow ***right down*** till your muscles remember this.
- thumb position behind the neck
- keeping both wrists as straight as possible

and my last one that is not directly related to posture
- always focus on damping and removing any excess noise.

As an example of the benefit of watching your style, I played my first fretless the other day and the owner was very surprised at how good my intonation was - I think it was mostly because my fingers are used to playing just behind the fret.

What pearls of wisdom have you acquired over your years of bass playing that you'd like to share with one who is just starting along the path (preferably bass related)? Any gems that you wish you'd known when you first started out? Anything that you definitely should avoid?

I just figure its less painful to learn from the mistakes and experience of others than to make all the mistakes myself. The wisdom of your experience, if you're prepared to share, would be much appreciated by a newb.

Spinner

* I'd be twice as valuable to bands if I also sang;
* I'd get more gigs if I played more than "just" the bass;
* Credibility is easy to destroy and difficult to cultivate: Always keep your promises;
* Work hard to earn a reputation as a good listener;
* If you have to choose between being right and being nice, remember the Golden Rule;
* Always be on-time or early;
* Managing the expectations of others is a life-long pursuit that pays huge dividends;
* Do more than others ask of you - or expect;
* Utter "sweet" words whenever possible - you never know when you may have to eat your words;
* A simple, understated, groove is always appropriate: when in doubt, under-play;
* God only gives you one pair of ears: protect them!

I woud never have spent over $500 on a bass in my life.

IF YOU CANNOT GROOVE ON BASS, IT'S MORE THAN 100% LIKELY THAT YOU SIMPLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT PART OF THE DRUMKUIT TO LISTEN FOR. (KICK ON THE 1 & 3, THE SNARE ON THE 2 & 4 AND HOW TO PLAY SUBDIVSIONS AND NOT HAVE TO PLAY WHEN THE KICK PLAYS)

Sorry, for yelling. I'm was so tired of getting outplayed by lesser bassists. I was so busy in worrying about notes when it should be about rhythms firstly, for us anyways.

* I'd be twice as valuable to bands if I also sang;
* I'd get more gigs if I played more than "just" the bass;
* Credibility is easy to destroy and difficult to cultivate: Always keep your promises;
* Work hard to earn a reputation as a good listener;
* If you have to choose between being right and being nice, remember the Golden Rule;
* Always be on-time or early;
* Managing the expectations of others is a life-long pursuit that pays huge dividends;
* Do more than others ask of you - or expect;
* Utter "sweet" words whenever possible - you never know when you may have to eat your words;
* A simple, understated, groove is always appropriate: when in doubt, under-play;
* God only gives you one pair of ears: protect them!

If I was still teaching bass lessons I would have the students recite these 'rules' before each lesson. Just spend a little time in the threads that deal with 'why I left the band' or 'my band just broke up' and see how much pain could have been avoided if all band members took these to heart.

GET LESSONS!!! Whether its regularly or one with a pro. Of course there are many ways with technology to do that these days, but if I would have invoked the assistance of a teacher, I think I would know so much more about everything concerning bass. To think Ive been playing almost 15 yrs, gigged all around the world, and I just found out last yr what a truss rod is or that you have to "set up" a bass. :hiding: Thank God for TB lol.

Get a teacher, one who teaches to you to read standard notation.

Some great advice here. I want to emphasize daffy's technique suggestion above. I've been working mostly on technique for the last few weeks (spider exercises, developing a light touch, etc.) and this is paying off big time as I'm not as stressed while playing, not wasting energy by fretting too hard (I can play faster) and I can now add notes that previously would've required too much effort to play.

The teacher suggestion is great too. I took lessons the first 18 months I played bass and it was the time I experienced the most growth in my playing. I too wish my teacher had been more finicky regarding my technique as I'm unlearning bad habits (it's why I've been focusing so much on technique lately).

Also, read the stickied practice thread in this forum. Noodling around, while helpful and fun, won't improve my skills as much as a solid practice plan that includes theory, technique, chord/scale drills, ear training and sight reading. Sight reading stops me from staring at my fretboard because I'm reading the music.

One last thing, learn the fretboard. I feel I should know what note is under my finger at any time without hesitation. I've been using the free guitar version of fretboard warrior and can name about 33 random notes in a 2 minute period with 1 or 2 wrong guesses and I'm using the program as a benchmark to see how I'm improving (last month I did about 28 notes in 2 minutes).

This doesn't replace learning my fretboard with my bass in my hands (I'll do exercises where I'll randomly finger a note and try to name it as fast as possible), but it does allow me to learn while in places where I can't pick up my bass.

Refuse false choices. For instance:

Should you be a reader or play by ear? Refuse to choose: do both.

Should you be a technical player or a minimalist, less-is-more player? Refuse to choose: be capable of doing either, but always play in the manner appropriate for the musical situation. If that means playing one root note per measure, do that; if it means busting out, do that.

Should you rely on feel or on knowledge? Refuse to choose: try to develop both.

I would've taken lessons early on (never had a teacher until the last few years) and developed a better practice routine earlier.

Some very good suggestions here ....

The ability to read notation and understand theory is massive in the music world. Bassists that can sight read will get more work than those who don't read.

Learn to sing, even if it's just background vocals. A singing bassist will get more work than those who don't sing.

Listen to many different types of music, even if you don't like some of it. Develop an understanding of how various styles are structured and at least be able to play basic grooves in those styles.

If possible, learn to play DB as well as EB. Doubler's will get more work than those who can't play both instruments.

Practice as much as you can ........ :cool:

I wouldn't change a thing execpt for more ear training!
So:
-Follow your instinct!
-Practice hard on technique,harmony and theory,styles and sight-reading
-Play with as many musicians as you can.
-Play with better musicians all the time.
-Be dedicated
-Work on your Time AND Groove
-Have fun


SB

Go out and see other bands. Have a business card. Hand it out when you get the chance. And keep the same phone number as long as possible! If you switch phone numbers, you make yourself hard to find.

Buy a stage tuner. Use it. Convince any guitarists in your band to do likewise. Any band that doesn't do this should be forced to write this post out a thousand times.

Being able to play Higher Ground doesn't make you a good player. Focus on writing your own lines.

- Learn to play both fingerstyle AND with a pick.
- Use colored duct tape on all gear.
- Register/take pictures of all your instruments and gear.
- Get the name and number of every band you play with.
- Being a better player does not mean you are a better person.
- Being in a better band, does not mean you are a better player or person.
- The chick bartender ALWAYS has a boyfriend.
- So do the waitresses.
- Give the free stuff to people who dig your sound, not the hugest rack.
- You will be outplayed by the person with the "player" bass. It's okay.
- Soundman > Bass Amp.

That's it right now.

Oh yeah, I forgot:

Always take the free food if it's available. It's part of your fee.

Play with others ASAP; pretty much immediately.
There are 3 things I do when I practice - drill, play songs and noodle. All 3 are beneficial but I have to be careful not to let any of the 3 dominate my practice sessions. But if your noodling opens a new line of thinking, don't stop pursuing it just because it's been X number of minutes. I have learned some amazing things by noodling.

dont fall away from music because you feel that your playing is not what it should be ... before you know it, 30+ years will have passed ... be patient with yourself, but at the same time continue to challenge yourself at regular intervals ...

BRAVO!!! Everyone has given you terrific advice. All I can say to sum up, is listen to the wisdom of experience. When I was young, I thought I knew everything. I did not. I should have been way more receptive to the voices of more experienced musicians, and others, too.

Be a listener, both musically and in life!!!!!

Is this thread a sticky waiting for a mod? This is MOST useful.

LEARN ON A FRETLESS. i started on a fretless and thought it was hard, but it helps you out a lot with accuracy and not looking at the fretboard when you play. always make everything harder for yourself at first so you can do it easier later.

BRAVO!!! Everyone has given you terrific advice. All I can say to sum up, is listen to the wisdom of experience. When I was young, I thought I knew everything. I did not. I should have been way more receptive to the voices of more experienced musicians, and others, too.

Be a listener, both musically and in life!!!!!


+1

SB

Groove is not the same as Time, which is not the same as tempo, which is not the same as rhythm.

food and drinks will be considered when they go to pay you, so make sure that you eat and drink, because its part of payment.

learn your scales!!!!!

many o' bass lines just play notes off the scales. You'll find it difficult at first to play something by ear if you don't learn 'em. If you learn 'em, You'll be able to start on the root note right and work up and down the scale and pick up a song very easy. Oh, and use your pinky with the scales too .. learn to work across the 4 frets with scales without moving positions ..

Oh yeah, an important one:

Tempo and Dynamics have nothing to do with each other.

Oh yeah, an important one:

Tempo and Dynamics have nothing to do with each other.

and sometimes they don't wanna have nothin' to do with me, either... :bawl:

I wasted a lot of time over playing, and being attracted to flashy bass players who wanted to be the lead instrument. This cottage industry has only grown over the years...

Hang out at shows moreWhen I posted this I was being to the point. What I really should have emphasized was the importance of self promotion.
Go out and see other bands. Have a business card. Hand it out when you get the chance. And keep the same phone number as long as possible! If you switch phone numbers, you make yourself hard to find.This guy said it much better and gave some good additional advice.

The point is to go and hang at shows featuring music you enjoy playing. This is called networking. This is where you meet like minded musicians and they can meet you for possible future musical endevours. It also makes you a fan in the genre. Go support bands you feel are making great music and they may support you when your band is playing out. They may even offer your group a spot on a future bill.

It's important to get your name out there in music circles and get known. It's almost as important as being a good player :jk:

Once you're known then it's up to you to protect your reputation, but first ppl have to know you're around and play certain styles.

Two other good points in this thread are 1) being able to sing. If you sing lead in cover bands then you get to pick songs you play. As a competent backup singer you are just that much more important, but prob won't get to pick [as many] songs. 2) Get all the freebies you can - food, beverage, _______, ________ and ********.

One other - GET THE MONEY FIRST

Practice as often as you can, it just makes things easier.
DON'T practice stuff you can nail easily or you won't grow -- do hard stuff.
Make your practice time worthwhile.
Make sure your instrument fits you and feels good.
Make sure your bass is set up right.
Try a lot of basses before you drop cash.
Learn patterns for scales FIRST, and fill in the notes later. Patterns are much easier to recall & move around than thinking about individual notes.
Get a good teacher if possible.

- Always bring a Ground Fault Tester to outdoor gigs
- Don't wank, noodle or mess around under vocals [you know who you are]
- If you screw up don't stop, keep going
- If you can't hear your self well don't sweat it, just do your best
- Color code your speaker cords in different colors
- Have fun:)

- Scales are your friend, play around with them so much that you can play them in any position without conscious thought. Start with basic ones, and then move on to the variations. Concern yourself more with the shapes and patterns, not the specific notes (atleast at first)

- Don't be close-minded musically. Listen to anything you can get your hands on: there's good in every genre, even country and hip-hop (I mention those two only because of how many times I hear people say "I'll listen to pretty much anything, except country and hiphop!").

I use to be a horrible music-snob, only listened to eclectic/underground rock/metal, jazz, etc, thought I was the @#$%, but then I got over myself. Now my two favorite musically discoveries are Panic at the Disco and Paramore (the latter mostly because of Hayley, I'll admit ;) ), go figure.

-Enjoy yourself! Playing bass should be an enjoyable part of your life, so do what makes you happy. And definately find some like-minded musicians that you enjoy being around to play with. Some of the best times I've ever had were when I was just jamming with some buddies. Even if you're all new to your instruments, learn a couple of tunes you all like and rock em. It's a good introduction to the instrument, and on how to play with other people; and it's fun!

In short, keep an open mind, listen, and have fun!

Life is full of k-turns. Don't be afraid to make 'em.

It took me 25 years to learn this lesson, and it might seem obvious. But, what makes someone a "serious" musician isn't the level of his skill, it's the level of his commitment. No matter what level you are at, beginner or expert, if you practice every day you will improve.

Life is full of k-turnsWhat's a K-turn?

Anyway:- Accept any offer to join a band.

I was in a band that was going nowwhere but I felt some loyalty to it. I was asked to join a rock band but declined. Their singer was hot property and was poached as a soloist into a record deal, single release, air play etc, etc. If I had joined them it might have strenthened the band enough that everyone got a deal. It might have be more original and become successful. At least I would have met more people.

Meanwhile, our band auditioned a guitarist who ended up poaching the keyboard player (he was in both bands for a while.). It started him off on 5 years as a pro in that band. Our band died of apathy. You see the contrast?

Oh yeah,
On the subject of teachers:-
Nathan East went to collage to study music. (I studied mechanical engineering! Engineering is DEAD where I live). My friend daughter is studing music at collage in spite of messing up at school. You learn so much more than your specialised field ( if you want to). You get to hang with other specialties. The other musicians you need to form a band are right there, along with the support from staff who already answered every question in this thread!

Yep. I really envy our Gemma. :bawl:

I would have practiced blindfolded at a much earlier stage. It's the best way to become one with your instrument at the risk of sounding all zen or whatever. It enhanced my fretboard mastery and my ear immensly!

Alvaro touched on the endurance issue as well. If you can play the same 1-3-5 for 2 hours straight and not miss a beat and have your fingers feel like they've only been in use for like 2 minutes...mega important! Stamina is king in the bass world for its a very physically demanding instrument.

I would have manipulated my extensions to a greater degree to (9th's b9th's, 11ths #11ths, etc.)

And you can drop just as many jaws with a 90 dollar Rockwood Pro as with a 900 dollar Ric if you know how to make it sing.

Don't do heroin or crack or drink too much.

I would have actually learned to be a bass player, not lead bass player, lol.

I started out listening to Billy Sheehan, John Myung, Victor Wooten, and all I wanted to do was that. So I would pluck away for hours on end, building my speed and endurance, but I never focused on what being a bass player was all about. Now that I know all about the pocket, grooves, and how a little bit of simplicity can go a long way, i am a much much better bass player. i actually learned how to compose bass line, rather than try to just "musically masturbate" the whole time. I still have fun playing all the ridiculous stuff, but I think I'll save that for a studio solo project some day.

Learn how to play before learning how to play songs.

0 beers = worse playing
1-2 beers = better playing
3+ beers = worse playing

Seriously. ;)

I would have actually learned to be a bass player, not lead bass player, lol.

I started out listening to Billy Sheehan, John Myung, Victor Wooten, and all I wanted to do was that. So I would pluck away for hours on end, building my speed and endurance, but I never focused on what being a bass player was all about. Now that I know all about the pocket, grooves, and how a little bit of simplicity can go a long way, i am a much much better bass player. i actually learned how to compose bass line, rather than try to just "musically masturbate" the whole time. I still have fun playing all the ridiculous stuff, but I think I'll save that for a studio solo project some day.

This is the story of my life. +1

0 beers = worse playing
1-2 beers = better playing
3+ beers = worse playing

Seriously. ;)
And here I thought I was the only one who knew that little secret....;)

Tell you something else, it works with darts, too. Try it.

0 beers = worse playing
1-2 beers = better playing
3+ beers = worse playing

Seriously. ;)

shhhh don't let the secret out! Weird, but true :p

One last thing, learn the fretboard. I feel I should know what note is under my finger at any time without hesitation. I've been using the free guitar version of fretboard warrior and can name about 33 random notes in a 2 minute period with 1 or 2 wrong guesses and I'm using the program as a benchmark to see how I'm improving (last month I did about 28 notes in 2 minutes).

So I'm using Bass Fretboard Warrior in conjunction with my bass to learn the fretboard. I use the program (5 string version) and when it selects a note, I find that note on my bass and work out what it is. Then I enter it into the program. Right now I'm getting about 10 in a 2 minute period. That means it takes me 12 seconds to get each note. I'm looking to lower that time. I'll keep a record and let you know how I get on. Fun program.

Vistaprint.com (http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.asp?S=9148097398&xnav=foot). Order yourself 250 free business cards (pay for shipping) and give them out whenever you can. Keep some EVERYWHERE: your wallet, glove compartment, bass case, etc. Waffle house napkins, tab receipts, and other small and crumpled materials for exchanging numbers always seemed to get lost or easily thrown away. This is more professional and shows you're ready to do business.

^^ +1 that's where I got my last batch.

Keep an open mind and respect other types of music, they ALL have something I can learn from them.... Versatility is a desirable trait among musicians.... Buy the best gear you can and take care of it as best you can, it will save you money and make you more money even though it costs you more money.