Cover Bass...That's me

[brokencode]

After 35 yrs, I'm just a "Cover Bass Player"! Tell me to learn a song... I can play it. Get me to play a solo during an "open blues jam" I choke. I don't know scales or the "box".. It's embarrassing. I can hang with any song, but bass solo, I'm weak!

[Muyy]

nothing wrong with playing covers, they are fun and pay the bills. Learn some music theory, scales, chords, arpeggios, etc... I am not an awesome bass player, but when it comes time to solo, I know what to play just by using my ear pretty much. If you can learn any song, get some basic music theory down, and really start analyzing the songs learning them, keys, chord changes, ways to play over them. Practice soloing over the songs you already know and are comfortable with.

[Past 11]

Yeah...that can be a tough area. I do a lot of improvisation with a guitarist and drummer. We basically get a groove going and make things up on the fly. It has really helped me be more comfortable with the fretboard and not be afraid to take chances and try new things. Maybe give that a shot if your band is up to it. I find that it also helps the band gel more. Make sure to record some of your sessions if possible.

[Muyy]

yeah, it helped me develope, I used to just jam for about two hours with a drummer and guitarist and record it just to see what works and what didnt and critique myself. Some cool ideas come from just totally playing uninhibited, but also some stinkers when you hit some wrong notes lol