Intermediate bassist practicing question

toneuc · #1 11-28-2010, 07:52 PM

Hey Guys,

I have been playing the bass off and on for a year or so. I've gotten away with simple practicing methods to be a decent player. But, I really want to become a real bassist!

Anyways, I need a solid practicing method. I want to know every aspect of the bass and don't know where to start. Any advice?

Thanks

funkybass · #2 11-28-2010, 08:53 PM

First, no bassist knows every aspect of bass. It's a never ending journey. I recomend getting a teacher. Without knowing where you are at I can't tell you where to start.

A tempo · #3 11-29-2010, 08:13 AM

Not just getting a teacher, but getting the right teacher would be the best option. If you are looking for a book, then it would be hard beat Rufus Reid's "Evolving Bassist", regardless of what genre of music you want to play. Get the newest edition. The 1st exercise is an expansive open string study. It is the most useful study for bass guitar that I have found. It will challenge your voicing, muting, timing, string crossing, rhythm and more. Best of luck.

dave64o · #4 11-29-2010, 11:35 AM

1) A lot of people start down the path of "I don't need to know how to read or know theory, I just want to play music that sounds good.". Why some people believe that really learning your craft will kill your creativity and your groove is beyond me, but those people clearly have no idea what lessons are all about, or at least what they SHOULD be all about. DON'T be one of those people! Learn all you can about all aspects of your craft and you'll be 10X beyond those "I just want to play music that sounds good" people in the same amount of time.

2) A big part of getting the right teacher is one who's goal is to make you a better MUSICIAN, not someone who will teach you some "tricks" to help you fake your way through it. Find a teacher who's goal is to make you a better musician and you'll be an additional 10X farther than those "sounds good" people in no time.

3) Better still if this instructor actually plays and teaches bass and isn't just a guitar teacher who picks up some bass students because it's "just like a guitar". Find someone who has the experience needed to teach, has the ability to teach,has the desire to teach, and has the willingness and ability to adapt to the student. Getting stuck with someone who's in it just to make a couple of bucks will be a waste of your time and could easily kill your desire to play and improve.

Gaetano Paul · #5 12-03-2010, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave64o

1) A lot of people start down the path of "I don't need to know how to read or know theory, I just want to play music that sounds good.". Why some people believe that really learning your craft will kill your creativity and your groove is beyond me, but those people clearly have no idea what lessons are all about, or at least what they SHOULD be all about. DON'T be one of those people! Learn all you can about all aspects of your craft and you'll be 10X beyond those "I just want to play music that sounds good" people in the same amount of time.

2) A big part of getting the right teacher is one who's goal is to make you a better MUSICIAN, not someone who will teach you some "tricks" to help you fake your way through it. Find a teacher who's goal is to make you a better musician and you'll be an additional 10X farther than those "sounds good" people in no time.

3) Better still if this instructor actually plays and teaches bass and isn't just a guitar teacher who picks up some bass students because it's "just like a guitar". Find someone who has the experience needed to teach, has the ability to teach,has the desire to teach, and has the willingness and ability to adapt to the student. Getting stuck with someone who's in it just to make a couple of bucks will be a waste of your time and could easily kill your desire to play and improve.

I fully agree