I'm Going To Do It!

[IbanezATK]

I'm going learn some theory, and I'm going to learn to read music.

I am blessed with relative pitch, I can figure pretty much anything out by ear, on guitar and bass.

My band is currently on hiatus due to some legal issues, at one point the band was talking to labels, lawyers were involved, the band broke up, now there are issues with the band name and former members, old material, etc. that have to be resolved. Yes, basically we want the band name badly enough to pay for it We won't be touching any of the old material, but we have to make everything "legal."

I'm fairly happy with where my technique is, and I'm bored of learning two or three new songs a day.

I've tried this before, but I've gotten overwhelmed and figured that I'd get by ok just playing by ear... my guitar player can play something and I can play a bass line to it. If somebody in the band wants to cover something, I can learn it by ear quickly.

My guitar player/singer is in pretty much the same boat, and he dove into theory about a month ago. I always figured that knowing what the rules were would box you in, but it has opened up his playing and composing in just a months time. I kinda feel stupid now, I'm playing the "right" thing, but I don't know WHY.

I just thought I'd let you guys know that I'm in for some pain, but hopefully enlightenment lies at the end of this journey!

Right now I'm using studybass.com and I just ordered over 100.00 worth of books. If anybody has any suggestions to make this journey easier, please speak up!

[rarisgod]

Great idea. I wish I had time currently do learn more myself.

But lately I've really been thankful that I've learned how to read music. It's so great to just pick up some music and play it. Sight reading is some of the most fun I have playing music. As for theory, well I still need to learn a bunch myself.

Go for it! And good luck!

[J. Crawford]

No matter your age, an instructor is great. You may be a better bassist than him, like my situation, but he can help.

Im the most ignorant bassist on the planet, yet he knowsh is stuff. Its a good learning experience. Plus, someone to talk to instead of reading a book constantly keeps one sane.

[Stumbo]

Check out the link in my sig. It may shed some light on your quest for knowledge.

[Shoot_A_Hostage]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Check out the link in my sig. It may shed some light on your quest for knowledge.

I bookmarked yhay. I would give you a ribbon if I could.

[JimmyM]

Smart move, bro. Some people have a mistaken outlook about theory. They are called "people who don't know the first thing about theory." Glad you finally realized its benefits. Never heard anyone who learned reading music and theory say they regretted it.

Boy, that must be a hell of a band name that you're willing to pay for it.

[Correlli]

Bit like an painter learning color theory. Pays off in the long run