Need some advice about setting realistic goals

[Gunner77]

Hello all. I am a recycled newbie with the bass even though I am 39 years old. I played in a garage band when I was in high school and the guitar players had had music theory classes and knew what they were doing so they basically just told me what to play and I learned a few songs but nothing about music. I had some piano lessons and I played sax in band when I was a kid so I'm not a total neophyte. When I got married I sold my bass and amp and basically did nothing musically for 20+ years. A couple of years ago a picked up a Squier VM Jazz and have screwed around with it some but for the past month or two I have become serious about finally learning to play. I have a few videos and now have signed up for some lessons. I feel like I have some aptitude for the bass and think I am making some good progress but now that I'm older and have a little discretionary income I'm in danger of becoming a real gear hound. I have bought a few other nice basses and I have a couple of decent amps. I have some real GAS for a Geddy Lee jazz bass. I have smaller hands and I really like the jazz necks but I don't want to become a gear chaser and I really want to learn to play not just have some nice gear to look at. I turn 40 at the end of May and I would like to set some realistic goals to achieve so I can reward myself with a Geddy Lee Jazz for my birthday but I don't know where to start. I want to be able to achieve X or get to X level with my playing before I reward myself but I don't know where to start. I plan on asking my teacher this same question but I'd like some imput from the community at large also. Thanks for the advice in advance.

Gunner

[DudeistMonk]

Lol I do the same thing...I feel guilty about buying anything bass related unless I'm in a playing frenzy...although buying something usually puts me into said frenzy.

Some reasonable goals might be:

• Play a gig
  
• Find a drummer and jam X times
  
• Transcribe and learn "XXXX"...insert any song or album you'd consider rather challenging here.
  
• Learn and play the most common arpeggios and scales in all positions at 120bpm
  
• Complete whatever bass/music theory book (this is cool for the capitalist minded as you get to buy something, play a bunch and then buy another something)

[Stradavus]

It's hard to say what realistic goals might look like for you without seeing / hearing what you can already do. It's even harder to say what your goals for five months down the road should be given this. So of course, your teacher will be the best place to go here.

I'd say that the first thing you should try to develop is just an even sounding, steady playing technique whether it's with a pick or fingers. Beyond that, perhaps find a few songs that you like and are simple sounding and learn to play along with the recording. Perhaps find a friend who plays and jam along with him or her a little. Get a metronome to help you develop a sense of rhythm. Learn and practice scales.

In the end, you get what you give. Your instructor (if they're any good) will keep you feeling challenged and keep you learning. That's what's most important. Kudos to you for starting down this path.

[klokker]

Originally Posted by DudeistMonk

Lol I do the same thing...I feel guilty about buying anything bass related unless I'm in a playing frenzy...although buying something usually puts me into said frenzy.

Some reasonable goals might be:
[*]Play a gig

+1. I think the dudes got it right here. Don't buy anymore stiff until you've played your first gig. Otherwise you're kind of a noob .