I know there are at least 1000000 threads similar to this one, and I've read through some, but I was hoping to get a more personal answer.
After 3 years of playing, I realize now that I really got off on the wrong foot. To make a really long story short, I tried quitting but honestly, just can't.
Basically, I started off with tab, thinking that was the easiest and quickest way to start playing. No practice with theory, no timing exercises, etc etc. I didn't realize how much this set me back until the past year or so. I decided to make the move to start taking lessons, but the nearest teacher I've found is about 45 minutes away, so I'm only getting to see him once or twice a month.
Now.. I know my basic scale shapes, major, minor, blues etc. But only practice them root to root which I feel is giving me absolutely zero musical experience. And while I can name the notes I play in these scales, it takes me a little bit of time to recite them.
Recently I've begun learning to sight read and learn songs by ear, but catching on is taking me quite some time. My teacher had me pick up a Jim Stinnett sight reading book and I'm working on learning a Meters album now.
I somewhat understand the circle of 5ths/4ths and can typically find out what key signature I'm looking at after noodling around on the fretboard for a minute or 2.
I know my timing is very weak yet I havn't done too much about it. When I'm not trying to learn a song and I'm just jamming or noodling around, I DO play with a drum machine though. It's when I turn that off (or before I turn it on) my timing goes down the drain and I rush the beat pretty seriously.
On a positive note, I am pretty happy with both my left and right hand technique so far. Not saying there isn't room for improvement, but I am MUCH more comfortable playing now than I was a year ago. I am a fingerstyle player, and am a little close minded to the idea of learning to play with a pick. As a young, extremely naive player, I really wanted to learn how to slap (like most new players) when I started, but have put that on the back burner until I gain a solid foundation.
I guess what I'm looking for from you guys is just some general advice for me to tie all my various little knowledge of different areas of bass guitar technique and music theory together, in order to give me the confidence I need to get out there and start playing with other musicians. Bass guitar is one of the biggest things that gets me through my 9-5 and I really want to gain the skills that will allow me to openly express the musical ideas that run through my head.
Thanks so much!
Peace!
Andy
