How to know if you're good?

[AlphaMale]

I've never been out-shredded by anyone playing a shorter time than me but there are people that are better than me that I've met. But I've met about 3 people that have played for 2 and three years that I know I'm better than and other people agree.
How will I know how good I am?

Let's say by (amount of time) I should be able to play (Riff, or Song)

Third Day: ______
Second Week: _____
1st month: _____
6th week: _____
2nd Month: _____
100th Day: _____
6th Month: _____
8th Month: _____
10th Month: _____
1 year : _____



Please thanks for your help.

[trasser]

I would be careful by rating peoples skills by comparing how much they can play to how long they have been playing. I don't care wether a person has played for 5 or 10 years, if the person is good, then he is good.

[buliwyfff]

you think you are better than someone because you can "out shred" them? I dont think you should concern yourself with if your improving faster or slower than the average person. The best someone could do to answering your question would be their own experiance and Im guessing it would vary wildly from person to person.

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by AlphaMale

Let's say by (amount of time) I should be able to play (Riff, or Song)

Third Day: ______
Second Week: _____
1st month: _____
6th week: _____
2nd Month: _____
100th Day: _____
6th Month: _____
8th Month: _____
10th Month: _____
1 year : _____

People stop working seriously on something when it sounds good to them. That will determine how long it takes to learn something... and your expectations on what is good will determine how good you are.

[Jazz Ad]

If you're goal it to outshred others, you're not a good bassist yet.
It implies going way beyond that.

[Joe Nerve]

You'll know by how many gigs you get.

Humility goes a long way too, people don't tend to like hanging around people who are overly concerned with how much better they might be than other people.

There's also a whole lot that goes into being a good bass player. Speed has very little to do with that. Feel IMO is a lot more important, as is the ability to be tasteful, play in pocket, know what's right for a song, and a plethora of other things.

I'll say lastly that I actually think it's good that you're asking this. I've met countless musicians that THINK they're really smokin players, but need a reality check. I've no clue how you play so there's no judgement here, you may play well beyond your years - but I'd keep it in check if I were you, and continue working as hard as you have to get you to the point you're at now.

[BobWestbrook]

When you understand that musicianship, not technical ability, is what matters

[morf]

When you start playing bass because its so much fun and not because you wanna show people how good you are

[driver800]

You'll know you're good when you realize the question is irrelevant.

[derrenleepoole]

This sounds like a joke post! Just look at the persons username who posted the thread: Alphamale!!!!

[SuperDuck]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

You'll know by how many gigs you get.

There is much truth to this!

Don't worry about comparing yourself to other players. Let your playing speak for itself!

[Steve]

You know you're good when:
1. You stop worrying how good you are.
2. Your phone starts ringing.

[Joe P]

Originally Posted by BobWestbrook

When you understand that musicianship, not technical ability, is what matters

Yeah: it's GROOVE.

How well do you groove?

The goal is immaculate groove; extreme pocket.

Joe

[Luke73]

You think you're good if you can out shred others?

I think you should give up bass now, and start playing guitar.

[nysbob]

Originally Posted by driver800

You'll know you're good when you realize the question is irrelevant.

Perfect.

This is a pursuit, not a competition, thank you.

[GeddyFlea1974]

+1 to everything said here. Good is very subjective... I personally feel somebody is good when they find their own niche within their band. It's not about speed or insane technicality. I know a lot of "good" bass players who sit in the pocket and groove all night.

[mandrlane]

When you have enough life experience to realize that your ability to play bass is about #38 on you priority list.

Typically what makes a bass player good is not skill but maturity in both life and music... if your fucus in a band is making the OTHER guys sound good... your getting there.

[Dave Muscato]

Shredding is easy. Playing legato in the pocket and staying there is the sign of a good player. I'd also add that good technique that *allows* you to shred cleanly is the sign of a good player... although actually shredding isn't

Dave

[nandj]

Alphamale - Im guessing your a youngster. This is my advice to you:
Print off your post......hide it under your bed. When you reach your late 20s, take it out and read it.

Let us know how you get on.

[GeddyFlea1974]

Originally Posted by Dave Muscato

Shredding is easy. Playing legato in the pocket and staying there is the sign of a good player. I'd also add that good technique that *allows* you to shred cleanly is the sign of a good player... although actually shredding isn't

Dave

+1