Do you have a mentor?

No one in particular for me, but many folks do. They need to chime in here (where ya'll at?).

 

Talkbass has been good. When I was a trumpet player I found a lot of guidance in the other players in the section of the big bands I played with or in concert bands, or musical pit orchestras. With bass, especially electric bass, you're usually the only guy there.

 

I guess the closest thing to a mentor I've ever had was my string bass professor in college when I took lessons in classical upright bass. Otherwise, I've listened to recordings and picked out the bass parts. There are some players I like better than others, but I wouldn't call them mentors to me. Why, I don't even know 'em.

 

Every now and then I would bounce stuff off of Anthony Wellington but not so much these days. He was always available to me to answer questions and give good advice if asked. He is an awesome teacher and a great guy and a great bass resource.

 

I have been taking lessons from Todd Johnson for the past year. I will gladly say he is my mentor...

 

http://www.anthonywellington.com/.

Anthony is a world reknown bass Instructor, second bassist for Victor Wooten, and also Stage Manager. In the world of studious electric bass players that's almost like saying who is Albert Einstein.

 

i learnt most ly from listening to songs and trying to play them. I also picked up alot from playing in a band from my guitarist.

A band with better musicians is the easiest way to get good really fast

 

I don't know if I'm unique in this, but since I'm self taught and never really knew any other serious bass players, I don't. I took two lessons from Ric Fierabracci, but I don't think I'd call him a mentor. Victor Wooten's "What Did He Say" completely changed my way of thinking about bass, but I've never met the guy. My playing style is a lot like Steve Harris or Geezer Butler, but again I've never come in contact with them.
I kinda wish I had one though.

 

Talkbass has been mine. I get paid decently well playing originals (as well as covers), and I give a lot of credit towards TB for making that a possibility.