keeping interest

[xxfaux_punkxx]

I've been playing bass going on 2 years now and feel I'm doing well however, I'm slowly loosing interest in playing.

I've gone through the basics of learning scales, chords, sheet music, and working with metronomes(sp), I've composed a couple of my own songs and have worked on some of my favorite songs as well as with songs I normally wouldn't like but have good basslines. I've even tried converting to fretless (not my thing sorry), but now i'm starting to get bored.

After playing in a band setting and transferring to solo practice It's become very clear that bass is not a solo instrument, or at least not commonly a solo instrument.


I guess what I'm asking is what I can do to get that spark back. You know that feeling you get when you set first pick up the instrument or when you just acomplished wickedly complex riff.

[klokker]

There's a couple of schools of thought on this. Some people say take a break and come back to it.

I say no. This is not the time to quit or take a vacation from playing. Boredom is a sign that your transitioning to a "higher level". You've gotten a bit stuck in a rut, doing the same things.

Its time to reach out a bit, start in on a different aspect of playing, but stay with it. You're on a verge of becoming a better player.....don't quit now.

[type C basses]

Different things work for different people. For me...a good jam with some new folks is usually enough to get some inspiration. Make sure you're having fun with it. If you're not, maybe leave it alone for a week or two. Come back and see if the spark is back. Maybe even play around on a piano or drums or something for a few hours. See if that gives you some ideas to take back to your bass. The bass is a true friend; she'll wait for you.

Also, try to pinpoint the problem more. Are you feeling frustrated? deterred? bored? just needing a change?

[Tracebassplayer]

Time to try a new style, funk, slap, tapping, classical style finger picking...
CHALLENGE yourself ....

[miltslackford]

try doing something which is rhythmically difficult for you like a different style - reggae, latin, african etc.

[Tracebassplayer]

2 votes for a style change

[78fenderjazz]

Have you tried listening to Jaco?

[metalstorm]

Perhaps you should look for a teacher who really inspires you. Someone you can watch gig. Nothing makes me want to practice like watching someone really good play or getting a lesson from a very proficient musician. Personally I don't practice if I don't feel inspired to do so because it seems counter productive to me.

[tangentmusic]

Play with people you consider better than you. It will help propel you to that other level.

[xxfaux_punkxx]

thanks for all the advice people.

what are some of Jaco's more technical songs? I think I might give them a try?

[Konigstiger22]

Bass teachers are great for pushing your limits! I also agree with a style change! Also, maybe try incorporating different styles into your style. You never know what fun stuff can come about! Reggae Grunge! Don't knock it till you try it!

[Tracebassplayer]

You can find Jaco vids on youtube

[James Judson]

Try playing some gigs. There is no one here that wants to play "Mustang Sally" but when there is a good looking blonde bouncing it all in front of the stage? I'll play Mustang Sally all night.

If you need more challenges try one of these:

1. Lock onto a drummer. Watch his right foot and play only the same notes he is playing.
2. Sing.
3. Imply a simple bass line (you know, the simple line people tap toes, nod head, drum fingers to etc.). Once you have that start playing along with cymbals, melody lines, parallel octaves or fifths, call and responce.
4. Get s**t faced just before a gig. Make sure you sit so you don't fall and break your ax. Actually this is bad advice you just need to record it for proof.

Welcome to the world of bass. Your job is make the lead (vocals, solos etc.) sound better. Less is more.

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by tangentmusic

Play with people you consider better than you. It will help propel you to that other level.

big +1 to this.

After playing in a band setting and transferring to solo practice It's become very clear that bass is not a solo instrument, or at least not commonly a solo instrument.

I'm not sure if this means you are committed to solo bass, if so, please feel free ignore the following comment.

After 2 years of playing, I think its a little misguided to assume that the solution to boredom is to find more and more technically challenging stuff to play.
You really can gain a huge amount of insight by committing to the bass is an ensemble instrument, a supportive sideman.
That means really learning how to listen to whats going on around you and let your playing really become a part of the song.
If playing simple bass lines in a group bores you, that usually means you are not listening to the band and responding attentively enough.

there are so many practical skills you can pick up by playing with others -musical, interpersonal, performance, behind the scenes gig stuff...
A gigging band will take you much farther and leave you more well rounded than You Tubing another Jaco clip.

[MikeBC]

Jam, jam, jam.

Find other musicians to jam with. Maybe even several different groups of players. I am not talking about playing out or making a buck, just jamming. Playing with different people will teach you something new.

Another idea. A band I was in decades ago added an electric piano to the mix. That really changed things. At times that was another instrument holding the bottom end and line down. Forced me to do make adjustments and do different things. In the end I think my playing became more refined.

The piano also helped my ear. If the piano had a key or two go out of tune, we all had to make adjustments of the fly to cover for that.

I think we all need solo practice but eventually you have to get back with other musicians.

[dvh]

As usual mambo I agree with you 100%. My ever-lasting bass inspiration comes from just that: listening and harmonizing rhythmically with other musicians. I've never been motivated by complicated lines or technique.

[Russell L]

If there's one thing that makes me want to play my bass, no matter how simple or complex the part, it's the feeling of the groove. Jam with yourself, or with others. Take a break from studying and discover what music is all about---the feeling. I guarantee that when it hits you you will have a hunger that can only be satisfied by playing your bass as much as possible. Never mind theory or technique, get in there with the groove for awhile.

[xxfaux_punkxx]

Originally Posted by mambo4

big +1 to this.



I'm not sure if this means you are committed to solo bass, if so, please feel free ignore the following comment.

After 2 years of playing, I think its a little misguided to assume that the solution to boredom is to find more and more technically challenging stuff to play.
You really can gain a huge amount of insight by committing to the bass is an ensemble instrument, a supportive sideman.
That means really learning how to listen to whats going on around you and let your playing really become a part of the song.
If playing simple bass lines in a group bores you, that usually means you are not listening to the band and responding attentively enough.

there are so many practical skills you can pick up by playing with others -musical, interpersonal, performance, behind the scenes gig stuff...
A gigging band will take you much farther and leave you more well rounded than You Tubing another Jaco clip.

actually when I'm playing in a group my main focus is holding the bottom end. however when playing by myself strings of
8th's and 1/4's aren't as fun.

[TWolf]

Buy a cool new Bass (or amp)