would I benefit from a teacher?

gus87 · #1 03-25-2008, 08:33 PM

I've been playing bass for two years now and i'm considering taking lessons to brush up on my theory. I am currently in a band and our focus is to eventually be able to play and compose technical metal. since I'm pretty new to the theoretical side of music a member from my band recommended that it might be a good idea to take lessons.

Now, the thing is that I am unsure if a teacher would be suited for my playing style. i have another friend who plays bass and he also takes lessons, but when I look at the excersises he has it doesn't seem very exciting. He is mainly learning jazz and blues riffs and that I kind of stuff and as a whole it seems to be a different musical direction.

I don't want to come off as a person with a monotonous attitude towards genres but i just can't see how I could benefit from learning material from such a different musical style. i've looked around and it seems that all of the teachers in my general area seem to be using similar learning books. i am really wondering if this would help me, because i wouldn't want to waste my money.

thanks for any responses.

Lesfunk · #2 03-25-2008, 08:35 PM

Like most people on this site, You probably know everything already

**Pacman** · #3 03-25-2008, 08:41 PM

You will benefit from learning jazz, no matter what type of music you play.

Get the teacher.

bassnug47 · #4 03-25-2008, 08:41 PM

jazz theory will denfinatly help with composition skills

Joeymarshmallow · #5 03-25-2008, 10:06 PM

Before finishing the first sentence you wrote I would say yes. I'm no professional but the one thing that has GREATLY improved my playing is lessons. It helps you consistently practice good exercises. And remember that different genres of music are all pretty much intertwined, for example, the melodies of jazz (arguably) may not seem like they would help with metal, but the rhythm, fingerwork, and melodies actually, will help you improve in all music playing.

Marcury · #6 03-25-2008, 10:29 PM

Yes a teacher will help you. Get over the thing about genre. It's all applicable to what you play.

phektus · #7 03-26-2008, 04:37 AM

Go with the teacher pronto. If you want to be a really good musician, you will have to do a lot on un-exciting things, which in layman's term we can hard work. I am also learning jazz from a private teacher right now. My band's music is mostly rock and alternative. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be learning from another perspective.

BUT if you think you're already a genius, you can skip the teacher part. It's your money and time anyways.

RobertUI · #8 03-26-2008, 06:24 AM

FWIW, I have been playing for about 18 years now, and I would GREATLY benefit from a teacher. I haven't taken lessons in about 15 years due to time OR money constraints over the years, but I don't believe there is ANYONE on this site who would not benefit from a teacher EVEN (sometimes especially) if the teacher is exposing you to a new genre of music that you're not even really inclined to perform live. Those are my thoughts.

WhiteKnuckles · #9 03-26-2008, 07:10 AM

Ask Ryan Martinie what he thought of learning all that Jazz stuff.

Why would a bassist want to learn Jazz, regardless of what type of music they play? Hmmmm....perhaps because the greatest bassists and bass lines came from Jazz.

I've been playing for 20 years, mostly progressive nu-metal before there was such a term...when I finally buckled down and started taking instruction....Jazz.

jschwalls · #10 03-26-2008, 03:05 PM

If you decide on lessons, then be sure you go into the room and tell your teacher what you would like to work on... for me I find it hard to keep students motivated when they have no idea why they are there to begin with...
Most younger players DO NOT want to learn any theory.. I usually sneak it in when I show them a song or lick or something.

If my students have no clue, then I will watch them play and try to find things that they can improve upon... If your teacher does this, don't get offended or upset. Chances are he has been playing longer than you and will probably give you the right advice.

gus87 · #11 03-28-2008, 08:12 AM

i see. if that kind of theory will really help me improve my playing then I guess i'll take a look around for a good teacher and see what comes of it. im still not to keen on the idea of doing those blues and jazz exercizes but if it helps me in the long run then i guess it's worth it

thanks for the advice

WhiteKnuckles · #12 03-28-2008, 09:03 AM

I highly doubt you'll regret it....

I would have never appreciated some of the incredible players out there if I only played the heavy stuff. Not only that, but I would have never been able to incorporate all kinds of great licks and ideas from jazz and funk into my own stuff....I would still be just doubling the guitar.

Go into with an open mind and you'll come out a much much better player.

Good Luck!

Shishkbob · #13 03-28-2008, 03:00 PM

The most common thing that i have been told to do in learning to play bass is to learn Jazz. not much of a fan of most jazz but some of the stuff really jams.

Bassisgreat · #14 03-28-2008, 04:13 PM

Yes. Tell your teacher what you intend to play and they'll keep that in mind as they decide your curriculum.

As far as the genre thing goes, remember that almost every form of music has come from techniques used in another, older form of music. I'm a death metal player, and I have a classical background... The great thing is, I can also learn and play other styles and use the techniques I learned in my training.

Jazz and Blues are a strong foundation for absolutely any genre. You will likely agree at some point, but try to keep it in mind while you're getting there.