Uninspired, un motivated, always playing same licks

cire113 · #1 06-18-2011, 09:36 PM

I don't know what's wrong with me, I've been completely uninspired and unmotivated to play music... I play but feel like I'm playing the same dam licks over and over again(especially when I solo).. But grooving as well like completely stuck...I've been playing three years and this is first time his has really happened...

The last week I've felt like I lost my **** somehow ( I doubt that though)

so frustrated also because I think I suck compared to the type of player I want to he and should be.... It almost makes me want to quit playing...

I don't know it's like I have too high
expectations on myself I strive for perfection and when I dont get even close to it I get depressed /upset

Music is like therapy to me...

Maybe I should just not play for a few a while???? Idk

cire113 · #2 06-18-2011, 09:37 PM

Also I listen to tons of music all genres idk what's up....

M.Wrenn · #3 06-18-2011, 09:41 PM

It happens to everyone once in awhile.
Just got out of my funk (although considering we're bass players that's hardly an applicable term) a few months ago.

If you haven't already, try writing music. Or if you already are writing, write more. I realized that everything I listened to was just a little bit off from what I really wanted, so I started writing the music I wanted to hear. It's incredibly invigorating and fulfilling.

Hope that helps.

Melik · #4 06-18-2011, 09:41 PM

You can increase your lick "library" by listening, transcribing and training your favourite soloists (or who ever inspires you in the field of music) playing :-)

Gear_Junky · #5 06-18-2011, 09:54 PM

what is your theory knowledge level?

how about trying a fretless (with lines if necessary) and trying to do more with less? a nice vibratoed fretless note or a slide can give new life to "same old" licks.

all you need is intermediate achievable goals, be it theory, scales, licks or technique/sound. Learn a solo by Jaco or something

jimmyjames · #6 06-18-2011, 09:59 PM

I own about 5 bass books, where it be a theory, technique, or an exercise book, when I feel like I'm repeating my self, I'll open a book, learn a new scale or technique and new life is born again from my fingers....

dubist · #7 06-18-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyjames

I own about 5 bass books, where it be a theory, technique, or an exercise book, when I feel like I'm repeating my self, I'll open a book, learn a new scale or technique and new life is born again from my fingers....

+1 was going to type the same thing myself.
the key to breaking through is taking the time to learn something new.

M.Wrenn · #8 06-18-2011, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubist

the key to breaking through is taking the time to learn something new.

+1

PBnJBassist · #9 06-18-2011, 10:30 PM

I have felt that only twice thus far. My personal remedies are learning to recreate lines that you think up onto the fretboard. It helps when you think of something and then mess around for 1 minute, then realize, "Wow, that was simple!". Another remedy that helped my first slump was playing something that was "me". You can play along with as many songs as you want, but there's something special about playing your own stuff.

What was recommended earlier about learning techniques, scales, theory, that's one of the most positive and simply direct things to get any player over this since it provides a new challenge to learn, understand, practice, and eventually master. If you feel like (or just know) that you've been playing the same lick over and over again, record it, then add onto it - 2nd bass and all - just f-ck it! When I record one of my solo grooves, it's staggering how many times I would repeat a lick. I transcribe those into a tab and start rewriting and arranging everything. After awhile, it becomes fun (and tedious in some instances).

But heck, try switching up and expanding genres, too. I went from metal to modern alternative to British invasion to jazz, Motown and funk. You'll learn different styles, different licks, and it will (hopefully) reignite that "spark".

TunnelPig · #10 06-19-2011, 02:14 PM

I feel what the OP is saying. I've been dealing with the same type of problem this year; senioritis and general laziness have been keeping me from making the same levels of progress I could easily make four years ago.

But I'm coming out of it thanks to two things: my relatively recent discovery of Parliament records (the ones from 75-77 being best IMO) and a method I learned where, when I feel unmotivated, I sit for a few minutes and do literally NOTHING - no phone, TV, anything. This helps when you've got nothing of significance to do [what's more important than bass, anyways?

] but are plagued by distractions. Afterwards, I have the peace of mind to pick up the bass and have fun. Good luck to you!

fenderhutz · #11 06-19-2011, 02:21 PM

I was there. No drive to play.

Then I focused on learning some James Jamerson riffs.

If you can get down a couple of his harder tunes it opens up a totally different door (at least it did in my mind) on how to play and write.

Even if you aren't a fan of the genre it will change how you think and play rhythmically.

Pick a player that doesn't play like you and learn the intricacies of their style. It really opens doors.

slaphappychappy · #12 06-19-2011, 10:27 PM

I write music . I find that is better for me than learning others songs. But then it means most of the stuff I play is my own. I think finding a balance between the two is a good way to be.

WilliamSandoval · #13 06-19-2011, 10:32 PM

When I improvise, I always end up making it sound like The Lemon Song. I can't help it! my fingers just play the same sounds over and over.

Stumbo · #14 06-20-2011, 12:30 AM

Another suggestion based on my experience.

If you're low(or not in the optimal range for your body) on B12 and D3 vitamins, you'll probably be low in energy, be lethargic, mimicking depression somewhat.

I started on a what is called a liquid Super B Complex and liquid D3(up to 4k units/day). IME, you can safely take these for 6 months and you'll probably see an uptick in energy, clarity and focus. This is what happened to me only it was very dramatic as to the difference before taking the vitamins.

I now take B complex once a month and still take D3 daily(longer to increase my level). I had my Doc check my levels to be sure I'm doing the right thing. I suggest getting one's levels to the top of the range as doctors can only tell if you're in the "normal" range not whether it's optimal for you)

cire113 · #15 06-20-2011, 12:33 AM

im gonna take a couple days off... hell im going to vics music camp in 2 days that should re-ignite me i hope lol

B-Bassic · #16 06-20-2011, 03:22 AM

Don't over think it. Once that seed of doubt gets in there it's hard to shift.

Spells like this happen to everyone. My preferred way of getting past it is to go back to the songs that I learnt when I first picked up a bass. Revisit those early days and remind yourself why you picked the bass over every other instrument.

AFRO · #17 06-20-2011, 10:53 AM

I will suggest two thing I have not heard yet.
A. Start a Journel.
at the start of the week, list a few goals..

example list;
1. practice scales in every key.. acending and descending.
2. learn the solo (lick, chorus, intro, w/e) for the song *__insert a song name here__* hell learn the whole song...
3. Transcribe (or transpose) 32 bars of music (it can be stuff you created, or stuff you have copped...a whole song or three parts of two songs..w/e...the point is doing it so it becomes habit)

when that item has been completed check it off the list. (all major scales in every key done, check!)

this way you will always have something to do for the week, set a deadline if necessary.
also date it, so you know how long in between you have gone since you did it last..you'll be surprized at your progress some weeks and lack of it in others.

I find having goals makes me want to work towards completing them, and checking them off the list is a sence of accomplishment.

to embleish..you dont have to do all of the list in one day or pracitce session, like play the major scales for the first five sharps (circle of fifths) on the monday.. add the rest on wednesday..do the flats on Friday and Sunday.. its your project make it as creative (or dull) as you want.

B. Study the Blues.
Study the I-IV-V progression. and the 12 Bar Blues (and maybe the 8 Bar Blues too)
it will help you in many areas, as most music is derived somehow from blues.
pick a keynote, get the I-IV-V chords..write a little blues song about your stubborn "Same Licks"

keep chop'n monn.. you can cut that tree down if you work at it.

AFRO

ghiadub · #18 06-20-2011, 11:08 AM

I have listened back to my low periods and it was some of my best playing, but my perception at the time was that it sucked and was uninspired.

That said, I occasionally take lessons from other players I respect when I feel like I am in a low point.

devine · #19 06-20-2011, 11:26 AM

Cire113...

Hey man sorry to hear your having a rough time. If it makes you feel any better i've been through the same thing many times before and will probably go through it again many times in the future.

Unfortunately when someone is really passionate about something they tend to get emotionally attached to it in a big way - well I do anyway and i'm guessing you do. That's what gives us the drive to do it! So, if things are feeling a stale and your playing isn't where you want it to be you start to feel depressed, uninspired and downright crap about yourself.

'The Good Bit!... I like to call these times plateaus, or rather the end of one. You probably feel like your playing hasn't moved up a notch in a long time, this is the plateau. You may have been on a plateau for several months and this is the final straight your in right now... the really painful bit!!!! So... what i'm trying to say is that there is a break through right around the corner, it maybe in a week, it maybe in a couple of months but it's there! DO NOT let it get the better you, keep chipping away and it will happen.

Stuff that'll help... Get some cool records with some great bass players and start transcribing. - Transcription has always been the key for me when it comes to making breakthroughs - Every time! Whoever inspires you most, sit down work out what they're doing and get that into your playing.

Good luck on your journey man!

Free Online Bass Lessons - Scott's Bass Lessons
SCOTT DEVINE-BASS PLAYER-COMPOSER-EDUCATOR

Buster Mudd · #20 06-20-2011, 11:58 AM

Every now and then I have felt like I too am always playing the same licks...as soon as I start to suspect that's what's happening, I'll drastically retune a bass to some bizarre and unpredictable set of intervals, then play until I hear something cool. Which usually only takes 5 minutes! As soon as that happens, I transcribe the cool stuff, then retune the bass to standard EADG and relearn how to play the cool stuff I came up with.