Ideas for other books or things to learn to progress

[germ_77]

So I have been playing for quite a while but have never actually set myself to learning instead of just randomly jamming with people or I would get a band going and just play really simple bass lines.

I have been progressing really fast lately compared to all the years previously. It really depends on the week and how busy I am but for the past few months I just cant practice enough, If I have the time I will sit around practicing for several hours a day (wish I could do it everyday but usually too busy).

I have been picking up any book that looks interesting or usefull to try learning from. (Getting a teach hasnt really been an option. I have looked around quite a bit but none of them can really work around my busy schedule for lessons).

These are the books I am currently working through.

Bass guitar for dummies
Bass guitar exercises for dummies
Hal Leonard bass method book 1 - 3
Easy pop bass lines
New method for the double bass - Simandl
Alfreds complete basic bass method
Fast track Bass method book 1 - 2
Hal Leonard bass method - Music theory
Complete learn to play bass by Stephan Richter



I am mainly using the hal leonard bass method but also going through the other ones usually trying to find the exercises that are based on the same concepts of what I just did from the hal leonard method. (mainly for learning to sight read, the more exercises I go through using the same notes the quicker I have been getting at reading).

I still suck with scales and anything more than a simple triad for a chord. Even the triads I know could be used a lot more than I do so I am just wondering if there is a good direction or suggestions anyone can offer on my approach.

My timing has gotten way better, getting pretty decent at reading music up to the 5th fret now, as I am going through the exercises I have been trying to learn songs that focus around those concepts as well.

I dont have a specific routing set yet for when I practice but I do try to break it up, I usually start just by messing around or playing riffs I am really comfortable, mainly just having fun for a while.

Then I will start a few exercises prior to the ones I left off at just as a refresher, then do some new exercises, then usually go back even further in the books and run through older ones again but not focusing so much on them, like starting at the beginning of the books and just playing all the exercises I know quite well through once each (if I screw up then play them a few times through before going on).

Then usually the last part I will start working on one of the next songs in the books and then end it off with playing through 5 or 6 of the songs I have already learnt from earlier.

I dont know why it took this long to get this motivated to actually learn what I am doing but I am looking for some feedback on that routine, any suggestions to add or change in it and just general tips.

Thanks in advance.

[sammyp]

that's too much stuff and a lot of the same info over and over ....pick a couple and focus! and learn tunes from CDs/ Mp3s ....

[jmattbassplaya]

Honestly, I think the best thing a new guy can do is get involved with a band and start jamming. It's the best way to figure out what interests you and what kind of music you want to play. From there, you can begin focusing on techniques that apply directly towards what you want to be able to play. For example, if you wanted to play Iron Maiden you might work on galloping. If you wanted to do some RHCP you might work on slap. Whatever the case may be, you'll start to focus on something and will be able to pick up on it quicker than you'd be able to if you set your sights on many things.

[Basshoofd]

He said he has played for years so I don't think he's a complete beginner. I agree with the suggestion of picking 1 thing to work on and really understand it before going on. Learning random bits and pieces isn't going to help very much.

I would reading the Hal Leonard theory book you already own up to scales and chord tones etc. No need for advanced theory yet, just get the basics down and get them down right. Then you will really understand scales and chord tones and it's not going to be difficult learning the different sounds and patterns.

[MalcolmAmos]

Sounds like you are on a run and enjoying it, that is the main thing. I enjoy theory. Might try digging deeper into theory. It opens doors that were not there before.

Depending on your schedule a band has been mentioned, I NEED the band, no reason to study all this stuff if you do not get to use it. Need not do the bar scene, jamming with a garage band on Wednesday night is a blast. I love jamming circles, song called out - grab the key and hang on.

Great that you are enjoying your instrument in a new way. Speaking of instruments, how about a new instrument, I tried the fiddle and clarinet, neither took, but I had fun learning how to play them and it gave me something interesting to do.

Good luck.

[enricogaletta]

There are many of them, just focus on what kind of goals you have and than pick 2 or 3 and go ahed.
Cheers. Enrico
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[Groove Master]

Time and groove are the most essantials aspects to master for bass players and too often they are under estimated. This book will help tremendously on these qualities and make you a much better player.

[Intenzity]

Start transcribing.

That will be the best skill you can develop long-term and if you get good at it, it will let you learn anything you ever want to learn for as long as you play. You will just be able to figure it out.

Start a binder and put all the bass lines you figure out in there, pick ones you already know even, just to get started. But actually write them out.

It encompasses every part of musicianship, ear training, theory, time, harmony, etc.