Learning multiple things at once.

[JonathanD]

I like to do be accomplishing more than one thing at a time.

I want to....

1.Know the fretboard better... inside and out without looking hit any note from any other not no extraneous noises.

2. Get better at reading.

3. Understand other style of music.

4. timing can always get better.

5. learn to hear how chords work together and be able to know many options to get from one chord to another. Also want to know options on what I can play on each chord in different keys. Not just knowing tyhe theory... KNOWING it like speaking a sentence.

Method

1. Read through every song in the "Real Book(I am sure there are others that would be good" 1-3 times using just the root notes. It gives a general since of the songs development, also trying to hit notes in different places each time you repeat.

2. not read through it just outlining the chords and not playing passing notes.

3. read the melodies and play them and improve on them some.

4. read through it a 4th time with passing notes.

I may even go so far as to record some I really like and play sax to them looking for anything that annoys me as a sax player in my bass playing.


Any comments on this self suggested way to go about things?

Thanks, Jonathan

[DocBop]

Another approach people use is reverse take one song and learn it everyway possible. Take a Real Book tune like All The Things You Are, it has a little of everything in it. Learn the head up an octave, down an octave, in all 12 keys. Work up Walkng bass line(s) using multiple approaches and in 12 keys. Work on soloing first simple melody embellishment, then using chord tone, scales, chord extentions, chord subsitutions, and so on and of course in 12 keys. Play the chord progression in arpeggios, playing in chord/scales, yup 12 keys. Play the chords on the bass, yea'll you know by now 12 keys. Work on the song in different styles, tempos, transcribe solos by others. Do everything you can to one song. That will teacher you a lot about technique and fretboard when you have to play it in 12 keys. Want a real challenge 12 keys in one postion plus or minus 1 or 2 frets.

You do that to one song it could take weeks or months you will have learned so much and done it from a musical standpoint. Then pick another song of different writing style a modal tune or rhythm changes, Blues. Do it again, it will be easier the second time and each time after that. By the time you have done a handful tunes your knowledge of bass and music will be vast. Its not easy and take a lot of discipline. No it won't be the only thing you practice, but it will be the main part of your practice.