Inspiration or something...

Bloodhammer · #1 12-21-2010, 01:10 PM

I feel really stupid for posting this, but I think I need some advice or to just vent my frustration.

When I play with other people, music seems to just flow out of me. Whenever I'm home alone, though, it's like I'm musically brain-dead on bass. This wasn't so much of a problem when I was in bands, but now I'm in limbo... I'm stuck at home all the time and all my musician friends are either in 2 or 3 bands already, or they have no job or car. I try to play bass as much as I can, but nothing meaningful comes out except bits and pieces of songs I already know - I can't seem to improvise at all when I'm alone.

Meanwhile my guitar is getting all the attention. I can improv all kinds of stuff and entertain myself for hours - even write some songs. I'm starting to fear that mabey I'm just a guitarist that dreamed of bass..... This is very distressing.

BTW I already called the wahmbulance and they told me it's not an emergency.

Cannabass · #2 12-21-2010, 02:50 PM

do you ever play to cd's and sh|t?

Bloodhammer · #3 12-22-2010, 01:46 PM

I do when I'm learning a song.

puddin tame · #4 12-22-2010, 01:49 PM

try imagining a drum beat while you're playing and focus on that

hrodbert696 · #5 12-22-2010, 01:52 PM

Well, as cool as bass is, it is an instrument that works better as part of an ensemble unless you're an absolute maestro -- seems like this is only natural. What if you recorded some of your guitar playing and then worked up bass lines to it on playback?

The other thing is that if you have musician friends who lack transportation, why don't you go to them? If the mountain won't come to Mohammad, Mohammad is going to have to go to the mountain.

Beginner Bass · #6 12-22-2010, 01:53 PM

Try and find a decent backing track.

Bloodhammer · #7 12-22-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrodbert696

The other thing is that if you have musician friends who lack transportation, why don't you go to them? If the mountain won't come to Mohammad, Mohammad is going to have to go to the mountain.

Because I'm temporarily without a vehicle - hence the cabin-fever induced despair.

I agree with you and I'm seriously considering buying a loopstation to get over this hurdle. Either that or one of those portable home studio setups since my next band is likely to consist of me, myself and I.

Baron Von Vik · #8 12-22-2010, 02:52 PM

Play to a drum track. Splice some acid loops together and kick out some grooves, very inspirational.

**Staccato** · #9 12-22-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beginner Bass

Try and find a decent backing track.

There's countless popular melodies that you can 'work' on the neck, memorizing simple basslines, and starting into more complex practice on walking bass lines.

Search the TB archives on that topic. Practice something old, or new, and memorize it. Okay, now change the tempo, and you've got another challenge, especially if you have a drum beat, or metronome to keep you honest.

Bloodhammer · #10 12-22-2010, 03:07 PM

Thanks!

Calamity_John · #11 12-22-2010, 03:16 PM

a really good composition teacher once told me that they are no emotional and/or cognitive abilities at the tips of your fingers .. just well worn neural pathways that tend to do what they have done a million times .. listen to some things ... take a walk .. relax .. see if you can think of what you are going to do before you pick up the bass ..