+1
Usually, it's never too late for anything. Plus you know what they say: "Better late than [DEL]pregnant[/DEL] never."
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Am I too late?
- Thread starter newstrings86
- Start date
+1
Usually, it's never too late for anything. Plus you know what they say: "Better late than [DEL]pregnant[/DEL] never."
Thanks everyone for your input it really is much appreciated. As far as the stretching goes, I mean, I haven't found it hard to adjust and move my hand around as need be, I guess I was just being too hard on myself with watching videos of guys like John Myung, and Jaco Pastorius, and guys like that who seem to have insane reach, and thinking I should be able to reach as far as they do. I mean, they make it look so easy! But I definitely appreciate all the input, I guess I'm just expecting myself to progress too fast!
Don't know about John Myung's hands, but Jaco had huge hands, so don't compare your reach to his. Think about that advice to pivot on your thumb, which is braced on the back of the neck. You're definitely not starting out too late, either.
I started playing when I was about 14 or so - played until I was in college, then got stupid and started playing guitar (I know....) Life got in the way of music and I hadn't played for YEARS. I'm 40 and just started playing again last year. Long and short of it - my hands are more nimble now on the fretboard than when I was younger (even with severe carpal tunnel from working on a computer all day). There is no 'too late' - just practice and play and you will be amazed how quickly you improve. Have fun!!!
I am 49 years old and just started playing bass a little over a year ago, starting from zero musical experience. I also despaired after watching people on YouTube stretching their hands over 4 frets, I could not do this to save my soul. A couple of months ago I was playing a song and realized that I was covering the first 4 frets with ease. Just practice, good things will come.
I'm 18, but in my experience, I'm a very good bass player. I attribute this to the fact that I've been playing for about 7 years. The worst thing to do to improve is think about improving. It takes time, and the more you play, the faster it will go. Just play, doesn't matter what, just play and have fun, and you WILL get better. Just don't think about the future, because when you think about how long it will be, it's easy to get discouraged. It takes time to get good, and time flies when you're having fun, so have fun and keep at it, and you'll be good before you know it.
Hey newstrings86, I'll include my 2cents
I wouldn't think it's too late unless we believe that it is. I'm 61 and I still enjoy learning some new licks. My bass instructor at the local community college is in his 70's and plays the upright and electric. I study with him once a week and we read from the "real book".
I've just recently purchased a bass instructional program by Roy Vogt called "Teach Me Bass Guitar" and I feel that it's one of the best investments that I've ever made since I've been playing. It's a great addition to the library.
There are also plenty of generous players out there who believe in paying it forward. Learn as much as you can. All the best to you on your journey.
I wouldn't think it's too late unless we believe that it is. I'm 61 and I still enjoy learning some new licks. My bass instructor at the local community college is in his 70's and plays the upright and electric. I study with him once a week and we read from the "real book". I've just recently purchased a bass instructional program by Roy Vogt called "Teach Me Bass Guitar" and I feel that it's one of the best investments that I've ever made since I've been playing. It's a great addition to the library.
There are also plenty of generous players out there who believe in paying it forward. Learn as much as you can. All the best to you on your journey.
If there's any advice I can give, it's to try to find a technique that was comfortable for you as a drummer and carry it over to bass. Like for me, I always wanted to be a drummer, but didn't due to lack of space and money for all of the equipment etc. That didn't stop me from tapping my fingers on the steering wheel of my car when listening to music. Naturally, that carried over to a very percussive way of playing the bass.
While you want to refrain from settling into bad habits, there will always be fun techniques that'll be easy for you, but hard for others. You'll still be able to raise eyebrows even in the beginning stages if you think and act creatively (e.g. Tony Levin).
While you want to refrain from settling into bad habits, there will always be fun techniques that'll be easy for you, but hard for others. You'll still be able to raise eyebrows even in the beginning stages if you think and act creatively (e.g. Tony Levin).
