Nothing more than a hobby or maybe more?

[mad_man_moon61]

Hi all,
How many here feel that they might never play in a band
(even in the most amateur sense) but still enjoy
learning/playing bass just for the sake of it?

I had people say to me "You can play guitar or piano
alone but bass is for bands & not a solo instrument."
Well of course one has to practice to get better (which usually involves one on one with the instrument without an audience
of any sort.)

At my age (44) I don't know if I will ever be good
enough to be in a group or not but if it never happens, at this
point I still feel that my time learning bass
is time well spent.
Just the joy of being able to sit down and create
might be enough for many. Just my two cents.

Cheers,
Doug
Texas

[FriscoBassAce]

Don't listen to what those other folks say! I feel like if you get enjoyment from playing a bass, even if it's just sitting in your living room plunking around on it, then by all means do it!

A lot of times when I practice, I'm just kind of doing the usual drills and learning the songs. But sometimes I get into these creative jam modes where I just explore and play whatever comes into my head. I always imagine that I'm some great bassist playing in an arena somewhere for thousands of screaming fans. The fact that at my age that will probably never happen doesn't phase me. The reason why is because I'm really only doing it for my own pleasure.

So my opinion is to not listen to what those other folks are saying. Play what you want when you want. I'd also tell you not to give up on playing with other musicians as well. You would be surprised how many guys are out there just like you who have taken up an instrument at a later date and would just like to hang out with someone and jam.

There are some really cool websites where you can post a classified specifying that you would just like to get together with a group of guys and jam. Craig's List is one of those. www.craigslist.com. Just find your city or area, and then go read the musician's classifieds. Post one if you want.

Keep on truckin' brother.....if it feels good, do it!

[IotaNet]

Originally Posted by mad_man_moon61

Hi all,
How many here feel that they might never play in a band (even in the most amateur sense) but still enjoy learning/playing bass just for the sake of it?

I had people say to me "You can play guitar or piano alone but bass is for bands & not a solo instrument." Well of course one has to practice to get better (which usually involves one on one with the instrument without an audienceof any sort.)

At my age (44) I don't know if I will ever be good enough to be in a group or not but if it never happens, at this point I still feel that my time learning bass is time well spent. Just the joy of being able to sit down and create might be enough for many. Just my two cents.

Cheers,
Doug
Texas

Doug -

I am the same age as you and in the same predicament. Don't sweat it -- not for a minute, not for a second.

If the only venue you ever play is "Madison Square Living Room", there's nothing wrong with that. As long as you can afford it and it brings you pleasure, it's all good.

All you have to do is enjoy it!

[Dr. Cheese]

I have been in a band and I have done the talent show, hotel gig, studio demo thing. That said, I never became an income earner, and i realized that I was unwilling to devote myself to music to the level needed to be a working pro. I have recently started working on more technical stuff than I have in a while, and I am enjoying it. I'm working at my own pace with the only goal being self improvement. That said, I honestly think I'm decent given my level of training.

[Dr. Cheese]

Now for a total flipflop, I just finished listening to Andre Gouche on Myspace, and it crossed my mind, "why should I even bother?" Even though I am a hobbyist, when I hear a truly great player, I say what's the point? Sometimes, when I see a nineteen or twenty year old kid throw down, I feel like giving up.

That said, as bad as I may think I am sometimes, I still enjoy playing. If I am the only person in the world that enjoys my playing, it good to make myself happy!

[invader3k]

You have to remember that music isn't a competition. If you are happy with your progress, and enjoy playing, that's what really counts, not if you can "top the next guy."

[ric1312]

Originally Posted by mad_man_moon61

Hi all,
How many here feel that they might never play in a band
(even in the most amateur sense) but still enjoy
learning/playing bass just for the sake of it?

I had people say to me "You can play guitar or piano
alone but bass is for bands & not a solo instrument."
Well of course one has to practice to get better (which usually involves one on one with the instrument without an audience
of any sort.)

At my age (44) I don't know if I will ever be good
enough to be in a group or not but if it never happens, at this
point I still feel that my time learning bass
is time well spent.
Just the joy of being able to sit down and create
might be enough for many. Just my two cents.

Cheers,
Doug
Texas

Join a band any band, it will make you better fast. In fact a lot of bands would love to have a very basic bass player that isn't wanktastic and just does the job of holding down the bass end and that's it.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by ric1312

Join a band any band, it will make you better fast. In fact a lot of bands would love to have a very basic bass player that isn't wanktastic and just does the job of holding down the bass end and that's it.

That's excellent advice.

[chasfr]

Just a +1 from another... ok, let's call it mature... beginner. I'm 51, picked up the bass guitar a couple of years ago just 'cause I wanted to. I play an SX short-scale jazz my living room, which I prefer to think of as a Mississippi Delta juke joint, not Madison Square Garden. I have a lovely time playing along to my collection of blues tunes, and trying to pick up licks from the Sirius blues channel. I don't report to anybody, there are no deadlines, and my wife and dog don't complain too often. Is this not paradise?

Have fun,
Chas

[labgnat]

from what i know playing bass you don't have to play in front of people. but people that sing in the shower are required to sing in front of an audience.

[dangnewt]

Originally Posted by ric1312

Join a band any band, it will make you better fast. In fact a lot of bands would love to have a very basic bass player that isn't wanktastic and just does the job of holding down the bass end and that's it.

Doug
I'm 45 and started to play bass a few years ago, primarily to fill in on bass at our church. While the bass provides plenty of enjoyment on it own and there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Lack of talent has not stopped me from putting together a band starting with a singer and guitar from the church band. I found a sax, drummer, trombone and keys at my work. And will be adding a trumpet from my softball team. I was amazed at the amount of musical talent among my friends and colleagues.

Moreover, if you find a drummer - the guitars and the singers will find you - you'll have to beat them away with a stick.

ric1312 - OK if I use the word "wanktastic" somewhere in my sig?

[blujax01]

Nothing wrong with playing for your own enjoyment, that's the beauty of music. It's the sheer joy that comes from the doing of it. But if you ever want to venture out, go to Google and type in: "(your city or town)" and "open jam" or "open mic".
Chances are you'll find a place near you with more than a few like minded individuals.

And to those that say:"You can play guitar or piano alone but bass is for bands & not a solo instrument."
I truly feel for their level of ignorance and lack of compassion. That's a crappy hurtful thing to say designed specifically to push your buttons.

[mad_man_moon61]

Hey all,
Thanks for the words of wisdom and advice. Maybe in time
I'll feel brave enough (more like confident) to jam with other
folks.
Until then I'll keep on keepin' on with my bass
and visiting here at TalkBass.

Cheers,
Doug
(In Texas)