Lessons

vkiing · #1 03-01-2011, 11:47 AM

Evening talkbassers,
Ive been playing my bass for 1 year and ive got pretty good , playing gigs, etc. But experienced players say that i really need lessons for my technique. How important are bass lessons from teachers? I was thinking about buying a music book about bass theory, any tips on what book to get? And is teaching myself stuff from the book comparable to actual lessons?

**251** · #2 03-01-2011, 12:06 PM

the difference between lessons & teaching yourself from a book is, with lessons you can be pretty sure your teacher knows what he/she is doing.

MalcolmAmos · #3 03-01-2011, 12:32 PM

Once you get to technique you gotta get a teacher. Sounds like you are past the do it yourself stage.

Time to sit knee to knee with a live bassist.

dave64o · #4 03-01-2011, 12:38 PM

Can you learn to do brain surgery yourself? Well, sure, technically it's possible. But why do it the hard way? Why not get instruction from people who can help you learn it thoroughly, effectively, and safely?

Is that an extreme example? Of course. But it helps make a point - if you want to learn something, having direct interaction with someone who has extensive experience, has both an ability and a desire to teach it, is flexible enough to help the student meet his goals, is wise enough to help shape the student's goals, and whose personal goal is to make you a better MUSICIAN (not just teaching you bass) is a recipe for success.

I've gotten into debates here with people who poo poo studying under an instructor because they don't want anyone's pre-conceived notions being forced down their throat. Who are they taking lessons from? The Headmaster from "The Wall"?!?! I also find these are the very same people who say "Theory?! PFFFFT!!! I don't need theory and I'm not wasting my time learning rules that made up just to stifle my creativity! I just want to make music that sounds good!". 999 times out of 1000 these are the people who don't know what they're talking about and will go nowhere. Don't listen to them. And if you do end up taking lessons from an instructor who simply forces things down your throat, leave him. Immediately. And tell him why to his face. That's not the kind of person who should be teaching.

The lessons I'm taking are HIGHLY interactive and the best ones are the lessons where we talk and I ask questions more than actually play. I still get assignments to work on every week and we make sure I can play it, but the talking we do is about what I learned from the assignment, what questions I came up while working on the assignment or any trouble I was having, and then we see where that discussion will take us. That's about as opposite as you can from what the naysayers claim lessons are all about.

Can you learn on your own? Sure. But if you can afford the lessons, then taking them is very valuable. And if you combine quality lessons with playing with other people, you'll be WAY ahead of where the typical "teaching myself" person will be in the same amount of time (again, I understand there are exceptions, but they're EXCEPTIONS, not the typical person!

)

Gintaras · #5 03-01-2011, 12:46 PM

I find a teacher makes sure that you do not develop bad habits. hard to reverse. Also a great teacher will inspire you and turn everything around that you have learned. Last week we delved deeper into inversions and also worked on fretboard memory drills. He gave me enough material that would last me a year. Can't say enough about having a good teacher. I have been on both teacher and student and you learn from being on both sides.

prbass · #6 03-01-2011, 01:00 PM

I don't want to sound negative but if you are going to find a teacher make sure that this person has patience and is an easy going person... If not the lesson might lead to frustrations and discourage. Good luck and hope you find a great teacher

vkiing · #7 03-01-2011, 01:06 PM

Thanks for replies! I think im going to buy some theory books, and then take lessons . How often do you take lessons, and is it necesarry to learn how to play notes? ( written notes, not tabs)

prbass · #8 03-01-2011, 01:56 PM

have you looked into Roy Vogt's DVD program http://teachmebassguitar.com/... I have a friend that has it and showed it to me and let me tell you that it looks pretty good man... it has theory lessons, has play along, technique etc... very worth the money...IMHO... if you just wanna start somewhere this is a good way to do it... I think videos are good because you can stop and work on the technique and review it again. Book wise there's a lot out there you'll have to shop for one that is comprehensive and you feel is going to help you. A lot of teachers these days don't even require you to have books the just teach you at least in my experience.

chadhargis · #9 03-01-2011, 03:47 PM

Roy is a great guy and a great teacher. I've had a lesson with him, and he's very easy going and patient. I'm currently taking lessons from a guy who studies under Roy, so in essence, Roy is my "grandteacher". LOL!

I can't reccomend a good teacher enough. I spend an hour each week with my teacher and when I leave his house, I am overwhelmed and think there is NO WAY I'm going to learn all the stuff he wants me to learn, but low and behold, I do. He gives me enough information for me to dig out the rest. I can't tell you how many times I've pounded my fist in frustration while trying to get something under my fingers, only to rejoice a few minutes later as I'm playing it fairly well.

Each week, I go in very proud of myself, and each week another challenge is laid before me. If I were self studying, I'd get pretty confident in my abilities fairly quickly. My teacher keeps me grounded by encouraging me to take on challenges that I'd never undertake on my own.

He's corrected several bad habits I'd developed, and has shown me things I'd may have never figured out on my own.

Learning to read and play music is the biggest challenge I've ever undertaken. The subject matter is so huge that it's intimidating. You just have to eat the proverbial elephant one bite at a time.

Handyman · #10 03-01-2011, 04:11 PM

Almost nothing will improve your playing faster than working with a good instructor. Try getting some recommendations from local musicians.

prbass · #11 03-01-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handyman

Almost nothing will improve your playing faster than working with a good instructor. Try getting some recommendations from local musicians.

+1

WalkedAirplane · #12 03-01-2011, 04:54 PM

I bust my ass every week to work on what my instructor hands me.

And towards the end of each week, I kinda feel like "****, I really dont feel like I've done much - I still SUCK".

And every week, I come out with a smile on my face, new challenges, and new things to work on.

It's an ongoing cycle that would just lead to stagnation / frustration working on my own. Well worth it.

edit: And while I still suck; I'm MILES better than I was. Holy crap.

Billnc · #13 03-01-2011, 09:01 PM

I teach, the single thing students seem to never listen to me about is proper technique. I talk with plenty of other teachers and this seems to be a universal issue. Sooo, if you are going to pay someone to teach you technique pay attention!

Books can be good, why make a choice? do both. Allow time for your private lessons, some time through a book and what you want to do for fun.

Stick_Player · #14 03-01-2011, 09:08 PM

Look no further:

oniman7 · #15 03-01-2011, 09:21 PM

I can teach myself theory and all that. I'm a book learner. But the one thing I find it very hard to do is learn discipline. If there was one thing I wish I still had an instructor for, it's technique. My instructor (thought a guitarist much more than a bassist) taught me some very valuable technique with both hands, and forced me to play with alternate stroking. Needless to say, while I waver from this, my base technique is much stronger than it would have been otherwise, and I can help supplement that learning with the Technique section right here on Talkbass, among others.

PS If you go to an instructor, maybe learn some ear training too. I'm finding it comes with time, but it came so much faster when I had a teacher.