/ Register

Bye bye guitarlessons?

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by Salamenster, Apr 20, 2012.

  1. Apr 20, 2012 #1
    Salamenster

    Salamenster

    Apr 8, 2012
    European Mainland
    Yo, TB'ers, please help me out.

    It's about 7 years ago, that I started taking guitar lessons from a bassist, who first learned me all the basics of bass technique on guitar, before moving on to guitar technique. I quit taking lessons from him 1,5 year or so later, but I never forgot the bass.

    My following teachers tried to get me to learn some songs, and I did, but I'd rather play the basslines I heard on my guitar, instead of the actual guitar parts. The bass never left me.

    So one and a half year ago, I decided to buy a bass and start and try to firstly learn myself to play it, and then I'd take basslessons. Recently, I finally found a bassteacher and I've taken some lessons to really get the guitar out of my bassplaying. :D

    Now, my dad (also know as the Great Financer in our household) isn't willing to continue to pay for both these teachers; the problem is I'm stuck with guitarlessons is that I'm stuck on advanced jazz theory, and I have the feeling that I'm not learning or doing anything there anymore (I have the feeling I already know most of the pop/rock theory).

    So I have to choose between guitar or bass (for him, as he says, it's all practically the same (but he has no clue about music, so I forgive him)).

    So here's the deal: Should I say bye-bye to my guitar teacher to fully focus me on bass (wich I enjoy more) and make bass my primary instrument?

    If I do so, it kinda gives me the feeling that I have wasted a great lot of time and money on my lessons, guitar, amp and effects, and that makes me feel kinda guilty. xD

    Advice/opinions anyone? :help:
    (Oh, and if my English is wrong/weird, please forgive me, I'm from The Netherlands)

    Thanks!
     
  2. Apr 20, 2012 #2
    colcifer

    colcifer Supporting Member

    Feb 10, 2010
    Well, I'd like to point out that genres don't have their own theory.

    Find a good teacher who can teach you music rather than an instrument. Does that make sense?

    Your english is fine, by the way, but guitar lessons is two words.
     
  3. Apr 20, 2012 #3
    Tupac

    Tupac

    May 5, 2011
    This is what I was thinking. A truly great teacher should have qualms with teaching on any instrument. Except for the chops part of it.


    Also, you messed up the difference between learning and teaching. It's a common mistake for new English speakers. Aside from that, fantastic job!
     
  4. Apr 20, 2012 #4
    Salamenster

    Salamenster

    Apr 8, 2012
    European Mainland
    Hey, thanks guys.

    The bass teacher I'm with now has said that he'll be talking about all different kind of styles, from latin to blues, from funk to rock. To be honest, I think he plays his fair share of guitar too.

    My guitar teacher plays only jazz.

    But thanks for the reactions, you guys are totally right, it was short, but kind of an eye-opener! :hyper:

    So I guess I'll quit my guitar lessons then, and make bass my primary instrument, then!

    Thanks again!

    If someone else would still like to share his/her view, please feel free!
     
  5. Apr 20, 2012 #5
    DiabolusInMusic

    DiabolusInMusic Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism

    Dec 22, 2010
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    First off, your english is better than a lot of north american tb'ers.

    Secondly, why are you still taking such advanced lessons on guitar? You have enough knowledge if you want to further yourself you can do a lot on your own. You can always start taking lessons in a couple years again when you have a job or at least some income.

    I'd suggest teaching beginners in order to fund your own lessons. Food for thought.
     
  6. Apr 20, 2012 #6
    paparoof

    paparoof

    Apr 27, 2011
    Minneapolis
    fEARful koolaid drinker
    You haven't wasted anything. Everything you've learned about guitar, and jazz and whatever else is all part of what makes you the musician that you are and will be. Honestly think about what your bass playing would be like if that was the only instrument you'd ever touched or taken lessons on. I guarantee you - the other stuff shows up in your bass playing whether you recognize it or not.

    Plus when you play with others, it can only help to "serve the song" if you understand the music from other instruments point of view as well.

    It's all good dood!
     
  7. Apr 20, 2012 #7
    Joedog

    Joedog

    Jan 28, 2010
    Pensacola FL
    Sounds like you already know what to do. Emphasis on "wich I enjoy more"!
     
  8. Apr 21, 2012 #8
    Stumbo

    Stumbo Guest

    Feb 11, 2008
    Any jazz theory you learn will help your bass playing so you have not wasted anything.

    Is the bass teacher a guitar player who teaches bass? You may want to find a pro bass player who teaches.
    .
    IME, don't sell your guitar equipment. It will come in handy when u need it.

    If you have not played in a band, evev a jam band, it can be a great experience.