 My Practice Routine - Need Input!
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I recently picked the bass back up after a few years of not playing. I never learned the fundamentals and always considered myself a hack; even though I played in a pretty popular band back in the day. I would like to take my time and really learn some stuff this time. Here’s the practice routine I’ve put together for myself based on the things I think I need to work on. I would like some opinions. What do you think?
1. Right hand practice - I play with my fingers and I'm trying to get them to alternate correctly 1,2,1,2. This is proving to be a little tough, especially when jumping to other strings or doing a run, because in the past I just alternated back and forth any old way.
2. Left hand practice – I’m doing sets of left hand “permutations” starting on the low G of the E string then dropping down to the other three strings and coming back up.
3. Work with Metronome – I’ve never worked with a metronome. I just start the metronome and count and tap my foot in time. This is without playing bass. I’m just trying to get in the habit of listening to the metronome and counting out loud.
4. Fast Track book – Real basic “How to Play the Bass” book. I want to learn how to read music and this book looked pretty good. I’m taking it slow, but I know more that I did yesterday!
5. Notes on neck – I start on open E and play\name the notes on the neck up to the 12th fret and then go back down the E string doing the same. Then I do the A, D, and G strings.
6. Notes on staff – I just sit and try to memorize the notes on the staff. I’m still trying to figure out a good way to do this. I worked out a little pattern in my head by breaking into chunks E,F,G / A,B,C / D / E,F,G, / A,B,C.
7. Practice scales – Spend some time running through some scales, triads, and chords.
Thanks for any opinions, comments, or input! I appreciate it!
Arizona Jones | 
