How to be a musician?

[thereturnfc]

I always have this kinda thought on my mind . What make a real musician? I consider myself a player who is capable of playing bass in somewhat okok level. I know basic theory , I try hard and keep learning thing about being in a band , play with different ppl with many differences. So far I could be like a play-along-fine with others

But when I'm back home in my place , I have this feel that I need to be better , but I'm feeling lost. I have no clue what it takes to take myself up to the next level.

Many ppl I play with consider me like being a good player( and some of em says musician) yet I never feel like I'm actually not even close there yet to accept such compliment. Tho I always worried if they enjoy what we all play and sound good( which most of them are okay with it)

What is your opinion? Im listening.

[WardEarth]

I'm not Janek, but how well do you know your scales? I feel like I can do a lot just playing with some major and minor scales. I sit down and try to study the areas of the scale that I'm less familiar with. Try to make it musical (something I've heard somewhere). Buy a scale book.

[sethlow3]

The 4 basics of groove (Victor Wooten talks about 10, but this is a great 4 to start with)

Rhythm- practice religiously to drum machines and metronomes

Listening- Listen to others while you are playing, rather than just "playing the parts", opening your mind up to other styles of music, even the ones you may hate...

Phrasing- play what you sing during a groove or play melodies like "sesame street theme song" or "jingle bells"

Technique- Learn the basic 3 techniques of bass... Fingers, PICK, and thumb... Fingerstyle could mean using 2 fingers or finger-picking, some guys overlook the pick, but it is a very valuable technique, and the thumb could mean anything from palm muting to slap. YYMV

[thereturnfc]

Wardearth , I play scale before like alot on guita and during my early transition to bass
Right now I feel to stick with scale, so I took a break and try to play my heart out too but didn't quite work yet, umm... Thank for suggestion I think I have to look at more medium/ advance scalebook or something , any advice?

Sethlow3 , I play guitar alot before so I come over to bass and havent find for the past 2-3 year play was enjoyable with pick , I much prefer finger since I like the tone and dynamic more( I was well with alt picking on guitar but not anymore since I become full time player on bass)

A year of playing openly I have open up my mind alot, new stuff , lot of em( I'm just 21 with only 4-5 year startin to listen music, sure I grow from punk to rock to blue and jazz now)
But not knowing where I would be heading. I'm sure I will take ur advice and use it well. Tho I'm not a big fan of legend bassist but I guess I gotta look his books up and get some advice too, and recommendation?

I feel like wantin to become who play well, not greatest, but u know, being happy musically. Pretty much.

[derridiandrift]

Originally Posted by sethlow3

The 4 basics of groove (Victor Wooten talks about 10, but this is a great 4 to start with)

Rhythm- practice religiously to drum machines and metronomes

Listening- Listen to others while you are playing, rather than just "playing the parts", opening your mind up to other styles of music, even the ones you may hate...

Phrasing- play what you sing during a groove or play melodies like "sesame street theme song" or "jingle bells"

Technique- Learn the basic 3 techniques of bass... Fingers, PICK, and thumb... Fingerstyle could mean using 2 fingers or finger-picking, some guys overlook the pick, but it is a very valuable technique, and the thumb could mean anything from palm muting to slap. YYMV

This is a sensible approach right here. If you have these things going on, or you're at least attentive to them, you're doing fine.

[sethlow3]

Originally Posted by thereturnfc

Wardearth , I play scale before like alot on guita and during my early transition to bass
Right now I feel to stick with scale, so I took a break and try to play my heart out too but didn't quite work yet, umm... Thank for suggestion I think I have to look at more medium/ advance scalebook or something , any advice?

Sethlow3 , I play guitar alot before so I come over to bass and havent find for the past 2-3 year play was enjoyable with pick , I much prefer finger since I like the tone and dynamic more( I was well with alt picking on guitar but not anymore since I become full time player on bass)

A year of playing openly I have open up my mind alot, new stuff , lot of em( I'm just 21 with only 4-5 year startin to listen music, sure I grow from punk to rock to blue and jazz now)
But not knowing where I would be heading. I'm sure I will take ur advice and use it well. Tho I'm not a big fan of legend bassist but I guess I gotta look his books up and get some advice too, and recommendation?

I feel like wantin to become who play well, not greatest, but u know, being happy musically. Pretty much.

Okay here are some clips to back me up...PICK HEAVEN...and believe me when I say these lines won't sound the same without a pick...

YouTube - ‪The Shark Bass - Bass of the Month August 2009‬‏
YouTube - ‪Talking Heads - Making Flippy Floppy‬‏
YouTube - ‪Neon Trees - Love and Affection‬‏
YouTube - ‪For the love of money-O' jays Full Version‬‏

the list can go on and on brotha...THE PICK IS IT'S OWN ANIMAL... PERIOD...

[cire113]

YouTube - ‪Mike Gordon Bass Solo YEM‬‏


I guess ill add to the pick is awesome list
mike gordon bass solo pick style...

[lowfreq33]

A real musician listens more than they talk.

[drnknmstr]

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

A real musician listens more than they talk.

+1

[OPBASSMAN1994]

A musician is only as good as his drive to be better, and level of creativity.

[janekbass]

To me a musician is a student always. Listens first, plays second. Imitates then innovates. keeps an open mind. Works hard. Searches for happiness. Continually asks questions, and is honest with answers to one's self. And honest with those around them.

Janek