Goal setting input - Hal Leonard Bass Method

[Dennis99]

I just started the Hal Leonard Bass Method (Complete Edition). I am trying to set some targets for completing this book. I'd love some guidance from those who've gone through it already on how long it took them.

I typically practice 90-120 minutes every day spending (or planning to spend) 30minutes on this Hal Leonard series. I spend the remaining time on technique (took a course with Adam Nitti), transcribing and playing songs.

Prior to bass, I played guitar for many years, some of which has helped on bass, but for the most part, I'm a regular newbie.

I'd like to plan out some checkpoints - I'll be complete in 12 months, do this many sections per week/month, etc. Any guidance on how long it takes to master the stuff in the book would be great. Additionally, guidance on when to move on, from section to section would also help.

Thanks!

[Already In Use]

I am working wit that book right now. I am also working off this list of links provided by Stumbo.

Some noob from Alaska

I have taken a series of lessons and have the luxury of having a guitar player who taught music come to my house to play with.

I have the same questions. I'm guessing it will take me months to master the book material as I have a multi pronged approach to learning the bass. I'm not trying to learn songs per say. I am learning to read music and I am studying music theory. My ultimate goal is to be able to pick up my bass and play along with just about any music and sound good. I want to be able to read music as good as I can read the written word.

My best answer at this point is that progress is up to the individual and will vary wildly. Practice, study and play. I'm finding that playing live with a guitar player is a big confidence booster and it keeps me from getting bored.

We're in for the long haul..Like Charlie Daniels said..Its a long road and a little wheel...It'll take a lot of turns to get there.

[Dennis99]

Thanks for the links! I also play in my church band so get regular exposure to playing live, albeit fairly easy songs (I'm a root, root/5 guy for now). This definitely helps keep things interesting. I am just trying to supplement my "play by ear"/chord chart mode with the ability to read. I too want to be able to read and play at tempo in many genre's.

[MalcolmAmos]

Yes to using the how to books. Steal stuff from the 6 string acoustic guys, as they seem to have more published information, just ignore the top two strings.

I'm working on two octave, 7 fret, pentatonic patterns right now. Lot of fun and it does get us out of that R-5 mode. Course there are a lot of times that Root whatever is the best choice. Pentatonic seems to help with the break away.

Good luck.

[Soverntear]

from my teacher last night when we were talking about how to effectively use practice time.
work on thease three things each and every day. tone first, make sure your striking evenly and making the sound you want.
time/groove next just close your eyes and make sure your rocking that groove IE 2 octave scales run in half, 1/4 and 1/8th notes even just open string striking
last improve an sight reading.

now on to your exact question. id say its reasonable to do 2 pages a night. thats what im doing. it doesnt bog you down with lot of new info. it also gives you enough stuff to keep interested/little enough stuff to ensure you can master the lines in a small ammount of time

always remember 15 min of reading a day will greatly imrpove you over time