The transition into "THE ZONE"

[LiF]

This post is directed at the guys who can really play.

There is some great stuff on youtube. Guys who can really groove like Buddy Hankerson, Hector Ostolaza, MarloweDK, Sharee Reid, Andrew Gouche, Stan Seargent etc.

These guys pick up a bass and play. It is flashy, but really grooves and holds my attention. It seems like it is automatic. They just play and this beautiful stuff comes out of their fingers. I'm not talking about soloing, as that isn't really my bag. Just grooving. It is like they are in this Zen-like zone. they feel it and play it. Can it be learned or are you born with it. My opinion is that it can be developed, like any skill.

My question is, did these guys reach a point where one day they couldn't do it and the next they could. Or was it a gradual and natural progression. I feel like I am close to this phase, but am not sure how to take that next step. There are tunes I play with my band that are ingrained in my playing. If I have to think about the notes I am playing then I cannot do it. If I just feel the music, I play it naturally, and it sounds good. This happened at rehearsal a few weeks ago. We were playing "Good Times" and I couldn't play it, then I just forgot about where my fingers should be and it came naturally.

[Earthday]

It has as much to do with the people you're playing with as you. If the drummer is unpredictable, you can't groove. If the melody/chord players are changing the tone center and you have to try to keep up and actively listen to them too much, it's tough to be creative yourself.

In my experience "The zone" comes first from a comfort with the bass, which you either have or you don't, but almost as importantly a comfort with the drummer, and in order to be really creative while not overstepping your bounds, a comfort with the other players as well.

[LiF]

Okay, thanks for that. I'm not talking about in a band situation though. Just noodling or playing with a drum track.

Also, with respect, I disagree, I don't think people are comfortable with a bass or not, this is something that can be worked upon. My first year in Australia I was without a band. I spent a lot of time in the woodshed. As a result, my playing, technique, groove, ideas, music theory etc increased phenomenally. It was a frustrating year, but I am a better player for it.

My current band has a guitarist who studied at WAAPA, the local music university. This guy is amazing. Play him a song once on the iPod and he has it, and introduces his own variations which fit the music, This is what I am aiming for.

[CoffeeJanitor]

Practice?

[DudeistMonk]

EDIT: I realized that everything I said has already been posted.

[LiF]

Originally Posted by CoffeeJanitor

Practice?

Errrrr......yeah!


Read my posts, I have put an enormous amount of time into my playing and it has paid off. I just need to take the next step.

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by CoffeeJanitor

Practice?

+ 100

Originally Posted by LiF

Errrrr......yeah!


Read my posts, I have put an enormous amount of time into my playing and it has paid off. I just need to take the next step.

I'm sure you have put an enormuos amount of time into your playing, but from what you say, you need more. Progress is generally gradual. I know it's a dull boring word, but "PRACTICE" and plenty of it, is the key IMO. There is no other magic wand that I know of.

[LiF]

Originally Posted by fearceol

+ 100








I'm sure you have put an enormuos amount of time into your playing, but from what you say, you need more. Progress is generally gradual. I know it's a dull boring word, but "PRACTICE" and plenty of it, is the key IMO. There is no other magic wand that I know of.

Hey Bro', I'm there with you.

I guess what I'm getting from this thread is that I have to work harder. That's cool. I can do that. Thanks bro's.

I'm currently listening to "Clouds" by Chaka. Great track, but hard to play. I'm getting there though.