Lessons: A good idea?

Shy Guy · #1 10-11-2008, 06:23 PM

So far over the past 2 1/2 years I've taught myself how to play bass, and I can say I can play pretty well (people think I've been playing much longer) but I feel like my technique could improve much more if I took lessons. Would this be a good idea since I would have to learn basics (reading and such), or should I continue as I am?

MacheteSteve · #2 10-11-2008, 06:26 PM

well you dont neccesarily need lessons, but itd be good if you purchased some bass theory books to improve your knowledge on the fretboard, and purhaps get a book on odd time signatures so that you can improve your your reading of rthyms alot quicker as wel as improving your technique alot because of that knowledge.

yankeesman714 · #3 10-11-2008, 06:28 PM

Put it this way...it can't hurt. If you try a few lessons and don't like it, you don't have to keep going. But if you like it, it might open up some new doors. Just make sure you find a good bass teacher.

Zombbg4 · #4 10-11-2008, 06:41 PM

The difference between good and great is usually if and how long you've had lessons. You can still be great player without, but it won't come as quick. Up to you man.

**Pacman** · #5 10-11-2008, 07:31 PM

This shouldn't even be a question. Lessons with a quality instructor are ALWAYS a good idea.

lowend219 · #6 10-11-2008, 07:45 PM

i didn't have a teacher for the 1st 2 years of my playing and I progressed just fine, but eventually I hit a spot where playing on my own wasn't helping. I got a teacher for upright and its helped a lot, helped my BG skills too.

LowDown Hal · #7 10-11-2008, 07:49 PM

go for it !!!

gahpg · #8 10-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

This shouldn't even be a question. Lessons with a quality instructor are ALWAYS a good idea.

+1

I was self taught mostly for about the same time as the OP and i'm seeing a lot of new things once I started lessons with my current teacher this summer. I thought I was doing OK but he definitely pointed out a lot of errors in my technique and i've improved a good deal for the two months or so that i've been taking lessons. It's also inspired me to play more and helps makes my practices more beneficial.

Definitely take lessons with a teacher but make sure it's a good teacher...I.E. don't try and take lessons out of a music store and their only teacher is a guitar player...most cases they don't make good bass teachers.

Frederickbass · #9 10-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

This shouldn't even be a question. Lessons with a quality instructor are ALWAYS a good idea.

Yes, sometimes you might think your technique is flawless, but trust me their's so much to learn out there

ihassiphilus · #10 10-11-2008, 09:37 PM

Get a couple lessons with a reputible, jazz or classically-trained bassist. They are sticklers for technique and thusly they will bust your chops (in a good way). A pianist or even a good guitarist will be able to help you with theory as well.

If you just want to read or learn theory, you can just grab something like Carol Kaye's stuff. I reccomend it here and have elsewhere because I find it's not that hard to pick up and you can apply it fairly quickly. If you choose not to go that route, any bass clef instrumentalist can help you out...trombone, tuba, pianists along with other bassists.

RH434 · #11 10-11-2008, 10:23 PM

I'm glad I read this. I also feel I have gone as far as I can go by myself. I'm searching for an instructor as well.

Thanks guys!

ras1983 · #12 10-12-2008, 01:10 AM

Would you build a better car with the help of an experienced car designer/engineer?

Would you build a better house with the help of an experienced builder?

Would you become a better mathematician with the help of a maths teacher/lecturer?

They are similar questions, I'm surprised many people don't see the connection between music and other professions. Sure, you may be able to learn some things on your own and make your own discoveries, but you'll make many more if you have the help of someone who's already learned a lot about music and has some experience teaching it.

poisonoakie · #13 10-12-2008, 01:14 AM

Take lessons, or watch those who do pass you by

edgewise · #14 10-12-2008, 10:50 AM

Yeah, take lessons. But remember that it can be a little like dating.
That is, it can take a while to find a good match. Don't get discouraged if you don't connect with a teacher. Also, don't be afraid to cut anybody loose that doesn't feel right.

DudeistMonk · #15 10-12-2008, 07:09 PM

Lessons FTW

Bass301 · #16 10-12-2008, 07:31 PM

Definitely learn the music theory of chord construction. This will help to suggest the strongest sounding notes for building a groove. Also learn the many ways of walking a bassline, especially over a chord change.

Be sure to use all of Ed Friedland's instructional materials.