After seven years, I'm taking lessons...

landry.bass · #1 08-09-2008, 10:23 AM

So, I've been playing bass for almost seven years, and I've never taken a lesson. I've taught myself everything I know except for the odd tip or hint from people I know. However, since I've been posting on TB, my perception of what makes a good bass player has shifted somewhat, especially because I've been listening to a wider variety of bassists.

So, even though I can play fast, and technical riffs and I have an understanding of what it means to be rythm player, I know there is a lot I could learn from an experienced player.

The other day I was in a music store and I saw this guy playing bass. I was serioously impressed. He could slap like mad, he could tap very tastefully and proficiently, and his finger and pick style playing was so much smoother than mine. Well, after a few minutes this guy comes over to him and says, "You're student is waiting for you upstairs." And my instant reaction was "Wow, this guy teaches. I'm taking lessons from him!" I've also seen this guy play around town, and man, he is a seriously in the pocket player.

So anyways, I look forward to learning from this guy, and swallowing my "I taught myself" pride.

steve66 · #2 08-09-2008, 10:31 AM

Good luck with the lessons. Make sure you learn something NEW from every lesson and only material that can be applied to all styles of music. Learn some theory and definitely reading.

landry.bass · #3 08-09-2008, 10:36 AM

Well, theory is high on my list of things to learn. I'm tired of going to band practice and having the two guitar players speaking another language I don't understand!

As well, learning a wide variety of skills and styles is exactly what I want. I play in a metal band, and I know how to play metal. It's what I've been doing for years, but I want to learn other things, more classic styles of bass playing. I want to be able to sit in on a blues jam and FIT. Same with Jazz, or anything. I already have a wide variety of skills and abilities with bass, so I think I should catch on pretty quick.

Thunderthumbs73 · #4 08-09-2008, 10:41 AM

Aside from reading that the teacher was told that the student was waiting for him (the teacher should be waiting for the student and not noodling around on the gear...), good post. You did teach yourself, to a degree, but you also learned from others by watching, listening, and so on, even if you never formally took a lesson with anyone, as we generally think of lessons to be. Then again, you have no reason to not be proud of your accomplishments, even if you know you have room to grow. That's the main thing.

And as it is with me too.

I've never met Mark King, Lee Sklar, or Paul McCartney, but those guys have taught me a heck of a lot about the bass.

Is it possible to be completely or truly self-taught? Maybe. Unless you live on a desert island without any music/instruction from anyone else available, perhaps. Esoteric point, but maybe it's an interesting question.

Some day I may take formal lessons. You never know.

Best to you, and best of luck with those lessons.

Valerus · #5 08-09-2008, 10:42 AM

Great decision, friend.

landry.bass · #6 08-09-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderthumbs73

You did teach yourself, to a degree, but you also learned from others by watching, listening, and so on, even if you never formally took a lesson with anyone, as we generally think of lessons to be.

Yes, that is very true. Listening to others has definately taught me something, but that is more stylistic than actual playing technique. Good observation though, for sure.

JehuJava · #7 08-09-2008, 12:02 PM

I started taking lessons after about 16 years. Best decision ever!

huckingfuskie · #8 08-09-2008, 12:12 PM

i need a teacher. cant find one. i live in montreal... ^_^