Tired of sucking

dozicusmaximus · #1 08-17-2010, 07:37 PM

Well, I'm about to start lessons on Thursday

One, to help put a fire under my butt to practice. Two, to learn theory/read music. Three, to help me suck less.
I have always had trouble staying motivated, when it just comes down to me and the task at hand.
My "band" just broke up. We played original metal songs. Nothing to hard, simple really. I pretty much just rooted it up, throwing in some notes here and there. Followed the guitars around.
I only know a scale or two. Just usually go with what sounds cool.

I'm going to focus on theory/jazz/blues. As I want to be able to write songs and decent bass lines. I'm not out to be overly technical. But wouldn't mind playing stuff that isn't so boring, and might make somebody say "That sounds pretty bad ass."
Bands that I would like to play like or similar to if needed.
Dillinger Escape Plan, Candiria (any mathcore type stuff), Ephel Duath, Atheist, ISIS, Church of Misery, Acid Bath. Some grind, black metal stuff thrown in. I know a few of the bands listed will be way down the road. Just to give you an idea.
I basically want to be a proficient metal bassist, that can jam maybe wing some jazz sessions on occasion. A decent musician that can write a song here and there.
Also did learning theory hinder your creativity?

Any suggestions on main areas to focus on. Besides what my teacher will probably tell me to do.

Pointers? Main areas of focus?
Should I focus on just getting a firm foundation on the basics and just shut the hell up?
I only have 1 bass related book. The Bass Grimoire (full of scales that I dont practice

)
If anything I could turn this into a progress thread...

Mozilla · #2 08-17-2010, 07:47 PM

I know how it feels to suck and not want to practice...with the little time I have left in a week. I feel ya' brother.
I also know how it feels to be broke and not be able to buy some of the little toys that make practicing even more fun.

When I get unmotivated...I try to watch one of my favorite bands on youtube....to get my fingers moving. Lately, I have gotten re-attatched to The Faces. I just can't get enough of their 'dirty' style of rock and roll. The whole band seems to really enjoy themselves when they are playing together. They do a copy of an Ike and Tina Turner song that is really fat('too much woman')

Anyway, keep practicing. I will too.

dozicusmaximus · #3 08-17-2010, 07:52 PM

Maybe we should get together some time. And we could not practice together haha.

ba$$ · #4 08-17-2010, 07:55 PM

Best thing I did in my first months of bass playing is cover/play along with bands I liked. Started easy and worked up to faster stuff. Try to develop a good technique to start (listen to your teacher) and you won't have to go back later and re-learn stuff. Good luck man! PM me if you need any other pointers or have q's.

progrmr · #5 08-17-2010, 08:43 PM

First of all you probably don't suck at all. If you've enjoyed what you've done with the band and your playing then you're enjoying playing and that is critical.

It's great to want to know more and get more experience moving around the fretboard. Keep in mind the best bass lines are typically simple. But don't discount where you're at.

I dig blues a lot but frankly it's over my head right now - I just want to play some rock and learn a few lines that sound good but aren't anywhere near a jacko or wooten.

So go for the new knowledge, but don't do it at the expense of playing. If you try to force yourself down a path that you wind up not enjoying it could affect your playing long term.

G/L!

MalcolmAmos · #6 08-17-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dozicusmaximus

Also did learning theory hinder your creativity?

Theory will open doors you did not know existed.

Of course IMHO.

0volts · #7 08-17-2010, 09:21 PM

Brother, I feel your pain. I've been jacking around with the bass for just over a year know and still can't play. All my fault, I just can't work up the will to practice right now. Working 60+ hours a week and just plain lazy I guess. I've thought seriously about selling my gear, but I'm always drawn back. Good for you for you, you're actually doing something about it! The first step is admitting you have a problem.

dozicusmaximus · #8 08-17-2010, 09:27 PM

Thanks progrmr

I dont think I could go down a bad path, unless I join a band that plays stuff that I dont like. I'm not sure I could do that.

@ MalcolmAmos
That is very encouraging. I cant wait when I have that moment where I "get it" and say "Ooohh"
I played piano a couple of months when I was younger. I could read a few notes but it didn't click, because I didn't want to play piano and was uninterested haha.

0volts: I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've been back messing with the bass for a year and a half now. Played a little in high school.

I'm just ready to move beyond casual/novice. I dont plan on making a living on bass playing anytime soon. But to be able to record a few albums of my own, and be on a couple of albums would be fantastic. I love listening to and playing music. One of the few constants in my life, its been there for me good and bad. I want to give back the little bit that I can, as it has givin so much to me.

dozicusmaximus · #9 08-19-2010, 09:41 PM

So first lesson was today. Pretty smooth, couple of snags because of 'tard fingers wanting to go elsewhere. Starting nice an slow.
We went over "All of Me". We're focusing on the fundementals. I'm only working off of a chord chart for now.
Root, 3rd, 5th, 3rd with some chromatic notes added in between certain changes.
I guess when I practice this I'll vocalize the notes as I play them. That should help with learning the frets. And maybe help me with singing too

I forgot to ask him the bpm for this song. I guess I'll look it up on youtube and find something to play along with.

Jim Campbell · #10 08-19-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dozicusmaximus

So first lesson was today. Pretty smooth, couple of snags because of 'tard fingers wanting to go elsewhere. Starting nice an slow.
We went over "All of Me". We're focusing on the fundementals. I'm only working off of a chord chart for now.
Root, 3rd, 5th, 3rd with some chromatic notes added in between certain changes.
I guess when I practice this I'll vocalize the notes as I play them. That should help with learning the frets. And maybe help me with singing too

I forgot to ask him the bpm for this song. I guess I'll look it up on youtube and find something to play along with.

a lot of standards are available on the aebersold play-along series.....the bass can be mixed in or out/blended with the trio as you play along,and the books with matching bass lines are a great source of ideas

dozicusmaximus · #11 08-20-2010, 07:29 AM

I think next paycheck I'll have to get an Aebersold book/CD. My teacher mentioned it.

Pillgrimm13 · #12 08-20-2010, 08:01 AM

one of those plastic chord charts would help too, i bring mine to work with me to study the notes. im dyslexic so that helps. playing bass chords is fun to it helps with finger position and timming if you use a metronone.

Lithius · #13 08-20-2010, 08:27 AM

dude, don't expect any miracles over night(or even years)
you are indeed correct in seeking guidance from your elders
i never would've joined this sight if the members were all under 30(no offence)
definitely don't discount certain styles though, i'm not into listening to punk;
but i love playing it, with metal vicer versa
i hope this helps, lol

dozicusmaximus · #14 08-20-2010, 10:02 AM

I may be a bit impatient at times. But I am definetly not unrealistic in my goals. I know I'm not going to be jazzing it up like a beast in a few months or anything. But, you never know. I just want to be able to write more creative lines, and not hang out on the root all night. I have been screwing around with bass on and off for 10yrs. And Really want to take it to the next level.
Which means learning new things. Which is almost everything haha.

jordy_on_bass · #15 08-20-2010, 10:19 AM

One thing that you may need to keep in mind and may discourage you is if your teacher seems to be teaching you things you already know. He isn't treating you like an idiot, he is helping you to build a solid foundation to become a great bass player. Just like building beautiful architecture, it needs to be built on a solid foundation!!

After 4 years of playing bass (self taught), I had a bass teacher tell me a few things about my technique after watching me play a show. At first, I felt offended and I took it as a direct insult. However after trying what he recommended to me, my technique got better ten-fold in the matter of a few weeks. Cover songs that always seemed to be too hard became a breeze to play.

So if he says something that you think you already know, listen anyway. He isn"t teaching bass to self-gratify himself, it is to help you be the best you can be

Just my .02

cheers,
Jordan