Does anyone else here get discouraged when listening to an amazing player?

[retslock]

I know this is an unhealthy thought process, but I feel a mixture of inspiration, awe, and discouragement when I hear a fantastic bass player.

The intensity of each of these feelings will vary from time to time and sometimes discouragement will be the largest of the three feelings. This is very apparent in situations when I see a 10 year old who is way better than me, or a multi instrumentalist who casually picks up a bass and shreds.

I know this isn't a healthy mindset, and what I am seeing is the finished product. I don't see the countless times where they mess up, or all of the takes before that one.

Can anyone relate?

I realised long ago that I'm nowhere near the class of my bass heroes but here's the thing, I made a living playing bass for around 30 years. That's pubs, clubs, recording, TV, theatre and stadium concerts.
You don't have to be the best and really, it's the doing of it that matters, not how good you are. Comparing yourself is a bad idea.

 

[factory presets]

I don't feel like I need to justify not being Ellen Alaverdyan. She seems happy doing what she does.

But I do notice that players like Victor Wooten and Billy Sheehan are often at pains to point out that there's much more to bassing than the things they do that impress people. I also notice that what speed I have achieved is all within my comfort zone in order to play it cleanly. Basically I'm never going to sound jaw droppingly fast to myself. So while I love learning techniques and such, I don't see value in working on speed for its own sake.

 

[dedoonbass]

Remember, chops are great but there is so much more to being a good musician. Everyone approaches their instrument in their unique way and what will set you apart is letting your personality truly shine through your playing and not trying to sound like anyone else. It doesn’t take pyrotechnics to do that.

Tons of copycats out there but very few who make music anyone wants to actually hear. The thing that bothers me the most are the 30 second short clips of choreographed head bobbing and Jacoesque tone with hipster sunglasses and a Hawiian shirt that took 700 takes and is devoid of personality. Yea that makes me cringe and I’m bitter about it

 

[dougjwray]

In the early '70s, I read an interview with Stanley Clarke, who said that he could NOT play with a pick. I think he said, "Lord knows, I've tried!"
That made me realize early on that no one can do EVERYTHING, and I just had to find my own way of doing things. And even if I didn't really master certain things (slapping, for example), I could probably do my own version which would get me by.

 

[backin82]

I used to get discouraged, OP. Over time, I've become comfortable with my average abilities in life (with all things), and trying to enjoy what I can. I've also not worked hours everyday on the craft of bass playing like some of these amazing players have.

Michael League has a great interview where he was asked how he got so good at bass. His answer (weirdly) shocked me. He said that he started at North Texas as the worst musician in the program, but decided he didn't like that, so he practiced 10 hrs per day for several years straight, and he became better. I was like, "Well....can't do THAT...so how can I also compare my abilities to his???"

 

[DJ Bebop]

I never get discouraged by a great player (even a kid under 10). Just makes me try harder as there is always room for improvement!

I might for a second, then I realize its humanly possible, if I apply myself. At that point it is on me.

 

[H K]

I know this is an unhealthy thought process, but I feel a mixture of inspiration, awe, and discouragement when I hear a fantastic bass player.

The intensity of each of these feelings will vary from time to time and sometimes discouragement will be the largest of the three feelings. This is very apparent in situations when I see a 10 year old who is way better than me, or a multi instrumentalist who casually picks up a bass and shreds.

I know this isn't a healthy mindset, and what I am seeing is the finished product. I don't see the countless times where they mess up, or all of the takes before that one.

Can anyone relate?

I relate. That's why I only watch a handful of other players, the ones that inspire me to be better. I find that I make excuses NOT to like certain players, like a gimmick, or clickbaity video titles. I'm not sure if its the gimmick or the playing that annoys me tbh. So I just steer clear of those kinds of players, and rather watch "minimalist" videos with great players. There's nothing to hate on, so I HAVE to be inspired

 

[JonathanPDX]

I've been fortunate enough to study with some of the true greats out there, 99% of everything you hear is learnable, it's only that 1% that's really "magic". If you had the same gigs, played the same songs, practiced the same songs, studied with the same teachers, you'd end up in a similar place. Sure, everyone has a unique voice, but the elements that really shape your ability to play would be on par.

There's also a big difference between those who paved the way and those who are standing on their shoulders. Just because a 14 year old can learn Stairway to Heaven doesn't mean he understands the guitar like Jimmy Page. Hell, there are a million kids on Tik Tok who can play Teen Town, but how many of them understand the song well enough to improvise within it? Or even write a chart?

Being a musician, especially a bass player, is also about so much more than chops. Pino probably can't play Classical Thump as well as some teens on YouTube can, but nobody is hiring those kids because they lack what it takes to be actual professionals at their craft. Eventually you aren't the cute kid virtuoso, you're just one more 22 year old guitar player, and for a lot of them that's when the real work will start.

 

[Chickenwheels]

Super chops < Drivers license

 

[Evets1987]

Not at all. Amazing players should motivate you to get better.

 

[Minimalist]

When I married my wife, I was ugly and poor. While I am still ugly, I have a decent career without a college degree. I am living proof that you can get far in life by faking it. So, no, I am not intimidated by great players. There are lots of niches and paths. You just have to find yours.

 

[Geepers]

Michael League…practiced 10 hrs per day for several years straight, and he became better. I was like, "Well....can't do THAT...so how can I also compare my abilities to his???"

Exactly. To be discouraged by a great player is disrespectful … to them.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

First time I saw Victor Wooten. Then I realised I will never, ever be that good. I decided to focus on MY playing. I still can't "slappa da Bass" either, but I don't care.

 

[KenSmithFan]

Maybe if you quit viewing playing as some kind of contest it will help. Victor Wooten’s other worldly talent is totally unrelated to my playing, other than it can act as inspiration. Someone else being “better” than me has absolutely no direct affect on my playing, just as me being “better” than someone else doesn’t affect their playing.

 

[Bevan777]

Yes

 

[dune]

I picked up "Victor Wooten a Show of Hands" in NYC when I was working on a cruise ship in the 90's. Took it back to the cabin, listened to the first part of "U Can't Hold No Groove", then knocked on the door of the cabin next door and told my bassist buddy (from the "orchestra") "You've gotta hear this!" Together, we listened to the entire thing, laughing in astonishment the entire time. I was old enough at that point that it was simply inspiring.

 

[dougjwray]

If you want to become a famous solo artist (like Michael Manring, maybe) or a YouTube phenomenon earning $ from subscribers, that's one thing.
But if you want to be an active bassist for decades, I would suggest working on sightreading, harmony, eartraining and interpersonal skills. Also, listening to a wide variety of music.
About niches: Don't believe that the only "good" players are the technical wizards. I've played in cover bands with music school graduates (me included) who couldn't do a halfway credible job with "That's What I Like About You" and "Bad to the Bone" because they would've preferred playing fusion or Steely Dan songs. In other words, music isn't only about fast fingers; it's about feeling the message and culture underneath it.

 

[backin82]

Exactly. To be discouraged by a great player is disrespectful … to them.

Great point. If you want someone else's results, you better be willing to do what they've done to achieve them. Yet many of us do that all the time. Its nonsense.

 

[Nightsprinter]

Nah. I'm happy dedicating most of my fleeting disposable time to my family.

There's always gonna be someone better than me at every hobby/job in life and I'm okay with that.

 

[Benj-jammin]

I recently saw the Dixie Dregs/Steve Morse Band not too long ago at an intimate, 800 seat venue. When the SM band started out, there was the legendary Dave LaRue, just killing it on his MM Bongo and SVT rig. I'm still picking up my jaw off the floor, 6 weeks later. what an amazing player. Then you had Andy West with the Dregs. It was a bass virtuoso show. Did it discourage me - heck no! I knew these guys were good, but too see it live, 100% inspiration, admiration and awe.