Practice advice

[bmwrenen]

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I have been playing bass on and off for a couple years now, and considering taking lessons again. The thing is I am NOT a beginner, I know major, minor, pentatonic, and other scales. I know how to keep time and use a metronome.

I do not know how to play slap n pop, read music, play very fast, play difficult rhythms time signatures in time, transcribe songs as fast as I hear them. I don't really want to learn all the theory and time signature information. The reason why is I am in my normal life a very left brained person, and it can be frustrating at times. With music, I like to set myself free, and let go. I don't want to think, I want to feel.

My Practice Time I do

Warmup Exercise: The spyder or bass isometrics

Ear training: Not exact, not perfect, but pretty good. I select random song on my iTunes Library, and try to play along, I pause the song at times to find the right notes. I pick 2-3 songs a day. Probably spend 30 min-60 mins listening/finding parts The more I practice ear training the better I am becoming at it. I usually just try to figure out when the chord changes are, and sometime can figure out all the notes, but usually I find it more exciting to make my own bass part. I typically just get a general idea of the song, but thinking on honing in and finding all the notes and possibly writing it out.

Creating Creative Bass Parts: I just mess around, try to make nice sounding music. I try to just let free and play any note/notes that sounds good. I also incorporate sound ear training by humming random things and trying to play the on the bass. I can create little parts, but I want to develop a story on my bass (think led zeppelin II bass parts)

Write songs/ Record Covers: I will record some stuff on garageband. I made my girlfriend a song for vday, it wasnt very good but its the thought that counts right. I really enjoyed it though, having something tangible for myself.

Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a good bass instructor, but I live in Chico,CA and can't find any. I would also like to learn to play the bass and sing (even though my voice isn't very good haha).

My ultimate goal is to join a band and do some shows, and record some cds. I also wouldn't mind becoming a sessions player as my skills develop. I am 22, college student, and would like to do something in my life, on the side, related to music. I would love to work in the studio, create my own home studio, and just really the most important part is to have fun.

[Catsclaws]

HI
I am a bass teach and would like to tell you the best thing you can do as an adult student is to be very direct with your teacher and tell them exactly what you have just said . You are paying his wages . Like a plumber or a decorator you tell them what you want and be direct and positive and this will prevent the teach from going over old ground . TBH u say u want to read music but you do not want to do theory . Theory supports good reading , and the best way to learn theory is in little bits and to play what you have learned
Reading music is a learnable skill altho TBH if you look at your bass when you are playing you will find this very difficult .
I play violin vila cello bass .. fretted and frettless bass and I dont look at the instrument when I play . I use the sense of touch in conjuction with hearing to play the instrument and only my eyes for reading music Its tho only way .
Hope this helps and best wishes Jean