I'm 17 and I've been playing bass since I was 10. I play alot of jazz, rock, slap/pop, and funk. I have a Schecter Diamond Series 5 string bass and I have two other basses that I'm selling and I'm hoping to buy an Epiphone Embassy Standard IV. People say that I am really good, and my band is even starting to get noticed. However, I cant keep from thinking that I still need things improved on. Should I take private lessons on more advanced techniques, or should I try and self teach myself some things? Thanks

-TheBassDoctor

Lessons with a proper instructor always help. Just make sure he can teach u things and not waste your time (and money).

How's your reading?

I can read music perfectly. Its just that i watch videos online of guys just freeform jamming and my licks are no where as funky as theirs. Im guessing lessons would help me be able to do that better

Music is like anything else - the more you learn about it the greater the possibility of becoming better at it.

The challenge I think is finding a good player that is also a good teacher. You want to learn from someone that plays versus just teaches IMO.

I'm in the same boat as you- 17, playing for seven years, playing jazz, rock, funk etc pretty well by now. I recently started taking lessons with a great techer, and noticed a huge difference- my slapping style was holding me back, I fixed it, I only knew a few basic scales, I learned more, and so on. Go for it- ask around to find a good teacher. It can make a huge difference and definately will help you take it to the next level.

IMO I think you should read and study jazz theory at home. Play what you want with your band and get a teacher. A great teacher will always help you develope your needs. Gear isn't as important as knowing how to play. But then again you want something nice. I understand, we are all like that. Just learn as much as you can. Also another good thing would be to play with better musicians. I played with an amazing drummer and he taught me rhythym and time, and I played with an amazing guitarist who introduced me to jazz, chords and scales. They were younger than me by a few years but still we taight each other. Just keep going forward and it'll come some faster than others but it'll come.


Oh yeah do not forget to learn your fretboard!!!!!

I'm 17 and I've been playing bass since I was 10. I play alot of jazz, rock, slap/pop, and funk. I have a Schecter Diamond Series 5 string bass and I have two other basses that I'm selling and I'm hoping to buy an Epiphone Embassy Standard IV. People say that I am really good, and my band is even starting to get noticed. However, I cant keep from thinking that I still need things improved on. Should I take private lessons on more advanced techniques, or should I try and self teach myself some things? Thanks

-TheBassDoctor

Any good teacher should be benificial,but have you ever thought of learning some classical pieces. They may never find a place in your everyday playing but may help to enhance your creativity.