Progressing! I'm stuck in a rut

[chaotic]

I started playing around a year ago but injured my hand badly so haven't been able to play for the last few months.

Since i started playing again i feel like i've gone back to the start but can't get out of the rut i'm in.

I practice every day but nothing seems to be coming together i just keep going over the same stuff but not getting any further forward i feel like giving up at the moment.

Some lessons would probably be good but i can't afford them at present.I was looking at various online courses but don't know which ones are good or bad.

I'd like to join a band so i could play with other people rather than playing alone but don't think i'm good enough.

I'm not sure what to try next i don't want to give up playing but at the moment i'm not even enjoying picking up my bass as i'm getting so frustrated when i don't seem to be getting any further.

Anybody got any suggestions please?

[brisonic]

find beginning guitar player and trudge through tunes with them. If you know a more experienced player willing to jam with you that is better. Spend time watching youtube vids, there is a lot of training there.

[chaotic]

Thanks i don't know any other beginners so might have to go looking! The experienced guys i know are all way to good for me to even try to keep up with.I've been along to a few peoples practice sessions just to watch but it just seems beyond me at the moment.These guys have all been playing for years and it all seems so easy to them and i just end up feeling lost when i try to replicate what they are doing.

I'll have a look on youtube see what i can find!

[brisonic]

Here is something I've watched a few times when I needed a boost, my fave bass tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQk0av8L0oY

Entwistle carries melody like noone else. Just search for songs/players you enjoy, and prepare to absorb.

[dmusic148]

If you don't mind, what sort of injury is it? Maybe you need to alter your technique in some way.

[chaotic]

Thanks brisonic thats a great video!

Dmusic148 i broke my wrist and then added some severe tendon/ligament damage to my wrist hand and fingers for good measure! Lol i don't believe in doing things in small measures!

It seems to have taken for ever just to get my hand and wrist working properly but it's not as moblie as before and i really need to get some strength back in my fingers!

When i am practicing it still hurts so i tend to practice for around 20 mins stop for a bit then start again.

I don't know whether it's the pain subconsciously putting me off but i seem to be getting nowhere and it's becoming a chore rather than a pleasure to pick up my bass.

[Mike Saville]

I think you need to ease up on yourself. I always recommend 20-30min sessions as the optimum time for practice anyway - if you carry on for more than 40mins your brain will lose concentration anyway and your practice will be less effective. Much better to do lots of short sessions.

A second point I think you should try is to not look at your playing standard so often. Sometimes when assessing your playing everyday it is very difficult to measure your improvement. Instead take a longer view - say a month and look to see if you have improved then. If you are doing the practice you say and it is good focused work then undoubtedly after a month you will have made improvements.

[chaotic]

Thanks Mike i'll give the shorter practice sessions a try!

Good point about assessing my playing every month instead of expecting to see a difference in days! I think i'm just finding it hard not to compare how i'm playing now to how i was playing before the accident.

[Slackerprince]

This is a little more mellow one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDs7m...eature=related

s.

[chaotic]

Excellent vid cheers Slackerprince

[brisonic]

If my vid was too much, sorry. The idea was, we picked up the bass for a reason, some song, some soumd, some player we dug. Look for others doing that, watch, learn, and groove.

[chaotic]

Lol no your vid wasn't too much i loved it!

[Stumbo]

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[chaotic]

Excellent thanks Stumbo thats a huge help! There's some great stuff there and i've only got to number 5!

[GreggBummer]

Stumbo: That list of links should be a sticky somewhere. Thanks.


OP: I really suggest finding a band now. If you post something on CraigsList saying what your situation is, there will be someone out there who is likeminded or in a similar situation.

Good luck.

[chaotic]

Thanks GreggBummer I was talking to a mate last night who's in a band and they've just offered me the chance to come along and practice with them occasionally.

Also said if i get good enough that the guys are happy i can jump in for a couple of songs at one of their local gigs to give me some experience of playing live!

Only problem is their bassist is really good and been playing for years don't know if i'll be able to impress him enough to let me stand in!

I'm excited and bricking it at the same time!

[GreggBummer]

Sounds good!

Don't worry about impressing with your ability. If you show up on time, do your homework (learn the songs and continue to improve), and be as professional as you can- then an opportunity will open up. The guitar players sisters brother-in-laws lover has a friend whos band needs a bass player.

Also, consider the band you are going to be jamming with like a "lesson". If they have a bass player is good, you can probably learn something from him. You also get the band experiance... you can learn what to do AND NOT TO DO. Keep your ears open, your eyes open, your mouth shut, and enjoy.

G

[chaotic]

Thanks i can't wait!
My first rehearsal with them is on Thursday night they've said to come in and watch for a bit so i can see what they're doing then hopefully try a couple of songs out!

I'm now desperately trying to learn at least one hopefully two of their tracks before i show up!

[brisonic]

We definitely improve by playing with those that are better than us. Trying 1 or 2 of their easier tunes, especially if you're already familiar with the melodies, will be good ear training.

[chaotic]

I'm hoping that this will help me a lot well i know it will!

I'm really pleased that they offered me the chance to do this! I would never have asked them because although they are friends they're all excellent musicians who have been playing for years.

Never in a million years did i think they would put up with a beginner rehearsing with them let alone consider letting me play at a gig with them!

I know most of their regular set list after going to a few of their gigs so i'm trying to concentrate on learning two of their easier ones for now.