Losing It?

[Fullmetal]

I have been playing bass for 2 years now, and I used to have a tutor, but eventually I ran out of time and money so decided to try and learn bass by myself. My tutor taught me the basics, picking, scales, even a few chords. Eventually we started learning songs together, until I couldn't afford to go to the lessons.

So I tried to learn by myself, but I havn't made any progress and the time I've had to practice has been slimming. I've been wanting to join a band for a long time now, but every band I seem to join never gets off the ground, which makes me leave bass for longer.

So what I'm asking is are there any techniques that will essentially aid my playing ability? And how long should I be practicing a day?

Thanks to anyone that helps.

[Kevinmach]

FWIW- I was like you when I was younger- when my playing had a "means to an end".

Don't get me wrong, having a goal- for example, to be able to play a entire set of songs by a certain date (so well you could play it in your sleep) is important too- it keeps you motivated and gets you through some of the grind that we all experience at times.

I think your problem is that you're playing for the "band" and not yourself (i.e. for your love of music or the instrument). When I stepped away from this mentality, my passion for music and the instrument increased ten fold. If you find yourself asking questions like how long to I HAVE to practice, you may be headed down the same road.

I started my own business and got away from music for a long time, but it was still in my heart. But when I returned without delusions of grandeur of being a rockstar or in a band, my mentality and approach unconsciously changed all by themselves:

-I learned tunes I wanted to learn, for me and for no one else (well, maybe to show off someday - but the immediate enjoyment was for me ).

- it also helped me to take up another instrument (piano, guitar, etc). At the end of the day, music is music- you'd be surprised how playing a instrument that seemed completely unrelated to your "main" instrument helped- in both ability and musical perspective. It also gives you that much needed break, but keeps the fires burning so will be ready to go grab your bass again faster than if you were not playing anything.

Last thing- I got away from technique to an extent- while that is an impressive quality in an accomplished musician, I was way too in to learning scales and techniques that barely added anything to my abilities- but was great for sucking the fun right out of the instrument. I got a lot better- a lot faster- by just playing music (my own or covers) than I did from practicing for the sake of practice. And it was a hell of a lot more fun.

Hope some of this helps.

[Fullmetal]

Wow, I think I know what you mean about the whole mentality thing. When I had my tutor, I learned because I couldn't learn Guitar (failed too many times) and learned it so I could happily play whether for myself or a band.

I think when my first band failed, I wanted a band more, and this is where my lack of motivation went down. I was also trying to master more difficult songs (Muse, Dream Theatre etc.) which pushed me down further.

But my mentality has changed since then, I am focussed on being in a band but not so much so. I've been thinking of taking up Keyboard so that I can do some techno stuff with some incorporated bass. If I can't join a band, I'll be one by myself (and the music will be completely mine, everything I like)

So I will try to lose the band mentality for now. I am planning to purchase a Schecter Stilleto soon (which will hopefully boost my will to play) and also plan on buying a keyboard (am doing this first, so my bass purchase can change depending on if I wanna do my techno stuff).

Thanks for your help.

[Kevinmach]

I was also trying to master more difficult songs (Muse, Dream Theatre etc.) which pushed me down further.

Yep, this is EXACTLY what happened to me to. I was a "lead" guitarist and had my sights set on stuff like Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert- trying to shred like guys that really- few people will EVER really be able to play like, no matter how much practice- these guys are just gifted.

How frustrating was it to try to learn something that was so far above you? Leads you weren't really even coming close to playing not matter how much you practice, etc- there is not much rewarding about that.

I always had my keyboard that I played occasionally when I wasn't doing much with music- but about year and a half ago I said the hell with it and got a new acoustic (had one, but it was crap)- and all I was gonna do was play around on it, maybe learn to play and sing. And the flood gates opened- finally something that was fun to do and very rewarding, not mind-numbing practice at all!

Then I got a bass to record some tracks with maybe 8 months ago- same thing- figured I would just mess around on it, but started playing it like crazy earning whatever I felt like learning-man how much fun it's been- doesn't even feel like practice. If I get bored or frustrated, I go play the keys or a guitar for a while. My fingers are still getting their "exercise" and even though I am not taking a break really, I miss my bass and am ready to play some more.

BTW, keyboard and bass go together really well- the lead hand you use in piano that does all the hard work is the usually the same for the plucking hand of the bass for most people. There have been times where I've actually taken a break from piano for a few weeks and not touched it, in favor of the bass- only to come back playing the keys better than I did before because of the dexterity and precision I got from playing the bass! And visa versa.

If I can't join a band, I'll be one by myself (and the music will be completely mine, everything I like)

This is exactly my approach too- EXACTLY. And it's been very rewarding.

Sounds like got the right idea man. Remember, this is a hobby for 99% of us- unless it's putting food on your table, you don't have to do it- so make sure you enjoy it or it's pointless.

(FYI- I also like techno and keys are great for making that stuff too )

[Jake of Bass]

Yeah it sounds you need to put the 'fun' back into your playing.

Play for playing's sake is something people lose sight of all to easily, and aren't aware of it for a long time afterwards. I've been there a few times myself.

Just listen around, think up some songs that aren't too hard but have great basslines to play, chuck the song on your computer or stereo and just jam along like you're playing with the band and just enjoy yourself!

A couple suggestions:

Rapper's Delight - Sugar Hill Gang
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Suck My Kiss - RHCP
Money - Pink Floyd
46 & 2 - Tool
Southbound Pachyderm - Primus
Master Blaster - Stevie Wonder (even just the intro and verses, the quick interludes can be tricky)


There's countless more, just throwing a few ideas around.

[Fullmetal]

Originally Posted by Jake of Bass

A couple suggestions:

Rapper's Delight - Sugar Hill Gang
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Suck My Kiss - RHCP
Money - Pink Floyd
46 & 2 - Tool
Southbound Pachyderm - Primus
Master Blaster - Stevie Wonder (even just the intro and verses, the quick interludes can be tricky)


There's countless more, just throwing a few ideas around.

Wow, some of those songs have incredible bass lines. And since Kevinmach suggested I make goals for myself, I'm gunna attempt to learn all the songs listed above (even though some aren't my type of song) and see how many I can learn in the next few weeks.

Thanks again

[Jake of Bass]

You're welcome.

Yeah I chose those songs for two reasons - great, fun basslines that are in more than one genre. Sometimes learning something that isn't necessarily your thing can help give you broader scope. A lot of music I've loved playing over the years I don't listen to. I know I probably should to get a better understanding of the artist's intent, but I'm glad I was pushed and nudged to try lots of different things early on.