lost my flare :(

[Skyring]

Well I began with my bass back when I was about 15, I'm now 19 and I can say I havent got any better since I was about 17, since I havent had any bands to play with and I'm loosing sight of playing, which I love to do.

I wanna get into fast metal/melodic death/death core (particularly pretty in flames-ish) playing style but I just havent seemed to crack it, after getting my self a Schecter Hellraiser with some DR lo-rders on it I can finally down tune pretty low to get my Ashdown to produce a pretty good sound. I'd love to know if there are any particular songs/bands I should explore to build up this style (believe me, I know practise makes perfect). I'm just getting a tad fustrated and stuck so my playing has suffered a hit since the last 2 years my playing has been on and off for a few months at a time.

Also anything that will generally make me a better musician, like any random songs to learn to build on my skills and/or exercises to do.

Being fustrated by something I tend to love quite a lot is pretty soul shattering to say the least

Thanks in advance for your help (I always get awesome assistance from this place ).

[msiner]

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to try music from different styles and then come back to the one that you really want to work on. My favorite suggestion in a case like this is to go learn some songs by "The Roots" (search for "You Got Me", it's easy and fun to play) or some other hip-hop or r&b group. Also, punk music might be a good route to help with playing speed.

[DeluxeRed]

Don't start at the top, work your way up.

Go ahead and focus your enjoyment and ensemble playing in a particular genre, but don't limit your practice and listening to just that--explore different types of music and tones.

Guitar World's BassGuitar mag focuses on more modern/heavy music. Con your relatives into a gift subscription to that (or pick it up at the newsstand/bookstore). Lessons and advice galore.

Don't look for a band...START a band.

Play play play.

[Skyring]

Yeah thats what I thought was best, go for something new. I dont know any useful exercises either, gonna try and look around. I'll keep my eye open for that mag too...

Anyone else got any more tips maybe?

[quale213]

If you have never played in a band, or just jammed with a variety of individuals, that would be the first thing I would advise you change. Play with everybody, no matter what style.
Everyone burns out at times, I went through it with jazz/fusion, and started listening to a ton of Spanish guitar which totally changed my perspective, and made me a much stronger musician.
Do not be afraid of other musical styles, jamming with others is one of the best ways to expand your musicianship and perspective. and that is what I advise you do.