(HELP) I need a slump buster.

[Harper]

Hi,

I've been playing bass for 15 years. I'm (for the first time in a long time) in an ideal band with people I love playing with. We play out, do pretty well for our area and have no trouble getting booked. I have all (well...most) of the gear I want.

So why am I not picking up my bass as often as I used to?

I guess it's a slump. I feel SO unmotivated when I try to practice; I run through the same old licks and some old tunes for a few minutes then I put it back down.

Does this happen to everyone at one point or another? I feel like I really need something new to sink my teeth into but I just don't know what it is.

My apologies if this has been discussed before; either way it helps to get it off my chest.

[Peaved]

If this is old news please excuse, otherwise: Bass Playing Ruts.

Best of luck!

[Harper]

Exactly the kind of stuff I'm looking for.

Thanks!

[nsmar4211]

I get like that sometimes, usually out of frustration... I think I'm bored but it's really my brain pouting because I can't quite do something.

I bought a echo pedal during the last slump. I was eyeballing it at the store, jeering at myself for wanting something I'll never use live. Asked a friend if I should spend the money on something not really made for bass......and the reply was, "If it keeps you interested, it's worth the money". Ding! Pedal came home, slump was over. Something about playing with it helps me get out of my slump....it's just fun. Espically when you set it so its got the reverse feature (you don't hear the note you struck, only the effect...) and try to play ...wheeeeeee. Scales have a whole new sound!

And +1 to trying a new technique....Trying to slap (and figuring out how to incorporate it!) is keeping me interested during the dull times .

Perhaps, since you've been playing a while, taking someone else under your wing? Nothing like teaching someone to reinforce your own knowledge.... and being looked up to is good for the ego .

[Martin Bormann]

If you're that unmotivated to practice, don't practice. You're not going to gain anything if you're fighting yourself the whole time to stay motivated. If you're stuck playing the same few licks over and over, maybe you should learn new ones. There are tons of etude books you can get. You can even make a few up of your own.

Sometimes when I'm all cramped up playing at home and unmotivated, I go practice outside underneath a nice shaded tree. It's not a good idea on a windy day though, sheet music goes flying all over the place.