| If you want to improve your playing, there are few things I would suggest. First, branch out and explore some other styles of music. I don't necessarily like some styles of music to listen to on a regular basis but occasionally I'm asked on a gig to play them and do it convincingly. Latin music, disco, funk, punk, jazz, r&b, and even classical music can be played on the bass. (just to name a few off the top of my head)
Second, just play a lot. My chops were lacking until I started gigging regularly. After a couple of months of doing gigs four nights a week, I could play along to weather report's teen town, whereas before then, I could play it, but not up to tempo. The funny thing was that my gigs were mainly alternative and classic rock covers. Not to much that was overly challenging or strenuous on my hands.
Finally, there are plenty of exercises and etudes out there designed to build chops etc. one of my favorites I got from the jaco pastorius video, modern electric bass. I think he called it the major scale exercise in stretch position in 16ths. Anyway, I found that playing any exercise in 16th with a metronome did a couple of things. It taught me how to subdivide a beat. At slow tempos it really improved my groove and timing and at faster tempos it improved my chops. The key thing being that music exists in time, and those bass players that have a solid foundation in it, get more work in my experience. You don't have to be victor Wooten, you just have to groove hard.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
J |