Can't learn by ear, switch to drums?

[bassinplace]

I started on drums when I was 25, self taught by ear. And bass when I was 42, also self teaching by ear. In my experience age has nothing to do with learning or becoming proficient at what you want to play. How much time and effort you put in has everything to do with it. The only thing that can stop you is self doubt.

As far as making money, I don't know because I've never had an interest in that, but learning, it can be done regardless of age.

 

[RandalPinkFloyd]

I think 28 is too old to start a new instrument from scratch (if you have a job, have to pay the bills...etc) but its not too old to work on your ear training and your sight reading skills (standard music notation).

Whatever you do, don't listen to this line. It's so tiring to hear people say "you're too old" to learn something. 28 is too old for people who are too lazy to put the work in. If you only practice 3 times a week or 30 minutes a day, etc, then yea, you're not going very far. If you put the time and energy into it, it can be done. People are so lazy these days. You'll quickly learn that by outworking them, you can often surpass them even if they are more talented. If Pat Martino had to relearn guitar completely at age 36 after suffering an aneurysm, and was able to get back into the game. Then a 28 year old can become proficient enough to be a pro in 10 years barring the work ethic, enough talent, and a few other variables such as one's ability to network and market.

 

[bkbirge]

15 years playing bass and you want to sell your bass gear to play drums? I'm thinking you haven't really been playing for 15 years very consistently. Anyway, keep the bass gear, by a cheap drumset and metronome. Start practicing, sing your notes as you practice scales. Also practice double stop intervals and learn the way they sound. Piano is invaluable for ear training. I can hear intervals and chords on piano that would confuse the heck out of me if I had to identify them on bass.

 

[electracoyote]

Have you experienced my situation/frustration in the past? Is 28 to old to start an instrument with the hopes of becoming semi-professional?

It is never too late to start learning and playing a new instrument.

As a bass and guitar teacher for the past 12 years with many succesful students, I can tell you this: A good teacher can help you with strategies designed to improve your ear.

I don't think taking up drums means you have to completely give up on bass or guitar.

 

[phishaholik]

I've been in the same boat. I started playing bass again in my late 20's after a long lay off from when I was a teenager. I'm very surprised by how fast I've picked things up, but also lament the wasted years I could have been playing.

My ear is good and I can pick up pieces of songs. I know harmonically where a song should go by intuition. I have never just sat down and learned a whole song without even having a chord chart. I want to be able to trust my ears and be a complete musician.

What I've been doing lately to learn song by ear is first break down the rythm and know where each note lies. Then I figure out the chord structure. Once I know the chord structure it's much easier to figure out what notes I should play. I just break it down into pieces and then put them back together. Also, as another TBer stated, learning to sing really helps. I've been trying to sing a bass line and then be able to play it.


Good luck! I've been having fun with it lately.



Michael