Putting My Foot Down

[slickhare]

So in the past I've made threads about learning music and theory and where to start, but never quite pursued it. School took away a lot of my potential practice time, and with it went the motivation to properly learn to play. But I'm putting my foot down, and making my dream a reality this time.

Problem is, I don't think I'm going to be able to take lessons at this point. Part of my problem in the past was being intimidated by the complexity of music. I a "Bass Guitar for Dummies" book that I've tried to start on many occasions, will this work? And just in general how should i jump into the world of music?

[xlows]

Personally, I recommend lessons with a good teacher above everything. If this is unavailable to you, I might take a college course or two on this sort of thing (music theory, music history, etc.). If neither of these can possibly work for you, I suppose a book like that may be the best bet. I'm sure another TBer has a better idea though.

[seansbrew]

It sounds like it would be a good idea to find an instructor. An good bass teacher will be able to answer all your questions and come up with a program that is best suited for you. Sometimes it can be very difficult to learn from a book if you don't know what your looking at or what it means. Sometimes, the material in a book may not be of any use to you at all. It all depends on what your goals are. Hope this helps.

[da axeman]

trying to learn what a teacher could teach you in one week can take months from a book, there is no better way to learn than from an expert

[JimmyM]

"Someone's got to put their foot down, and that foot is me!"

[BillMason]

Originally Posted by slickhare

So in the past I've made threads about learning music and theory and where to start, but never quite pursued it. School took away a lot of my potential practice time, and with it went the motivation to properly learn to play. But I'm putting my foot down, and making my dream a reality this time.

Problem is, I don't think I'm going to be able to take lessons at this point. Part of my problem in the past was being intimidated by the complexity of music. I a "Bass Guitar for Dummies" book that I've tried to start on many occasions, will this work? And just in general how should i jump into the world of music?

I've heard that book is decent, I don't know. There are other books too. If you get an instructor, please try to find a bass instructor, rather than a guitar instructor. If you're stuck, I suppose a guitar instructor will do - I took lessons for two years in a row from two different guitar instructors who were able to teach me the neck and how to learn songs, but not much about bass. A guitar guy should be teaching you chord structure and what to play over any given chord. Above all, make sure your instructor is not a dick, does not condescend or make you feel stupid, and will teach you at a pace at which you will learn. Some guys think they're geniuses because they know everything there is to know about theory, and are technically very good - but when you listen to something they've written and recorded, only a sick dog would sit and listen, and only because they can't get up and walk away (take that, teacher number 2, Daniel Heikalo!). :-)

You should definitely learn how to read notation, rather than tab!!

The best activity you can do is to start learning songs, and playing them with other people. Find a guitar player who knows some songs that you like, and buy him beer to play them with you, to teach you. Or, sit and listen and figure them out for yourself, your ear needs it!

[fearceol]

+ 1 on the advice to get a good instructor. As for the "Dummies" book, I worked my way through it and found it very good. Perhaps you could tackle the book later after you get a good basic grounding from a teacher. I also agree with the comment above that you learn more and quicker from a teacher.

[BassChuck]

And remember, if something seems complicated, you're probably taking on too much at once.

[middy]

I don't know that a teacher is necessary for learning theory. Get yourself a cheap keyboard and some theory books.

Applying the theory and teaching proper technique and the "feel" of the instrument is where a teacher is important, IMHO.