Value of a teacher

[XtreO]

To this day I have not had even one lesson with a teacher to learn me how to play bass. :/

I've no notion whether that is normal or not for people playing an instrument, but I think it is, at least for those on or past my level. By that I mean to strike a line between those buying a guitar to play Nothing Else Matters and those who use hours or practice every week on their instrument.

To begin with I got hold of Guitar Pro to play along with, and found every bit of information on technique I could on this very forum, which served as my teacher when I started up. Not claiming I'm past learning anything new from here, because I know I am not, but I've got the basics down quite well now. For the past year or two I haven't really done much to improve, instead my relative pitch and creativeness and knowledge of my instrument has been bettered, while I haven't gotten technically much more skilled (though I play a LOT tighter now, I can't play much faster is what I mean here).

And that leads me to my question. Would going to a teacher make much of a difference now after about 3-5 years of bass playing? I know there are no fatal flaws in my technique, though there are things a bassist I know keeps harping on about (like using the tip of the fingers on the fret), that I've really had no use to 'correct' as of now, because I honestly don't need it.


TLR; I've played bass for about 4 years, and never had a lesson. Should I seek a teacher?



Edit: You should know I play metal. Not wanting to diss my own genre, I realise there are many harder genres to play that requires perfection to a much greater level.

[Sammy_L_D]

Absolutely. You can always learn something new from a good teacher. Don't just go for anyone though--look for someone who is very reputable in your area.

[becker4567]

You've been playing 3-5 years? I've been playing since 1966, and it wouldn't hurt me to get a lesson or two. No offense mate, but you make it sound like you just don't need any more knowledge. EVERYONE needs to get better. I just read that Adam Clayton (U2) took private lessons in New York last year, and he's played plenty of shows, and is pretty good. If it would just rid you of a few bad habits, it would be worth it.

[brentonkim]

It depends if you want to go professional or not.
If it's just a hobby, then I really don't see a point in getting a teacher. If you're seeking music to be a profession, by all means, look quickly.

[bassandbeyond]

With the abundance of info now available online for free, including on my own website (shameless plug ), I can understand the temptation to forgo lessons. I tend toward the autodidact approach myself...taught myself to speak Japanese, build websites, and now I'm learning piano mostly on my own.

However, even with 27 years of bass experience, I am still taking occasional lessons on piano, and I'd like to take even more. The progress you've made so far may be fine, but there are always other musicians with more experience and perspective than you who can help you to advance faster. The hard part, as you advance, is staying humble and really being open to the what they have to offer.

[XtreO]

Thanks for great input I think I'll see a teacher once I find one well worth the money

[kr0n]

I've been playing for 6 years, had one lesson at the ONLY bass teacher around. He was pianist/guitarist, self-taught who took bass out of necessity into his repertoire.

I've asked around since the beginning and haven't found one yet.

The closest I've found are 30-60min drive from here and with 1.30€/l for gas, it's one expensive lesson for me, especially when most are asking 20-25€ 45/60min. So with nearly 100km (with my car, 8-9l/100km) so that's nearing 40€ for an hour lesson and 2-3 hour total. And if the teacher starts showing me scale charts and circle of fifths, screw it. I can study that crap on my own and in my own pace.

Perhaps later when I find a suitable teacher closer or enroll into a school of some sort.

[the_hook]

I'm very disciplined and when I get into something I get really into it and want to learn everything I can about it. I just do bass as a hobby (one of several) and I've dug into it more lately because it just resonates so well with me.

I bought a few books and DVDs, I even jammed with some folks. If all I wanted to do is play cover tunes I'd be happy with where I'm at. But I wanted to know more, so I looked around for a good while for a teacher. I went through 2 guys that just didn't work for me, so I was lucky when I met the 3rd one.

He's taught me more in 5 lessons than all the books I've gone through. And he's cool because he knows I'm the type that once I understand the basics I'll take off and keep going on my own. So a teacher that can teach is invaluable.

[Billyboy_Bass]

I agree with a lot of the posts above, Generally you will need to find a good teacher with experience. I went to a teacher for a while who would just want to jam with me and basically show me that he can play flashy and difficult things on his bass. at the time i was sorting through an audition piece for a school and all he would do was teach me things that were not necessary at the time. So you need to shop about for them, i think anyway! you dont want a rogue teacher haha

[MKoby]

If you are happy with your playing as it is, keep doing what you are doing now.

Should you want more tools, additional skills and confidence to meet further challenges, a teacher could help you.

It may help your progress, in that you may not be aware of things you do not know.

If your time is valuable to you, get a teacher. If not, hack.

As an amateur player myself, my lessons have helped me advance as both a bassist and a musician. I have been guided through different skills by each teacher. I know I could never have developed on my own to do much of the pop things,or almost any jazz or classical material without teachers.
I've had a lot of fun playing diverse styles, and could stupidly tell you about them. Could not have done it without guidance of areas to practice, listen, to work toward and perform.