To be or not to be... (lessons vs. method book)

[thesilence]

thats not the question. Would you recommend getting lessons or would I be fine with getting a good method book (suggestions welcome) to get to that next level? I have been playing for close to 4 years and have done pretty well as far as bands and gigs go, but I really want to go from good to great are lessons necessary for this? I'm a poor college student and I don't mind dishing out the money for lessons if that will be the best thing but I don't want to waste my money if I would do just as well with a method book/dvd.

[A tempo]

It depends on how patient you are. If you don't mind getting "great" eventually then continue as you are, get a method book, whatever. Nothing takes the place of a good teacher, and I'm certain that there are some very qualified teachers in Auburn.

[MalcolmAmos]

I bet you know your way around your bass, time for technique. Technique comes from an experienced instructor that happens to play in the style you would like more information on.

Word of mouth, ask other musicians in your area who they would recommend.

[Phalex]

What do you want to do?

If you just want to play in some kickass local bands, get laid and have fun, and maybe make a little money on the side, go with the DIY method. I've never had a formal lesson in my life, and that's pretty much where playing bass for 31 years has gotten me.

If you want to get on a bus with other musical types and travel around, maybe make lots of money, and get laid when the other guys are sleeping get the lessons.

[thesilence]

Ok its seems everyone agrees a quality instructor is the way to go

[MARKG72]

I've been self-taught ever since beginning to play back in highschool, bought books, videos, etc. But I've hit a wall with that method. To break through, I'm starting to take lessons.

[anonymous122511]

I've been playing 36 years and I still take the occasional lesson. Unless you're gigging regularly (like 3-4 days a week) with players who are extremely accomplished you need to take lessons. There are some things A) you'll never know unless you're told and B) some things you already know but need outside confirmation to know it's right.

[Iceman500]

Originally Posted by thesilence

thats not the question. Would you recommend getting lessons or would I be fine with getting a good method book (suggestions welcome) to get to that next level? I have been playing for close to 4 years and have done pretty well as far as bands and gigs go, but I really want to go from good to great are lessons necessary for this? I'm a poor college student and I don't mind dishing out the money for lessons if that will be the best thing but I don't want to waste my money if I would do just as well with a method book/dvd.

You may not need bass lessons, since you already know how to play it, but you may take some music lessons to learn about harmony and music theory.

I don't know your "level" but I would recommend Gary Willis' "Fingerboard Harmony", that could give you some great insights. While you study the book you may save some money for some music lessons

[Mayers]

I think a book or DVD is good complimentary information.

I learn to play with 3 teacher ( two bass and one classical upright at college ) and seriously, a teacher is the way to go because the guy will know what you need to improve and will guide you in your learning process.

While a book/DVD/Youtube is fill with flashy stuff that if you don't know how to get the info you really need you're stuck.

[MARKG72]

There's nothing like sitting an interacting with an instructor. I learn alot by watching and listening to demonstrations.

[Jazzdogg]

As a "poor college student," you might want to look into music classes and individual lessons at your college.

Even a committed autodidact can benefit from feedback and personalized instruction provided by a qualified instructor.