Self-taught for ten years...

Brian Reading · #1 07-31-2008, 08:46 PM

Is it too late to get a bass teacher? I started out very young (age 13) and naive, and now I have tons of horrible habits, and very patchy ideas of theory.

I've felt stuck on this instrument for quite a while now.

I am one of the many who also learned trumpet in school band for many years, so I've had some formal musical instruction in the past...

What do you guys think?

MysticMichael · #2 07-31-2008, 08:49 PM

It's never too late. Besides, you're only 22 years old. Go for it!

MM

kebbs · #3 07-31-2008, 08:51 PM

Never too late Brian. Teacher can be an excellent cure for those "patchy ideas of theory". What exactly are these horrible habits?

Honk'n_down-low · #4 07-31-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Reading

Is it too late to get a bass teacher? I started out very young (age 13) and naive, and now I have tons of horrible habits, and very patchy ideas of theory.

I've felt stuck on this instrument for quite a while now.

I am one of the many who also learned trumpet in school band for many years, so I've had some formal musical instruction in the past...

What do you guys think?

Find a good instructor - stay open minded - you have a lot of time invested already - just chill and continue to grow and learn - it is life's journey.....

hunta · #5 08-01-2008, 06:43 AM

It's never too late. I was mostly self taught for a long time, had a teacher here and there but definitely I was very resistant to learn a lot of things I should have been doing. I had some bad habits, lots of gaps in my musical knowledge, etc... I didn't really correct a lot of those things until college (went to college when I was 22 actually).

It can be done. It's not easy but if you want it bad enough and work at it you can fill in the gaps and correct those bad habits.

Make sure you pick a teacher you like!

WhiteKnuckles · #6 08-01-2008, 06:48 AM

Never too late.

I played for 20 years before beginning 'formal' instruction. My technique was fine, but there was so much about 'music' that I didn't grasp or understand correctly. Instruction has opened up my writing/playing so much that I wish that I had started much earlier.

onlyafterdark · #7 08-01-2008, 06:53 AM

I only started playing bass at 22, thought I was too old to even start but now I cant put it down!

hunta · #8 08-01-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteKnuckles

Instruction has opened up my writing/playing so much that I wish that I had started much earlier.

I see this as you said, and also another way. If I had forgone the self-taught route I certainly would have been "better educated" musically at an earlier age, but what would I have lost? Maybe nothing, maybe everything.

The vast majority of people I went to music school with were formally trained, and I frequently thought there was a lot lacking in their creativity and willingness to accept or even explore concepts outside of the musical norm (ie classical and old school jazz).

My opinion is it helps to be able to approach music from both angles. I'm very glad that I went through the trouble of learning "the right way," but I'm also glad that I learned things "my way" first.

DudeistMonk · #9 08-01-2008, 04:05 PM

I had lessons when I was like 16 but I hated how the guy gave me all these modes and what not with no explanations on how to use them...He was also grumpy and uncool. I never practiced past the first 2 weeks cause I didn't see the point, I didn't like the guy, he never game me songs just the same stuff over and over.

I'm 23 now I have a better work ethic and I got myself a much better instructor, who comes at me from all angles, actually explains the theory and the why behind the stuff and I've learned more in 4 months than in 2 years.

Find the right dude and take some lessons.

E2daGGurl · #10 08-04-2008, 02:25 PM

A good teacher should have the characteristics of a very well-educated listener/audience member. They'll be able to pinpoint different areas where you could improve and of course, will explain language/theory as needed.

Do you play with other people already? That's an entire set of skills/subjects in and of itself. A good bass teacher should be able to drum a little (or use a drum machine) to help you get your grooves going - or maybe play some keyboard to accompany you, so you can get used to accompanying others.

That's in addition to being able to play bass, of course.

Dr. Cheese · #11 08-04-2008, 02:27 PM

Get a teacher! I plan on taking lessons in a few years after I carve out more time for myself. Right now, just playing can be a stretch.

artdrtr · #12 08-04-2008, 02:37 PM

Come on.........I started bass last year at 44. I did have some guitar experience over 10 yrs ago, but stopped when the kids came along. When I decided to pick up music again I reached for the bass -- I now have +90 songs and play in a classic rock cover band.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyafterdark

I only started playing bass at 22, thought I was too old to even start but now I cant put it down!

ThunderLizard · #13 08-04-2008, 02:44 PM

Brian-
Yes...take some lessons. Just make sure you identify with your instructor what you want to learn and where you want to go. Theory? Reading? Groove Skills? Fretboard/positions?
I just started lessons a few months ago; I'm WAY older than you and have a freight train of bad habits. I found that having an instructor has really focused my playing and is also making any practice time I spend much more productive.

Brian Reading · #14 08-05-2008, 11:36 AM

Thanks for all of your help. I will pursue a teacher when I have the time in my schedule.

UncleBalsamic · #15 08-05-2008, 11:44 AM

Snap!

I was classically taught in Trumpet before picking up the bass when I was about 13 and I'm still entirely self taught.

Also get a teacher if you can. I'm sure it'll help.