Looking for input from older beginners (and others, too)

[Rocinante]

Hello all,

I apologize if this is too long and thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this and respond. I’m sure this has been discussed 100 times before by potential bass noobs like me. I would like to hear from others who may have been in a similar situation as me, as well as others who could give me some sound advice.

I am in my mid-40’s and have wanted to play bass all my life. With being busy with other things/fear of the unknown/family, and just “life” happening, this quickly got away from me during the years I feel I should have done something about it. Now, recently, my father’s overall condition has changed quite rapidly over a couple years to where he is in quite poor health. I look at the frail man he is now and remember only just a few short years ago how much more vigorous he used to be and how he could do just about anything he wanted. At the same time, I have now looked at myself, older, out of shape (insert laugh here) and just can’t believe how “old” I am in relation to how old I “think” I am, and wonder where the years have gone.

My son is 12 years old, took guitar lessons for about 2 years previously, and has taken drum lessons for the past 2 ½ years or so. I look at him, and looking back on my father now, wonder about all the years I have let go by without getting involved more with my son and his music endeavors. I would like to possibly finally attempt to learn bass to play with him, and maybe get involved in a church group and/or just a few guys getting together to play music somewhere. At my age, I have no misconceptions of making a go of making a living from a music career.

And now, finally, to pose some of the questions/concerns I have:

*I am concerned about my ability to potentially learn what I need to learn in a somewhat timely fashion before I get too old. Some of this stems from the fact that younger people really pick things up faster than older people do. Some of this also stems from the fact that I am an adult with a family and do not have hours on end to spend every night practicing like someone who is younger may have.

*Considering the above points, where would I expect to be in say, 3 years time assuming I took lessons? If I do this, I would rather try to do it the right way (in my mind, at least) and learn to read music, not tabs.

*Am I fooling myself in thinking I could reach a level to be able to play well enough with others (also considering the above points) without being humiliated?

I’ve had several other questions running through my mind over the last year but while I compose this, I cannot remember all of them. Thanks again to anyone who can share their own similar experiences. I appreciate being able to rely on a “support group” for some input.

Thanks

[Phalex]

I really think you never know until you try. Some people really seem to have aptitude for stuff. I believe that anyone can learn how to play an instrument, but some people are just going to be GOOD at it.

Give it a shot.

[James_E]

Just do it. Make SURE you practice 30 minutes a day (well.. at least 5 of 7 days per week) minimum (not mess around... "practice") and you'll be playing tunes with others in no time. Don't take lessons once/week and then not practice. Take lessons if you have the time, but make sure you practice. if you have to stay up 30 minutes later.. do it. If you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier... do it. If you have to miss a tv show or two... DO IT. If you have to take a bass to work and practice in a conference room at lunch... DO IT.

If you can't find 30 minutes per day (at least on most days).. then in all likelyhood bass is not really a priority for you, and you probably shouldn't bother.

Learning to sight read music is a useful skill, but not that useful if you just want to play rock covers with your buds and your son. (There are gazillions of threads here about whether or not to learn to read music... enjoy those!)

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

*Considering the above points, where would I expect to be in say, 3 years time assuming I took lessons? If I do this, I would rather try to do it the right way (in my mind, at least) and learn to read music, not tabs.
*Am I fooling myself in thinking I could reach a level to be able to play well enough with others (also considering the above points) without being humiliated?

3 years of dedicated practice and lessons will easily get you gig-ready for your average band.

Reading will be valuable, but don't expect fluent sight reading in 3 years. It will be great for developing a more accurate understanding of rhythm, however.

Instead of fluent sight reading, your goal should be to learn enough to competently follow a chord chart. Which means interpreting the chord symbols (and converting them into an appropriate bass line) and following the song arrangement markings (the repeats, 1st and 2nd endings, D.S. al Coda's ect).

[DownWithTheDown]

I am 40, started playing last July, with basically no musical experience.

Get at least a few lessons. This is huge, especially the first few mos. Your technique and basic music knowledge will be much better off and you will have a solid foundation. Having someone actually explain scales, chords, and the Nashville numbering system makes the concepts much easier to pick up, which makes you better later. Don't just start learning a few songs you like. I had to quit lessons after about 3 mos, but I am way farther along than I would have been without them.

+1 on playing every day. I actually take a day off here and there, when traveling etc, but I leave it sitting out in my office and not in a case, so I can always grab it. Even if its just 15 min on busy days, it keep the muscles and joints working and helps with muscle memory.

I keep myself in OK physical shape, but it took me a good month or two before I could play for more than 20-30 min straight without my left hand tightening up and my back killing me. Learn stretches, correct technique etc, and it will help out your middle aged body

After 9 mos or so, I am by no means gig-ready, but I know about 25 songs, and just had my first 2 improv jam sessions with an old buddy that plays guitar. Haven't had that much fun in a long time.

Go into it expecting frustration at certain points, but if you keep the right balance of fun and commitment, you will progress faster than you think.

Good Luck!

[Bass4FTM]

I'm in my mid 40's and have been playing for about 7 months now. I did the lesson thing and learned more on my own than with that teacher. Not all teacher's are bad but find a teacher that will start you off with the basic's.

In the post that said "expect frustration" they were so right.
But, keep on moving, on the other hand I've had a good time playing and learning on the fly. I'm still looking for a good teacher, but in the mean while I'm playing for all I'm worth.

Have FUN!! Unless you are going to play for a record deal, I agree find 30 min a day to practice. More if your going for that big record deal.

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

And now, finally, to pose some of the questions/concerns I have:

*I am concerned about my ability to potentially learn what I need to learn in a somewhat timely fashion before I get too old. Some of this stems from the fact that younger people really pick things up faster than older people do. Some of this also stems from the fact that I am an adult with a family and do not have hours on end to spend every night practicing like someone who is younger may have.

I took up music (banjo and rhythm guitar) at 65 when I retired. Retired - so I had the time to devote to this new venture. That will be your largest problem, carving out some practice time. Yes the kids seem to pick it up quicker, I discount that - they have the time and music is their number one priority - you put the food on the table, their priorities are different than yours. I'm now 76 and play in two bands, average 6 or 7 gigs a month and love what music has allowed me to do. I fully expect to be gigging into my 80's.

*Considering the above points, where would I expect to be in say, 3 years time assuming I took lessons? If I do this, I would rather try to do it the right way (in my mind, at least) and learn to read music, not tabs.

Yes do not become a slave to tabs. However, you do not have to be able to read music. It helps, but most of us play from fake chord or lead sheet - no bass clef - so we are relying upon the chord name and we then compose our bass line from that. Mambo4 touched on this - re-read his post. Since you are composing you will need some theory. Couple of hours a week in addition to your normal practice time should be enough. If you are not writing originals, just playing covers, basic theory is really all you need.

Three years from now. Back when I started out I was playing chord accompaniment in a country band in a matter of three months. It's not rocket science. Helped that the band director was a friend and he let me sit on the back row till I know more. Go for it. One of the great things about you and your Son going down the music road together - you are building memories and that is one of the important things we do as dads.

I say again, it's not rocket science, roots, some fives, some eights and an occasional three and you can play with any semi-pro band out there. What's a semi-pro band? We get paid about half of the time. The other half is on us and we do only the gigs we enjoy. I've just returned from a non-paying gig at the local nursing home. Tom and I spend every Thursday afternoon with them. Bitter sweet experience.

Have fun.

[AMp'D.2play]

Don't worry about how old you are or how slow your learning curve may be. A month from now, you may not have picked up as much as some snot-nosed teenager could, but you'll know more than you would have if you did nothing but lament your lot in life.

Looking ahead 3 years is a long time. There are tons of threads here where folks have started gigging after only a few months, weeks even.

I'll be 52 this year, and only picked up the bass a little more than a year ago. I'm sure I would've been a better musician had I not given up the guitar 40+ years ago. So what?! Ain't no time like the present!

[tjh]

Lots of great info here, bottom line ... you arent going to be as good as somebody your age that has been playing since high school, and probably never will, if they are serious about it, and you are NOT ever going to be a rock/country/pop star ... IF you are realistic going in, with the goal of improving weekly/monthly/yearly, you will ... IF you spend all the time you can without slighting your responsibilities to family, job, and yourself, you will see improvement and be able to justify your 'adventure' .. IF you promise yourself to learn at least a basic amount of music theory (as it pertains to your instrument) along with learning to play songs ... and IF you can get over your feeling inadequate enough to sit down with others more music experienced, even if they aren't bass players, you will make better progress.

With all that said, there are always others in your same situation that play other instruments that would love to have the courage to play with someone else ... there are always church groups, looking for even 'root thumpers' (you will know what that means shortly), groups that volunteer to play at nursing homes, and donate time entertaining those less fortunate than we are ... AND, once you get the taste of playing with others, and the feel of being in a group that 'makes music', you will have the incentive to keep going ... frustration and feeling of inadequacy will probably be your biggest enemy ... dont let it win, just smile and play ... at your young age, too many folks are throwing in the towel and settling for what they have/are ... you possibly have only lived half your life ... it is what you do with the next half that will matter in the end ...

BTW, I played bass for 2 years when I was 17-18 in a rock and roll band, that actually toured and open acts ... I had no idea why I was playing what I was, but I learned to play about 30-40 songs and that was all I ever knew about music and bass playing, period ... I then got called over to Southeast Asia to do my military duty after that, and then life happened ... FAST, and in a big way ... I always had the music experience memories with me, but felt terribly inadequate to even pick up a bass and attempt to play with anyone... they were all too intimidating ... so I let a little time pass ... like 36+ YEARS ... at 54 I was asked at church if I could sing, because they needed people ... I said no, so they asked if I can play any musical instrument ... well, I said I could, or at least did, and for the last 3+ years I began a journey that I should have 35 years before ... and with the wisdom I learned from living over a half century on this earth, figured out how to PLAY, and LEARN smarter than I could have as a teenager with no understanding of life ... I now call myself a bass player ... I cant pick up a song and play on the spot like many can at my age, but I KNOW ENOUGH TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO LEARN to be a contribution to the group ... and dog gone it ... it is fun .. and I even sometimes surprise myself ... but the best part, is now that I am MUCH older, I can appreciate those times that my hard work has led me to ... I would have taken them for granted many years ago ... time/age doesn't need to be your enemy, but it will be if you let it ... good luck and have fun with it ... JMHO

P.S.: do NOT get hung up on gear .. It will NOT make you better, only time getting better will do that ... it is an easy trap to fall into ... simple, basic gear is MORE than you need ... when you need more, it will be obvious, and then you can look for what you need ... bass in hands time will make you happy in the end ... not a keyboard in hands time on 'gear for sale' sites ...

[Already In Use]

I started playing bass again Dec 2010 after being away from it for 37 years. Basically knew nothing. Took a few lessons..went to the net and found this site and studybass.com. Practiced my azz off for at least an hour per day, many days 2 hours or more..Went and took some more lessons. I learned how to play Ok in about 12 months. My first time playing out was an open mic giz near my home. I didnt have a clue and didnt care. I am sort of in a loose knit band which is a group of players and singers that overlap with other bands(confusing). I can play just fine with most of them. I;m now hosting jam sessions at my house. I'm in this until I drop dead.

The keys for me were learning chord structure and the fretboard. For months I had fretboard print outs everywhere. One right on my desk.

I know this sounds jacked up...but if I can pull this off anybody can.

Go for it. I am sorry I didnt follow thru with music as a kid. I'm having a blast right now!

[Rebecca]

Do it, I did. I'll just add a couple of other tips:

1) You can steal practice moments that might not seem like practice, but will really help. For example, during your commute, listen to music, tune your ear to the bass, and tap out the rhythm on your steering wheel. Play with your drummer kid, get other people in the famijly involved, so you get the double whammy of family time and paying with people.

2) in addition to bass lessons, look around your area for ensemble classes. Within 4 months of starting, I took an adult rock band class and later a blues band one. You don't have to wait until you're gig ready to play in a band context. In fact, those kind of opportunities are great for learning how to make your own baselines, how to work with a drummer, how to do the bass job. Plus, it's incredibly fun.

[Stumbo]

When your 65 you'll be able to say "I've been playing bass for 20 years".

Seems like you can get pretty in during that time if you practice regularly.

[LowDownSirius]

No guts, no glory.

One practical piece of advice I'd like to give. Your hands may not be as flexible as when you were younger. Have your instructor teach you proper hand position and technique and try not to over do it in the beginning. I sometimes have issues with my hands felling sore because I don't know when to quit. And I no longer try to force my hands to do the one-finger-per-fret thing.

Also try to define your aspirations somewhat. I bought my first guitar five years ago when I was 45. I thought it would be more fun than playing air guitar. I just wanted to learn to play along to some of my favorite songs and had no intention of ever leaving the house with the guitar. I didn't even own a practice amp for the first six months. I eventually put it aside. Then 3 years ago a friends father passed away and part of his fathers legacy was an acoustic guitar. My friend wanted to learn how to play it as a way of remembering his father. He started taking lessons and eventually his enthusiasm got to me and I started learning how to play again. We learned together. We had our first gig this past summer and it was a blast. I never had the means to do this when I was a teenager and I think I appreciate the opportunity to do this a whole lot more now then I would have back then. So far I've exceeded every aspiration I've had.

Learn to play along with your son and have fun. Never discount the fun factor.

[DUC1098]

You can learn just as much as someone younger. Being older will have little effect on your ability to learn. You may not be able to pick up the "finger work" as quickly as someone young, but you will still pick it up. So your dreams of playing speed metal may be out of your reach without a LOT of practice. Just make sure to completely warm up your hands and wrists before you start.

At 20 you can get away with not warming up, if you injure yourself, you will heal pretty quickly. At 40+ you are more likely to injure yourself without warming up, and the recovery time for an injury will be much longer.

[Billnc]

With forced retirements etc I've had quite a few older students take up instruments later in life. Some are really quick learners, some just don't get it or hate to practice (this is not a failure, it's learning about yourself and is fine) and some progress very slowly and progressively and finally play well.
Retiring dentists and surgeons seem to make very good students! (seriously) so working with fine motor skills seems to be a big plus.

[millertx]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

When your 65 you'll be able to say "I've been playing bass for 20 years".

Seems like you can get pretty in during that time if you practice regularly.

^This.

[S. Katz]

I picked up bass in my mid-40s. It was itch I always wanted to scratch. I had not previous musical experience.

Three years into it, with lessons and daily practice, I play both electric and upright. I attend jams and play publicly. I'm in bands.

I'm not the best by any means, but I am not stuck in my house learning tabs. My advice: just do it.

P.S: +1,000 on learning proper technique. Bad technique can be punishing on an unforgiving body. First learn how to make notes. After that, you can work on where the notes are, and which notes you should play.

[Matt Lake]

Go for it. It's not that hard to get the hang of. I'm 53 and just picked it up about a year and a half ago when they needed a relief player at church. You know what else? Christian rock songs are some of the coolest, most moving songs out there, even if you're not a Christian. And most churches will have chord sheets and a recording of the songs to practice to so you can practice them piece by piece. That really helped me get up to speed. I don't mean to make this about Christian music, but it is really some cool music to play if you grew up with classic rock. Now I'm taking some lessons to understand the theory part of it and that is really hard for me to comprehend. Yea, we'll be envious of young peoples abilities but so what. We have a great time with the abilities we have. It is SO FUN to play with a group of people on a song you've practiced down to T.
As tjh said, don't spend too much time on line looking at bass gear. Spend more time practicing . That's a real problem for me.
It's a great healthy hobby. I love it! Go for it!

[Kwin Smith]

Find other musicians above your skill level to jam with. You will grow faster trying to keep up/catch up with them.

[Toejam]

I'm 37 and picked it up about 8 months ago. I started playing with other people right away and that's where i learned the most. I tried to practice at least 30 mins a day, every day. As my interest (addiction) grew, I'd practice for about 2 hours without noticing the time. my advice, and it worked so far for me is, if you have an interest in it, do it. Who cares that you'll never be a rock star. even if you never get really talented at it, as long as you enjoy it, go for it