Need help sorting out my goals.

[Beast]

After diddling around and really just improving my technique, and walking bass lines for a while, I've finally set down a list of musical goals, and I was wondering if some of you guys could help me sort out these goals, tell me which ones overlap, which ones I should focus on first, and maybe some resources that might help me along the way.

To sight read fluently both treble clef and bass clef, melodies, bass lines, and chord charts.

To pick apart almost any song by ear, and be able to put it onto a piece of paper, bar by bar. Including other instruments’ parts and solos.

To recognize chord progressions by ear and on paper, and to understand where they fit in within the different scales.

To become completely music literate and understand music theory from the very beginner stuff, to the very complex stuff. Intervals, chords, rhythms all to a very complex degree.

To be able to solo over any chord progression given to me, especially many of the jazz standards.

To be able to compose without struggling to fit the next piece in.

To perfect my 4 finger technique, both the 1-2-3-4 technique, and the T-1-2-3 technique

To be able to sing everything I play, and play everything I sing.

To be able to keep a steady groove, and learn to make everything sound good by using less.

To improvise a melody, song, bass line, chord progression, anything on the spot using tapping, slapping, harmonics, finger style, or any combination of the above.

To be able sing a melody while playing the bass line on bass

Thanks!

[BassChuck]

That's a very complete list. Sure some of them overlap a bit, but that should be expected, its all music. Some goals, like the sight reading for instance, is very difficult to learn and maintain IF you aren't playing with other musicians in a situation that demands that skill. Others on your list would be specific to certain gigs or careers. Probably the best thing to do is to answer, for yourself, the standard interview question, "Where do you see yourself 1, 5, and 10 years from now".

Another thing to keep in mind, is that a lot of people (probably not you) avoid work and skill acquistion by making a very complex and overwhelming plan. This way, they look like they are doing something, but in reality they are creating a huge wall that can't be climbed easily, and so they have a reason for doing nothing. Keep with the 'baby steps' concept. Better to do a little everyday than to dream great things once a week. A goal without a plan is just a dream.

[canshaker]

Originally Posted by Beast

After diddling around and really just improving my technique, and walking bass lines for a while, I've finally set down a list of musical goals, and I was wondering if some of you guys could help me sort out these goals, tell me which ones overlap, which ones I should focus on first, and maybe some resources that might help me along the way.

To sight read fluently both treble clef and bass clef, melodies, bass lines, and chord charts.

To pick apart almost any song by ear, and be able to put it onto a piece of paper, bar by bar. Including other instruments’ parts and solos.

To recognize chord progressions by ear and on paper, and to understand where they fit in within the different scales.

To become completely music literate and understand music theory from the very beginner stuff, to the very complex stuff. Intervals, chords, rhythms all to a very complex degree.

To be able to solo over any chord progression given to me, especially many of the jazz standards.

To be able to compose without struggling to fit the next piece in.

To perfect my 4 finger technique, both the 1-2-3-4 technique, and the T-1-2-3 technique

To be able to sing everything I play, and play everything I sing.

To be able to keep a steady groove, and learn to make everything sound good by using less.

To improvise a melody, song, bass line, chord progression, anything on the spot using tapping, slapping, harmonics, finger style, or any combination of the above.

To be able sing a melody while playing the bass line on bass

Thanks!

Then what are you gonna do NEXT week?

[fettbass]

Be prepared to spend a lifetime working on this list. And also realize that you'll never be able to "check off" every item on it, as some of the goals, like "to become completely music literate", are highly subjective. And never being completely satisfied with your level of musical growth is a hallmark of a good musician, i feel.

[onlyclave]

I know this is a bass forum but I think to accomplish many of those goals you need to take some piano lessons and practice, practice, practice. Piano is great because it's very easy to visualize everything on a piano keyboard and when you get to college level music classes they don't really care what you play (or sing), everything is presented in context of the piano.

You can still do anything you want with your bass, but if you see how it works on the piano it makes your life a lot easier.

[Valerus]

Good luck with the list. See you in 2320.

[mambo4]

IMHO It is a big mistake to omit these ones:

To Learn as many songs as possible.

To Learn the basic of as many styles as possible.

and you should probably move them to the top of list.
nothing will help unlock the other areas of knowledge on your list better than learning how others have approached it.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by BassChuck

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

I totally agree with everything you said, but that quote especially sticks out to me. I came here asking for help hoping some of you could point me in the general starting direction. In easier terms, where should I start?

Thanks for everybody else's advise as well!

[trasser]

Originally Posted by Beast

I totally agree with everything you said, but that quote especially sticks out to me. I came here asking for help hoping some of you could point me in the general starting direction. In easier terms, where should I start?

Thanks for everybody else's advise as well!

Could you write something about your own level of bass playing? Are you a total n00b, are you semi-pro or what?
That would make it easier to guide you, and to tell you where to start.

[mutedeity]

Originally Posted by Beast

To sight read fluently both treble clef and bass clef, melodies, bass lines, and chord charts.

This takes practice. Start by getting as much material as you can and reading it.

Originally Posted by Beast

To pick apart almost any song by ear, and be able to put it onto a piece of paper, bar by bar. Including other instruments’ parts and solos.

Once again you need to practice. A slightly more complex task. You will need to do a lot of ear training in intervals and note recognition. Then you will need to do a lot of transcribing. How important this is I am not sure. I don't think it will necessarily make you a better composer but it might help if you want a job as a scorewriter

Originally Posted by Beast

To recognize chord progressions by ear and on paper, and to understand where they fit in within the different scales.

As above. Not all chord progressions fit into a scale though and music is a much more complex thing than being able to put chord x into scale y.

Originally Posted by Beast

To become completely music literate and understand music theory from the very beginner stuff, to the very complex stuff. Intervals, chords, rhythms all to a very complex degree.

I would say rather try to become as musicially litterate as you can be. Music is an infinite concept you can never know all there is to know about it. I would though if I was you start above all by learning about realtive theory and develop from there. This in my opinion is the single most important objective you have here. Learning sight reading and ear training won't mean much to you as a composer unless you have some kind of relative understanding of what you are doing.

Originally Posted by Beast

To be able to solo over any chord progression given to me, especially many of the jazz standards.

Takes experience and practice. Soloing is a creative effort you have to experiment and find out what works for you and be able to analyse what you are doing to become good at it

Originally Posted by Beast

To be able to compose without struggling to fit the next piece in.

Once again this takes experience and practice, composing takes creativity and experimentation. If you aren't stuggling somehow you probably aren't creating anything interesting anyway.

Originally Posted by Beast

To perfect my 4 finger technique, both the 1-2-3-4 technique, and the T-1-2-3 technique

Practice

Originally Posted by Beast

To be able to sing everything I play, and play everything I sing.

To be able to keep a steady groove, and learn to make everything sound good by using less.

To improvise a melody, song, bass line, chord progression, anything on the spot using tapping, slapping, harmonics, finger style, or any combination of the above.

To be able sing a melody while playing the bass line on bass

Pretty much covered by my other points

Basically the first thing you need to do is learn relative theory so you have context for everything else. Developing compositional and improvisational skills takes time practice and experience. Work on your sight reading and ear training as you go and you will develop what you need.

[Beast]

Originally Posted by trasser

Could you write something about your own level of bass playing? Are you a total n00b, are you semi-pro or what?
That would make it easier to guide you, and to tell you where to start.

Well, I've been playing for around two years now.

I understand basic theory, I know my modes, Minor modes, Diatonic triads and 7th chords in the major scale. I know the intervals on my bass, but after I get past the octave, it gets a little tricky for me.

My ear is so-so. I can make out some songs, such as "The Trooper", "To Bid you Farewell", but most songs just don't come to me so easily.

My sight reading is... lacking. I just bought a fake book, and the bass bible so hopefully that will help.

[mambo4]

The Bass Bible is an excellent book for learning the basics of many styles, as well as reading exercises. For someone at your level I'd say it's an excellent choice. (you could probably skip the early parts)

Are you playing in a band with others? That is by far the best way to improve (on the job training if you will). Cover bands are especially good since you'll be forced to think about stuff you would never make up on your own.

Seriously, each of the goals you listed can be targeted in practice time with a bit thoughtfulness, but ensemble playing is where the practical application of all those skills happens.
So, If you are not yet playing with others, I'd say that should absolutely be your priority: find the most talented band that will have you.
(this assumes you can keep time decently...)