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Feel like starting all over
- Thread starter bass_session
- Start date
I found a lot of growth when going from flashy aggressive prog metal (12 yrs playing in bands) to hip hop, when I joined in on a friend's project. To play hip hop nicely I had to explore quite a bit different RH touch. Exploring different style can teach you a lot because there are many things players do to get appropriate sounds. When playing metal I use a fast percussive touch (fretboard noise etc, helps cut through), when playing hip hop or funkier styles I use less percussion/noise and a lot more tight muting.
...this is very interesting... I'm not into hip-hop, but thanks for the explanation... gives me a window into it...
Definitely will have to look into those apps. Thanks!
This is actually something I haven't really thought of before. This might actually be the reason behind my exasperation regarding my learning process. As always, thanks for the advice.
I've been subscribed to his channel on Youtube for a long time. I'm thinking of joining the academy, but having second thoughts about the whole "online-school" idea. (Could be wrong about it)
One thing you could do that might not require any additional time at all is would be simply to listen to a lot of music outside whatever genre(s) you usually favor. This is something you can do whenever you would ordinarily listen to music: in the car, while doing the dishes, etc. If you're generally a rock guy, listen to jazz, or vice-versa. This would be a great way to "grow as a musician" whenever you have the opportunity to listen to music. Plus, doing this might give you ideas about things you'd like to learn how to play on the bass.
It's decent if you don't have a teacher, but only teachers can watch you play and point out where you're going wrong.
I grew up in a musical family, just like the OP. Perhaps you've got a case of too much, too fast?
Here's how that happened to me:
When I turned 16, my dad launched my pro career by making me his bassist for weddings and banquets. I started teaching guitar and bass lessons around the same time, and jammed with anyone I could when I wasn't teaching or gigging.
My dad's buddies were all jazz musicians, and mostly a decade or so his senior. Their MO was to stop taking requests once the crowd got drunk enough, and just blow jazz for the rest of the night. This really helped my walking bass and fretboard knowledge.
At 17, I enrolled in a College jazz program with a very competitive vibe. It was all about who had the best and fastest chops. It was good for my ear and confidence, but it nearly ruined me as a bassist- I pretty much became the sort of tasteless note monster you sometimes see in NAMM videos.
My dad noticed what was happening, and started to pass theatre gigs on to me. It was a big change, great for my sight reading, and a fascinating challenge.
Still, something was off. I dropped out of school, started to be a little more selective about the types of gigs that I accepted, and got a day job. None of those changes helped, and I was really struggling with my musical direction.
Today, this would probably be recognized as burnout.
The first thing that saved me, was deciding to take a summer off to learn how to ride dirt bikes. By the time I started taking gigs later that fall, I was physically fit, more relaxed, but just a little rusty. Not enough to stop me from playing, but enough to make me slow down and think about what I was playing.
As soon as I did that, I began to fall in love all over again, drawn back to the sort of melodic playing that initially attracted me to the instrument.
The second, was deciding to go back to school and learn more about audio and electronics. Becoming an amp and instrument technician, and eventually starting to build a few instruments, enriched my musical life in new and unexpected ways. It also led to side gigs as a sound guy and location recording engineer, as well as an unexpected but financially rewarding career as a telecom technician and manager.
I had another fallow period in my mid 30's. In that case, the burr under my saddle was competition between my day job, gigging, and family life. I don't know if it was the best choice, but my decision was to lay off playing out until my children were older.
I never sold my gear or stopped playing at home, but I put family first. As soon as they were more independent, I eased back into gigging, and never stopped.
Short version: Don't stress about it. Follow your muse. Put family first. Seek learning wherever you find it. Don't be afraid to try new things.
My 65th birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I'm glad to say that I'm going stronger than ever!
Here's how that happened to me:
When I turned 16, my dad launched my pro career by making me his bassist for weddings and banquets. I started teaching guitar and bass lessons around the same time, and jammed with anyone I could when I wasn't teaching or gigging.
My dad's buddies were all jazz musicians, and mostly a decade or so his senior. Their MO was to stop taking requests once the crowd got drunk enough, and just blow jazz for the rest of the night. This really helped my walking bass and fretboard knowledge.
At 17, I enrolled in a College jazz program with a very competitive vibe. It was all about who had the best and fastest chops. It was good for my ear and confidence, but it nearly ruined me as a bassist- I pretty much became the sort of tasteless note monster you sometimes see in NAMM videos.
My dad noticed what was happening, and started to pass theatre gigs on to me. It was a big change, great for my sight reading, and a fascinating challenge.
Still, something was off. I dropped out of school, started to be a little more selective about the types of gigs that I accepted, and got a day job. None of those changes helped, and I was really struggling with my musical direction.
Today, this would probably be recognized as burnout.
The first thing that saved me, was deciding to take a summer off to learn how to ride dirt bikes. By the time I started taking gigs later that fall, I was physically fit, more relaxed, but just a little rusty. Not enough to stop me from playing, but enough to make me slow down and think about what I was playing.
As soon as I did that, I began to fall in love all over again, drawn back to the sort of melodic playing that initially attracted me to the instrument.
The second, was deciding to go back to school and learn more about audio and electronics. Becoming an amp and instrument technician, and eventually starting to build a few instruments, enriched my musical life in new and unexpected ways. It also led to side gigs as a sound guy and location recording engineer, as well as an unexpected but financially rewarding career as a telecom technician and manager.
I had another fallow period in my mid 30's. In that case, the burr under my saddle was competition between my day job, gigging, and family life. I don't know if it was the best choice, but my decision was to lay off playing out until my children were older.
I never sold my gear or stopped playing at home, but I put family first. As soon as they were more independent, I eased back into gigging, and never stopped.
Short version: Don't stress about it. Follow your muse. Put family first. Seek learning wherever you find it. Don't be afraid to try new things.
My 65th birthday is in a couple of weeks, and I'm glad to say that I'm going stronger than ever!
I'm going to offer that you need more focused goals than "growing as a musician" What does that mean to you? Playing with more freedom? Playing with more groove? Learning to walk or comp over chords? etc.
Mugre
Mugre
What I mean by "growing as a musician" is having the knowledge to explain what and why I play something. Goal-wise I'm trying to "play with more freedom," as you've mentioned, and by "freedom," meaning playing smart and groovy, not just licks & chops. I want to be the bassist that puts the band upfront and be the backbone. (not sure if this makes sense)
[QUOTE=". I want to be the bassist that puts the band upfront and be the backbone. (not sure if this makes sense)
Makes perfect sense, but until you learn to play and perfect many styles you wont have much to draw from. No diss- but the metal guys fold, tiring to do slap /funk and jazz. Until you get rapped around a lot of music / styles
you are a hack like me. Some teachers are pop corn machines and not going to take you there. Find a player(s) that blow you away and study. Get in deep and understand why they play like they do? listen to the the sound texture and how they complement the music. Record your self ( harsh reality ) no better way to refine your craft. Playing the notes high on the neck can give you a better grove too. All apart of mastering the instrument. Bass Tabs on YouTube can be very helpful. As others said already talent will help, but the rest is a lot of devotion and hard work.
Makes perfect sense, but until you learn to play and perfect many styles you wont have much to draw from. No diss- but the metal guys fold, tiring to do slap /funk and jazz. Until you get rapped around a lot of music / styles
you are a hack like me. Some teachers are pop corn machines and not going to take you there. Find a player(s) that blow you away and study. Get in deep and understand why they play like they do? listen to the the sound texture and how they complement the music. Record your self ( harsh reality ) no better way to refine your craft. Playing the notes high on the neck can give you a better grove too. All apart of mastering the instrument. Bass Tabs on YouTube can be very helpful. As others said already talent will help, but the rest is a lot of devotion and hard work.
