Is it necessary to learn to play with so much emphasis on the technical elements?

[markseb1]

I know this will stir up some controversy, but here it goes...
I've been wondering lately if it is really necessary to learn to play the bass with so much emphasis on the technical side. Yes, I am somewhat new to the bass and have taken lessons from a bass player with over 30 years experience and a music degree. I have learned how to read music and the major and minor scales, but now I am starting to get bored with all that and just want to learn songs that I enjoy hearing, which I seem to be able to do fairly well.
I am 43 years old and have no desire whatsoever to write my own music or become a studio musician. My only long term goal is to play in a classic rock band some day when I give up my day job (automotive engineer).
I have seen a lot of bass players playing weekend gigs and loving it. Based on my observations, most of them would not be technically proficient, yet they are very good artists. They play with feeling rather than trying to be technically correct. When talking with them, most say to do whatever feels comfortable when playing and don't be concerned with OFPF or major/minor scales, etc, etc.
I guess that with anything, its all a matter of perspective and what you hope to get out of it. At the end of the day I want to have fun, even when I am practicing. Any others feel this way?

[deadworld101]

No point in doing something that doesnt make you happy. Imho don't worry bout all the tech stuff and do what makes you happy. There are tons of great players that don't know any of that stuff and are great.

[dalkowski]

It all depends on how far you want to go with it. There's nothing wrong with just wanting to learn the songs you like and play them well -- and that may be enough for a classic rock band.

But if you're like me, you may reach a point when you want more from the instrument and the music. While you can pick up licks here and there, when you start studying theory and applying it, it really opens up new doors to expression and creativity. There's a LOT to digest, and you won't become Jaco overnight. But you can just do more when you know more (to over simplify). Speaking personally, it's mind-blowing, especially if you have a good teacher.

Even if you don't become a technical bass wizard, it's always awesome to learn one more thing, IMO.

"Walker, there is no path. You make the path as you walk."

Good luck and savor the journey.

[markseb1]

My original plans were to take the summer off from formal classes and just learn some new songs, but, like so many other times, life got in the way. My wife and I bought a house. Then there was the move, lack of maintenance issues on our new house due to neglect from the previous owner, building a garage, etc that took up the past few months, leaving little time to play. I did manage to get in about 5 hours a week, though.
I have just purchased my next book for classes I planned to attend between November '09 and May '10 but have found that I would rather play songs than play pieces of music from the book. What has started out as a structured practice session quickly turns into a 1.5 hour jam session. Maybe I will just put off classes for a few months?

[dalkowski]

As a 46-year-old dad, husband, earner and homeowner, I can relate. Life is what happens when you're making other plans.

I think it comes down to "play all you can, whenever you can, to make yourself happy." Whether it's lessons or jam sessions, it's never wasted time. My good luck, I have both to look forward to today.

[scottbass]

Why are you playing bass?

You said your goal is to be in a classic rock band. You have learned how to read, you know the major and minor scales, and you say you are pretty good at picking up the bass lines of songs you want to play.

GO PLAY IN A CLASSIC ROCK BAND ALREADY!!!!

There are lots of 40-somethings who are finally out from under the responsibilities of pre-school age kids who are playing in basements and garages in every county of this country. Find them. Bass players are almost always in demand. Check Craigslist and whatever other music resources are available in your area. Start playing with a band. If you feel they're going in a different direction than you want, find another band. Trust me, there are lots of middle-aged classic rock bands looking for bass players in your area. Some are basement-only, some are working towards playing the occasional weekend party or charity event, some are playing bar gigs one or two weekend evenings per month.

>>> Do you wanna keep taking lessons and practicing alone in your bedroom/rec room to become more and more of a bass virtuoso or do you wanna be on stage rockin' out with your new buddies?

As dalkowski said, you may decide at some point in the future that you do indeed want to become more of a virtuoso and that you therefore need more formal instruction.

But if what you say about your abilities is accurate, you already have all the tools you need to play in a classic rock band with other middle-aged musicians. That's what you really wanna do, SO GO DO IT!!!

(Edit: But don't give up your day job. There's about a 0.01% chance you will ever make enough money from gigging to even consider it.)

[MalcolmAmos]

Yes find a band. You'll then know how much theory you need. A band may not be that easy to find, however, there are backing tracks and play-a-longs all over the Internet. Playing along with those backing tracks will quickly tell you what other "stuff" you need.

http://ralphpatt.com/Song.html
For the chord progressions in the song and then click on backing tracks (upper tool bar) for the play along. The actual backing track may take awhile to load - wait on it - it'll be worth it. Those numbers? The BPM - pick a slow one to start.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK5p...eature=related
Basic 12 bar blues progression in A.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM2G1...eature=related
Slow blues in A. See what you can do with this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xABie...eature=related
Blues in G. Suggest a slow walk with the G blues scale on this one.

All those blues backing tracks will be using the basic 12 bar blues chord progression. Make up the baseline you feel will fit the best. That will also tell you how much more "stuff" you need. You may already have enough, just need to know how to use it.

Have fun.

[phatbass]

Technique/theory/etc. are tools to create music.

You can rebuild a small-block Chevy with a shifting spanner and a pair of pliers (almost), but you'll get a much better result a lot quicker with the right tools. In my opinion it's the same with music. It's just a lot easier with the right tools...

YMMV, IMHO, etc.

[Rickett Customs]

Having an "above average" set of technical skills is icing on the cake. Being able to hold down a rhythm section is always key. Also, having a sense of when to play (not "over playing") and when not to play, holds just as much weight and will show just how proficient your "above average" skills really are.

[Fergie Fulton]

You say you're an automotive engineer, so you have a lot of information about mechanics i would assume, has that ever helped you be a better driver and enjoy the drive for instance, known what's going on under the bonnet? I have to agree with get in a band, play now, and enjoy that's why we play.

[markseb1]

Thanks for the input and advice. Yes, a band is in the future as soon as I can find 2 or 3 other like minded people to go along, or if I can find an existing band that is looking for a bass player. Someone to play along with would be great.
One thing I don't want to have happen is that bass playing becomes like my other hobby, cars. I tend to spend way too much money on tools and parts and way too much time in the garage perfecting my ride instead of getting it out on the road. I am too much of a perfectionist when it comes to cars. I know cars inside and out and have nearly every tool known to man, but it is no longer fun because of the pressure I put on myself to be perfect.
I guess its time to put down the books and have some fun

[mambo4]

The most important aspect of technique is to avoid injury through bad habits, well worth paying attention to. But that is mostly about posture, strap position, wrist angel (straight!) , and using the minimum necessary muscle exertion.

Not every aspect of technique is about that. 1 finger per fret, for example, has less to do with ergonomics. so in that sense, those who say "Just do what is Comfortable" are on the right track.

However, I think "technique" vs. "feeling" is a false conflict, and we should not think that way. Technique is the means and feeling the end. Exploring and developing my technique has always lead me to a place of more expressive playing -once I have practiced the technique part enough.

it is also false to think that you have to master technique before you can play with feeling. It's a continuous process. You play with feeling until you notice something about your ability that seems to be an obstacle, then you focus on the technique until the obstacle is overcome. Then you find a new level of expression that reveals new obstacles...rinse and repeat.

[mrtorian]

You must:
1.) Have good tone. This is achieved through lots of listening. Just sit and listen to every song. Ask yourself what's good and bad. This will help you with taste, both general and personal. What works and what doesn't? Jack Bruce made it work, but so did/ does Cliff Williams.
2.) Find your grove. Find your place in each song. Play only root notes if you have to. Technique etc. will come with practice. Hang on E when in E. The more notes you play the less bass works in a classic rock song.
3.) Develop your ear. Learn every single classic rock song there is to know. Make sure and learn them all the way through. Memorize all the changes. After about 100, you'll have the tools to learn everything else quickly.

If I had to pick one thing, you need to make sure you have an infallible ear. A classic rock bassist is at his/her best owning rhythm and the drive of a song. Picture yourself on the back of the stage staring at the drummer. Let the guitar/ singer do their job.

My personal goal is to be invisible. In a gig like you're interested in you're successful if you can go around the bar unrecognized after the show.

[MikeGee]

My suggestion to new bassist is to learn the maj and min scale and learn chord formulas... after that imho do as you please.

[bass player 48]

I know where you are coming from. I play classic rock with middle agers just for fun. Do you need theory? No. The only thing that you have to do is have good form. Carpul Tunnel sucks (or so I hear) But good god man - find a band. Rock and Roll ain't brain surgery, some of it is down right easy. You are ready. Just a warning though - you'll have a ball playing easy songs with a band... for a while, then you'll want to learn harder songs and take a solo... and you'll start to know which bit of theory you want to learn next and why and you may end up going back to the teacher.

[MarkTAW]

There is absolutely no need to learn anything you don't want to.

Unless you want to accomplish something beyond what you can do today. Do you need to learn how to play well to play with your friends? No. Some of my friend are amazing musicians - heck my old guitar teacher was an amazing musician & couldn't tell you what the notes are in an A7 chord. (I've never taken bass lessons, but I've taken lessons with other musicians I respect.)

But if you'd like to one day tour the world playing simple chord progressions all the while staring at the back end of the pop star of the day, it doesn't hurt to know a thing or two about how to play your instrument.

For the love of god though - learn proper technique so that if that day ever comes, you aren't put out to pasture before your time due to repetitive stress injuries.

[jarrhead]

It's always nice to know more!

You never know, you may want to play a bit of Jazz or progressive metal or something!

[sobie18]

Learn the tunes, establish an endless catalog of tunes, play with different folks, and hone your skills. Build your ear. Technique is important in a lot of aspects but it isn't the FIRST priority.

I have seen many a bass player with poor technique limiting Their ability, whether they realized it or not. Think about the millions of folks who don't use their pinky; fretting hand is now operating @ 75%. I know a bass player who plays 90% of his entire gig on the E string. I want to tell him there are 3 other strings on that bass...And he probably wonders why he makes mistakes all night slip-sliding around.

Don't be a robot but don't limit yourself.

[jarrhead]

What I did was learn all the songs I liked, which were fairly simple then.

I then took four months or so of lessons. I learned a crapload of theory and how to be efficient with my hands, so I can do harder things.

I then learned things such as tapping myself. Yes, you CAN learn a lot with TABS!

Take it at your own pace, but never stop!

[PBass101]

Find a balance between technique and groove and ye shall find happiness...

Being 'overly' concerned with anything is counter-productive. You need good enough technique to play whichever songs you're playing - nobody wants a sloppy bass player. But you don't need Victor Wooten's chops for Aerosmith or AC/DC basslines.