I'm a terrible bassist now...

**Josh Ryan** · #1 08-20-2008, 08:21 PM

I'm in a band, it's a very boring band. Six months = 2 songs. The two songs were dumbed down in the interest of the common listener, which is fine if that's what a band is about, but this was not the "charter" of this band at all.

Anyway, my reaction to all this? I've stop practicing. I'm now officially horrible. I have a wall of inertia and disappointment to overcome.

Give me some advice, a pep talk, a verbal lashing, I need it!

SpectorBass308 · #2 08-20-2008, 08:28 PM

You need to practice to build your skill as a bass player, bands will come and go. Don't settle on your skills just because you are good enough for the band you are currently in. Maybe you should start looking for another band that challenges you and that you enjoy more.

spade2you · #3 08-20-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blisshead

I'm in a band, it's a very boring band. Six months = 2 songs. The two songs were dumbed down in the interest of the common listener, which is fine if that's what a band is about, but this was not the "charter" of this band at all.

Anyway, my reaction to all this? I've stop practicing. I'm now officially horrible. I have a wall of inertia and disappointment to overcome.

Give me some advice, a pep talk, a verbal lashing, I need it!

Fieldy, is that you?

....if that's not motivation to practice, I don't know what is.

**Josh Ryan** · #4 08-20-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spade2you

Fieldy, is that you?

....if that's not motivation to practice, I don't know what is.

Ok, that stung.

I let myself go, like some kind of musical gold digger.

I feel better already, thanks.

**Josh Ryan** · #5 08-20-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpectorBass308

You need to practice to build your skill as a bass player, bands will come and go. Don't settle on your skills just because you are good enough for the band you are currently in. Maybe you should start looking for another band that challenges you and that you enjoy more.

I know your right about this.

Good old TB, just the kick in the butt I need.

Nick Kay · #6 08-20-2008, 09:50 PM

What the hell kind of bassist doesn't practice? Have you ever seen a NASCAR driver that takes the bus everywhere? Keep up those chops before you lose them.

The Golden Boy · #7 08-20-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

What the hell kind of bassist doesn't practice?

Oh, I don't know... maybe the kind with a job and a wife and kids and commitments and precious little "me" time... especially at hours when you can audibly practice.

kebbs · #8 08-20-2008, 10:07 PM

Find a new band dude... we all must be motivated and challenged! That's how you grow. Good luck!

**Josh Ryan** · #9 08-20-2008, 10:13 PM

I usually practice, but I haven't been. It's a rut, you know?

...this happens to me once in while, I post on TB and then typically get going again.

bassbully · #10 08-20-2008, 11:24 PM

Being in a band should be the best learning experience and growing period. If you are bored and not getting anywhere in a band setting get out and get with progressive players that will push you to learn and practice.

I jumped into two bands where i had two learn over 50 songs quickly to get the job and i learned so much in a short period of time. No lessons could of done this or solo practice. I was forced to practice and prepare so i wouldnt look like a fool and get the part in some good bands. I learned so much and now dont have to practice as much unless the band is wanting to ad new material. My growth has jumped like i could of never thought possible. Get with people who will push you. 6 months for 2 songs? We do 3 songs in 2 practices...get going!

**Josh Ryan** · #11 08-21-2008, 07:27 AM

that's the thing exactly bassbully, when I'm not pushed I get bored and stop writing and practicing. It gets too easy to let the everyday chores of work etc. get in the way and fall into that same old trap.

I was serious about posting on TB, just reading your responses is helpful. I picked up my GT-7 and started playing just for myself last night, not worrying about the band.

ninerfan · #12 08-21-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Golden Boy

Oh, I don't know... maybe the kind with a job and a wife and kids and commitments and precious little "me" time... especially at hours when you can audibly practice.

My Ampeg BA115 has stereo inputs and a headphone jack. I can plug in my ipdod and throw on my headphones and play all night without disturbing my wife or daughter.

RonChase · #13 08-21-2008, 10:31 AM

The Band is the hold up.Did you say you were married with children?My EX used to say get the hell out and gig we need the money A great rock and roll wife but certainly not a marriage made in heaven.You need to be gratified and feel good about your craft.Look for local jams and jump in with musicians you feel confident about playing with these venues attract all talent levels and maybe this could be the springboard for your next band,just dont give up I cut off my finger once and was playing in 3 days because of obligation and demerol

**Josh Ryan** · #14 08-21-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninerfan

My Ampeg BA115 has stereo inputs and a headphone jack. I can plug in my ipdod and throw on my headphones and play all night without disturbing my wife or daughter.

I have an EMU 1820M and some very good headphones, it was more a will thing than an equipment thing.

palm grease · #15 08-21-2008, 10:42 AM

you could always get in touch with FozyWoming for some good old tough love!!!

srsly...dude, I've listed to your stuff..... your being way modest man! sometimes a break is what the Dr. ordered.... now get back in the saddle, leave these guys behind and do what makes you happy Bliss!

Sig Saucer · #16 08-21-2008, 10:51 AM

Listen to a band that you like, and listen to the recordings. See if you can play the music without the sheet music and tabs and see if you can come up with another good bass line. It's very challenging so start out simple at first. I guarantee you that this will improve your skills when you make it to a new band.

**Josh Ryan** · #17 08-21-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palm grease

you could always get in touch with FozyWoming for some good old tough love!!!

srsly...dude, I've listed to your stuff..... your being way modest man! sometimes a break is what the Dr. ordered.... now get back in the saddle, leave these guys behind and do what makes you happy Bliss!

Thanks man.

peaveyuser · #18 08-21-2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

What the hell kind of bassist doesn't practice? Have you ever seen a NASCAR driver that takes the bus everywhere? Keep up those chops before you lose them.

yah busses make right turns too, no nascar driver would be doing that.

Vanceman · #19 08-21-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

What the hell kind of bassist doesn't practice? Have you ever seen a NASCAR driver that takes the bus everywhere? Keep up those chops before you lose them.

I was in a band where the music sucked. So I didn't practice, because it was no fun.

After a while I just started learning songs I always wanted to learn, even though the band was not going to play them.

Then I quit the band.

dreadheadbass · #20 08-21-2008, 06:09 PM

i did the same thing about a year and a half ago i quit a power metal band in which i was hammering fills runs and solo's to playing in a 4/4 rock n roll band that never used more than 3 chords in a song

my walking basslines improved but my speed suffered and it was all down to the fact i felt i didnt need to practice because the music was so simple

3 months later i quit and joined a power metal/rock n roll/ blues band and now i'm back on my game again

moral of the story you cant practice enough